Things to do near Chippenham?

[FourArms]

We're going to stay near Chippenham in a few weeks to go and see Longleat. However, I'd like a back up wet weather plan, and maybe if there's a few things to do, we could extend our stay.

We've got a National Trust membership if there are any particularly child friendly locations in the area. We've visited everywhere once before, but it was pre-kids, so didn't pay any attention to that side of things!

Would also be interested in any good soft play areas!

Hi

Soft play areas: boomerangs and coral cove very local, or magicland in Cirencester.

National trust: Avebury - fantastic becuae you can actaully touch the stones, plus a good visitor centre.
Also Stourhead, lovely parkland walk around the lake. Great to stop for a picnic in good weather or there is a very good tea shop.
Closest place will be Lacock Abbey (some of the Harry Potter scenes were filmed here, and the village is used in lots of period dramas, eg Cranford.

Other things to do
-visit Devizes and watch the boats along the canal,

• put on some warm clothes, pack up some kites and drive to the Westbury White Horse and spend a couple of hours flying kites
• visit the Roman Museum in Cirencester,in fact, just visit Cirencester!
• Bowood Park should also be open, it has a fantastic outdoor play area. Take a picnic.
• Bath is only a couple of stops on the train, (or about 25 minutes in the car)
• the swimming pool at the Olympiad in Chippenham is good with children.

Will that do for starters?

That is absolutely fantastic! You should work at Tourist Information.

you're welcome.
No-one ever seems to come to Wiltshire for a holiday, and there is loads to do, still it means we locals get to keep all these good things to ourselves.
Hope you enjpy your stay!

Hey JGBmum are you local to Chippenham? I am in Calne!

Would add look at Lackham and see what they are doing while you are visiting - we are off there this weekend as they have an animal day on Sunday!

My MIL and FIL used to live in Calne... Boyle Avenue?? Toilets never flushed properly in that house IIRC! My FIL was at Corsham I think.

Thanks for the extra tip McD.

Boyle Avenue? Was that just outside Calne? Compton Bassett?

Hi McDreamy, I'm in Trowbridge, moved from Malmesbury so Chippenham right in the middle!

McD you're quite right, I forgot Lackham , all hopes of securing job in Tourist Information now dashed.....

Also, there's the railway museum at Swindon, and the outlet village there too. Both good for rainy days.

Yes, Compton Bassett does ring a bell!

I lived in Boyle Avenue 39 years ago when they were still married quarters. I have moved away from Calne and come back since then.

I thought they still were MQs? My FIL was still in the RAF when they lived there... round about 2000 I think.

Railway museum is called Steam.

The Wiltshire Scrap Store is near Lacock if they like crafty things. There have good workshops.

Roman Baths in Bath are fantastic. Queue can be long but great fun, with audioguide for little ones too. My 3 year old can manage it. There's a small soft play called the Zany Zone if you are there on a wet day. If not, and ifchildren small, there's a lovely park (no playground) not far from the Roman Baths called Parade Gardens.

No they were sold off years ago, they haven't had MQs at Compton Bassett for a while now. They have all been taken over and sold on by a private company.

I saw the Scrap School the other day, I pass it on the way home from school if I come home the Lacock way - looks interesting!

At Bowood House now! Great suggestion, kids having a fantastic time. :-) Thanks!

No need for rainy day suggestions this weekend!!!

Hope you have a lovely holiday