Home › Travel Blog › Things to Do in Chippenham, Wiltshire
Chippenham is often described as a gateway town. It sits on the River Avon in North Wiltshire, close to the M4 and on the main railway line between London and Bristol, so many visitors pass through on their way to Bath, the Cotswolds or the stone circles further east. Stay a little longer, though, and you will find a friendly market town with centuries of history, green spaces along the river and a calendar of events that brings the streets to life. This guide covers the best things to do in Chippenham, whether you have a free afternoon between meetings or a whole weekend to explore.
1. Explore the historic town centre
Chippenham grew up as a market town, and its layout still reflects that history. Start in the Market Place, where you will find a mix of old stone buildings, independent shops and cafés. The town's story goes back more than a thousand years: it was an important Saxon settlement, and its name appears in records from the time of King Alfred.
Look out for Yelde Hall, a fifteenth-century timber-framed building that once served as the town hall and court. It is one of the oldest buildings in the town and is usually open at peak times or by appointment. A short walk away, the parish church of St Andrew has medieval origins and is worth a quiet look inside if it is open.
Walking between these landmarks takes only a few minutes, and the town centre is an easy stroll from The Pines Guest Accommodation on Marshfield Road.
2. Visit Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre
If you only visit one attraction in town, make it Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre. Housed in an eighteenth-century townhouse in the Market Place, the museum tells the story of Chippenham from prehistoric times to the present day. Displays explain how the river, the roads and later the railway shaped the town, and the museum also looks after local art collections and archives.
Entry is usually free, with donations welcomed, which makes it a good option for families or for a rainy hour. Opening days can vary, so check the museum's own website before you go.
3. Walk by the River Avon in Monkton Park
The River Avon curves through the middle of Chippenham, and the best place to enjoy it is Monkton Park. This large green space runs along the riverbank close to the town centre, with footpaths, open lawns, play areas and plenty of benches. It is a popular spot for dog walkers, joggers and families, and it is easy to combine with a coffee in town.
Runners may like to know that a free, timed 5k parkrun takes place in Monkton Park on Saturday mornings. You need to register online in advance and bring your barcode. The Olympiad leisure centre also sits at the edge of the park if you want a swim or a gym session during your stay.
For more routes, including longer walks out of town, read our guide to walks in Chippenham.
4. Relax in John Coles Park
John Coles Park is a traditional town park with mature trees, flower beds and a Victorian bandstand. In warmer months, families head here for the splash pad and play areas, and it is a pleasant place for a picnic. It is quieter than Monkton Park and makes a nice contrast to the busier riverside.
5. Follow Maud Heath's Causeway
One of Chippenham's most unusual pieces of history is Maud Heath's Causeway, a raised footpath that dates back to the fifteenth century. It was built with money left by Maud Heath so that people from the villages to the north could walk to Chippenham market without getting stuck in the flooded meadows of the Avon valley. Sections of the causeway, with its stone pillars and arches, can still be walked today, and there is a statue of Maud Heath on Wick Hill at the northern end.
Walking the whole route is a half-day outing, so wear sturdy shoes and take a map. Even a short section gives you a real sense of how people once travelled to market.
6. Discover the town's railway heritage
Chippenham's station is on the Great Western main line engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the 1830s and 1840s, and the railway transformed the town. As you walk around, look out for the railway viaduct and other Victorian buildings that grew up around the line. The railway also makes Chippenham very easy to reach: see our guide on how to get to Chippenham for train times and directions.
7. Enjoy shows, films and local events
For entertainment, the Neeld Community and Arts Centre in the town centre hosts concerts, comedy, theatre and community events through the year, and there is a cinema a short walk from The Pines. Check listings before you travel to see what is on during your stay.
The biggest date in the calendar is the Chippenham Folk Festival, held over the late May bank holiday weekend. Music, dance, workshops and street performances fill pubs, parks, halls and streets across town for four days. The festival's organisers have announced 28 to 31 May 2027 for the next event; accommodation in town gets busy that weekend, so it is worth booking early.
8. Eat, drink and shop
Chippenham has a good choice of pubs, cafés and restaurants in and around the High Street and Market Place, along with independent shops and familiar high-street names. If you would rather not go out in the evening, The Pines restaurant serves Greek and English home cooking every night from 6pm to 10pm, and our bar is open from 5pm to 11pm, with a beer and patio garden for warmer days.
9. Take a day trip from Chippenham
One of the best things about Chippenham is how much lies within easy reach. A few favourites:
- Lacock (about 3 to 4 miles): a National Trust village with a medieval abbey and a museum of photography. Read our Lacock village guide.
- Castle Combe (about 5 to 6 miles): a picture-postcard Cotswold village. See our Castle Combe guide.
- Bowood House and Gardens (about 5 miles): a stately home with parkland, gardens and a huge adventure playground. Read our Bowood day-out guide.
- Bath (about 13 miles): a World Heritage city just a short train ride away. Plan your day trip to Bath.
- Avebury and Stonehenge: two of Britain's most famous prehistoric sites. See our stone circles day-trip guide.
Practical tips for visiting Chippenham
- Getting around: the town centre is compact and walkable. For villages such as Lacock and Castle Combe, a car or taxi is the easiest option, although some local bus services run.
- Parking: guests at The Pines can park free of charge at the front and rear of the house, so you can leave the car and explore town on foot.
- Weather: riverside paths can be muddy or flooded after heavy rain, so pack suitable footwear.
- Opening times: smaller attractions often open on selected days only, so always check before you set out.
Plan your stay
Whether you are visiting for the folk festival, exploring the countryside or working in the area, Chippenham rewards a slower look. Its riverside parks, museum and historic buildings make for a relaxed day, and its location puts some of the best-known places in the South West within easy reach. For a comfortable, central base, take a look at our rooms, all of which include breakfast, then check availability for your dates. For more ideas, browse our list of nearby attractions.
Stay at The Pines in Chippenham
The Pines Guest Accommodation is a Victorian guest house close to Chippenham town centre and station, with single, double, twin and family rooms, breakfast included, free parking and Wi-Fi, a bar and a Greek and English restaurant. View our rooms or check availability.