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Chippenham

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About Chippenham

Chippenham is an historic market town conveniently positioned between Bath and the Cotswolds. (Chippenham is just ten minutes from Bath by train, and just over an hour from London.) It is still a lively town, with market days on Friday and Saturday, and several National Trust properties close by, but Chippenham is probably most useful as a base for exploring the number of wonderfully charming stone-built villages in the area. Castle Combe, Lacock and Biddestone are probably the best known, having featured in many films and TV shows, including Harry Potter, War Horse, Pride and Prejudice, and Poirot.

Some of our pick of the best places to stay in Chippenham are within the market town itself, but others are just outside, or in one of these famous, historic villages. Our list includes a couple of fancy country house hotels outside town — perfect for a countryside treat, or escape — but it also includes a few pubs-with-rooms, and a charming farmhouse turned B&B.

If you’re bringing your kids to stay in one of the best places to stay in Chippenham you will probably be considering Longleat already?  and some of the local Harry Potter sites, but you may also want to consider Bird’s Marsh, a wonderful woodland just to the north of town, which is home to a variety of wildlife that goes far beyond birds.  Bowood House, Corsham Court and Sheldon Manor are also worth popping in to.  

The Best Places to Stay in Chippenham

For a Country House Hotel

  • The Manor House ticks all the country house hotel boxes! It's an extremely elegant 48 room hotel, complete with a Michelin-starred restaurant, a superb golf course, and access to a fly-fishing stream. Expect landscaped gardens with hedges, lawns, fountains and statuary; stained glass, grand fireplaces and beamed ceilings; an appropriate collection of antiques; Ferraris in the carpark; and waiting staff in tail suits. Stay in the main house for total grandeur, or in one of the mews cottages along the old village street for homely charm.
  • Lucknam Park is a classic country house hotel, with all the traditional bells and whistle, plus an equestrian centre, and a fabulous spa. The painstakingly kept gardens set the tone, and the house’s rather grand facade only adds to it. The 42 rooms and suites are traditionally decorated, with some four-posters among them, and an excellent array of antiques. The restaurant has a Michelin star, and other facilities include clay pigeon shooting, tennis, archery, croquet, and falconry. Bring your kids too!

For Historic Charm

  • The Castle Inn Hotel is right in the heart of pretty Castle Combe, an historica building dating from the 12th century. Accommodation consists of 11 rooms and suites, traditionally decorated with dark wood and pale linens. If you’re tall, we recommend you opt for one of the four-poster rooms, where the ceiling beams are higher. Downstairs in the bar and restaurant you can enjoy beautifully presented classic British dishes, and in the warmer months they open the terrace for drinks and cream teas.

For a Countryside Escape

  • Fosse Farmhouse is a charming old country house with two B&B rooms and three self-catering cottages dotted around the surrounding farmland. One of the pleasures of staying here is the green and pleasant views, another is the cooking and baking skills of the host. Caron not only does an impressive English breakfast, she also bakes scones worthy of cookery shows, and the jams to accompany them. Each of the rooms and cottages is decorated with a treasure trove of English and French antiques and vintage finds. A great choice that works for both couples and families.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Chippenham’s closest airport is Bristol Airport, which is about 45 minutes away by car or taxi. London’s airports are next closest, with Heathrow a pleasant hour and half drive through the North Wessex Downs, or between an hour and a half and two hours by public transport via Paddington. If you’re coming via London, the train leaves from Paddington and takes an hour and seven minutes.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Chippenham’s position, between Bath and the Cotswolds, makes this an excellent year round destination. Yes, some months will have more sunshine and warmer temperatures, and be better suited to walkers, or cyclists, but there are plenty of indoor activities on offer here too, and there are good discounts to be had if you book outside the busiest spring and summer periods. The food festival in March, and the folk festival in May are also busy times to visit Chippenham.

Still not sure where to stay?

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Best Hotels in Chippenham

  • Fosse Farmhouse Chippenham 6 rooms from £95

    Country Escape  -  Surrounded by some of England's most beautiful countryside this is a quintessential country stay
    Great walks  -  Castle Combe, 'England's prettiest village' is but a beautiful 30 minute walk away
    Sights nearby  -  Bowood House is just a 15 minute drive away
    Full of character
    GardenPet friendlyParking

    A quaint abode surrounded by farmland, comprised of B&B and self catering accommodation. Traditional style bedrooms with classic, carpeted bathrooms overlook green fields. A delicious English breakfast is included and guests can look forward to some of owner Caron's home-baked cakes. See More

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  • The Castle Inn Hotel Chippenham 11 rooms from £119

    Country Escape  -  Located in the heart of Castle Combe: "England's prettiest village"
    Full of character
    Traditional
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
    RestaurantParkingNo pets

    Dating back to the 12th century this historic inn has seen the likes of Oliver Cromwell pass through its heavy wooden doors. Rooms are decorated in rich colours and heavy fabrics and include original exposed beams and some, four-poster beds. A hearty breakfast is included in the rate. A great stay. See More

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  • The Manor House, Wiltshire Chippenham (Castle Combe) 48 rooms from £270

    Active Holiday  -  With 365 acres of secluded parkland to explore, as well as fly-fishing, tennis, croquet and an 18 hole golf course.
    Foodies  -  Savour the delights of the Michelin starred Bybrook Restaurant- inventive, seasonal and utterly inspired!
    Fishing  -  Fly-fishing on the picturesque river meandering through the grounds is a must.
    Sights nearby  -  The Cotswolds and Bath are both stunning historical sites worth visiting.
    TennisRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
    Recommended by  -  Frommers, Small Luxury Hotels

    English country house turned hotel, resting on extensive grounds with a superb golf course, Michelin Star restaurant and the Full Glass Bar. Comfort, classic-design and charm make up the luxurious rooms. Relax in the garden, explore local Bath or delve into Cotswold countryside for adventures. See More

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  • Lucknam Park Chippenham 42 rooms from £290

    Active Holiday  -  Plenty of countryside persuits for the sporty types with clay pigeon shooting, riding, tennis, archery, and falconry.
    Foodies  -  Executive Chef Hywel Jones runs the Michelin starred The Park, as well as the award winning cookery school.
    Cooking classes  -  Learn to whip up your favourite dishes from The Parks' menu at the in house cookery school, a lovely way to pass a rainy day!
    Sights nearby  -  Bath is only six miles away- if you can tear yourself away from the endless entertainment at Lucknam Park.
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux

    A luxury country home full of character. High ceilinged rooms are adorned with chandeliers and four poster beds. The surrounding parkland and gardens are painstakingly up kept. A spa, indoor pool and outdoor plunge pool aid relaxation. The fine dining restaurant is headed by a Michelin Star chef. See More

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