The National Trust owns Lacock Village, one of the oldest villages in England. Not only is it a must-visit for everyone, Harry Potter fans, in particular, will love it. So much of the Harry Potter franchise was filmed here.
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After a weekend conference in Bracknell and armed with my National Trust Membership, I looked for somewhere halfway between my home in Cardiff. So I could stop, stretch my legs, enjoy the surroundings and grab a bite to eat. Lacock, one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds, was precisely in the middle! I knew nothing about Lacock. But as soon as I got there, I knew I had seen it before.
If you’re looking for day trip ideas from South Wales, it’s only a 1-hour and 12-minute drive. You can also take the train, which is only slightly longer at 1 hour and 24 minutes, including a change at Bristol Temple Meads. Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns.
Firstly, how are we pronouncing Lacock?
It’s lay-cock, not la-cock. (5 points to Griffindor if you said it in the style of Hermione!)
What Was Filmed in Lacock?
- Harry Potter Lacock– several scenes filmed in Lacock Abbey, including Professor Snape’s potions classroom, Professor Slughorn’s classroom, and parts of Hogwarts’ interiors.
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – Lacock streets used for set dressing.
- Downton Abbey – the village appeared in the 2015 Christmas special.
- Pride & Prejudice (1995, BBC) – Lacock stood in for the village of Meryton.
- Cranford – used for various street scenes.
- The Other Boleyn Girl – scenes shot in and around Lacock Abbey.
- Wolf Hall – locations at the Abbey featured throughout the series.
- His Dark Materials – filmed inside Lacock Abbey.
- Stardust – sections of the Abbey used for interior scenes.
- The White Princess – several scenes filmed in the village.
Lacock Harry Potter Filming Locations
Why is Lacock famous? So much of the Harry Potter filming has been in Lacock. The picturesque village has no radio masts, telephone poles, TV aerials or satellite dishes on the 13th-century houses, making it a popular film and television backdrop.
It is easily recognisable in Pride and Prejudice, Downton Abbey, Wolf Hall, The Hollow Crown, Galavant, His Dark Materials, The White Princess, Cranford, The Other Boleyn Girl, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Crimes of Grindelwald, as well as the Harry Potter movies. Lacock is in a significant number of scenes in the first two films.
You can see quite a lot of Lacock in this trailer, including the exterior of the abbey:
Harry Potter Guide | Harry Potter Tour
Here are the Harry Potter locations you can discover. There’s no need to travel to London or Gloucester Cathedral when so many of the recognisable Harry Potter Wiltshire locations are here.
Budleigh Babberton
Parts of the village were used as the fictional village of Budleigh Babberton in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Harry and Dumbledore go there to find Horace Slughorn and ask him to return as a professor at Hogwarts. On-screen, as they wander through, they pass the Babberton Arms, which is actually the Sign of the Angel pub, where you can eat and drink throughout the day. The muggles house Horace is hiding in is also on Chapel Hill.
Godric’s Hollow
The Godric’s Hollow filming location is at the end of Church Street. Found between two tall hedges. The private home doubled as Lily and James Potter’s house in the first film when Hagrid describes what happened to his parents to Harry. Today the door is painted in a different colour, and the garden has been remodelled.
Hogwarts School
The jewel in the crown is Lacock Abbey. It was founded in 1232 by the Countess of Salisbury (one of the most powerful women in the Middle Ages). The most preserved part of the Abbey is the Medieval cloisters, which are instantly recognisable from the Harry Potter films.
In the Warming Room, you’ll recognise it as Quirrell’s Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom. A larger-than-life cauldron is in the very middle of the room. It isn’t a prop left over from filming. The pot was once used to make a stew for Queen Anne during her visit in the 1700s. The Sacristy, which has several beautifully carved stone arches, also served as Snape’s Potions class.
Lastly, in Lacock Abbey Chapter House, the scene where Harry discovered the Mirror of Erised was captured here. It was also reused in the second film, The Chamber of Secrets, when the students were revising for an exam.
Don’t Forget a Drink!
Water-to-Go bottles are a game-changer for travellers, hikers, and dog owners who love the great outdoors. These reusable bottles come with advanced 3-in-1 filtration technology, removing up to 99.9999% of contaminants from any non-saltwater source. That means whether you’re exploring Ilminster’s countryside or simply out on a long dog walk, you’ll always have access to clean, safe drinking water.
What Else Can You See and Do?
When you visit Lacock, you can learn about the birth of photography at the Fox Talbot Museum inside Lacock Abbey. The world’s earliest photographic negative of a small window was taken here. Also, the 15th-century St Cyriac’s Church is allegedly dedicated to a 3-year-old who the Romans executed for refusing to give up his Christian beliefs.
Indulge in Some Retail Therapy
The Lacock Harry Potter Shop or Watlings Gift Shop on East Street, near the Tithe Barn and the bakery, should be checked out by wizarding fans. It has plenty of magical-themed items and gifts.
The National Trust Gift Shop is always worth a nose. Collections change throughout the year. However, you could get a soft woollen blanket to snuggle up under, local delicacies or treats, ceramics, things for the garden, accessories, plus books, cards and souvenirs.
Things To Do Lacock
- Explore the Lacock Abbey cloisters made famous by Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone & other productions.
- Visit the Fox Talbot Museum, celebrating one of the birthplaces of photography.
- Wander the Lacock Village streets, where every cottage looks like it’s been dipped in honey and frozen in time.
- Pop into St Cyriac’s Church, a peaceful medieval gem.
- Admire the Tithe Barn and the historic village bakery buildings.
- Browse the independent shops and art studios dotted through the village.
- Enjoy a cosy pub stop at The George Inn or The Red Lion.
- Walk the Lacock to Bowden Hill circular route for countryside views.
- Visit the Roman Villa site just outside the village.
- Enjoy seasonal National Trust events, from craft fairs to festive trails.
Places To Eat Lacock
Lacock may be small, but it serves up plenty of hearty stops for hungry wanderers. You can cosy up in The George Inn or The Red Lion for classic pub comfort, grab something sweet from the Lacock Bakery, or settle in at The Sign of the Angel for a more refined bite. Scattered tea rooms offer scones that seem to sigh with warmth, and many spots make the most of their historic settings, turning lunch into a little time-travel moment.
Red Lion Review
The Red Lion is precisely what you hope for in a country pub: warm, atmospheric, properly tasty food, and a location that makes you feel like you’re in a BBC period drama. The building dates back to the 18th century and was formerly a coaching inn. You’ll spot original features, timber framing, and open fires. And, the pub also welcomes dogs!
Get 50% off food
If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? It’s a membership card that offers 25% off the food bill or 2-for-1 meals for the price of one at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Get a 60-day free trial here:
How Much Does it Cost to Visit?
The village is entirely free to wander around, and the many countryside walks branch off from the medieval settlement. When you visit, you can expect pubs, quirky shops and antiques. It is open daily, generally between 10am and 5pm.
Parking is free for National Trust members or £4.50 per day.
If you would like to go inside the abbey, you can expect to pay £22 per adult, £11 per child, and £55 for a family.
Should you get a National Trust membership?
Not sure if membership is suitable for you? I’ve done the leg work for you in National Trust Vs English Heritage.
With your National Trust Membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You can also use your card in 14 other countries with the International National Trusts Organisation, including Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Jersey, Guernsey and Australia. Membership includes:
- Unlimited free entry to all of the properties.
- An essential companion card that allows you to bring up to 2 carers if you have a disability. These can be different people; the card is in your name.
- Free parking at the majority of car parks. Some National Trust car parks are in other natural areas, like beaches and countryside walks. You can save money just by using their car parks.
- You’ll be sent a handbook annually with information about the properties. However, the website is easy to navigate, finding places to visit by area or postcode.
- Regular members’ magazine, sent three times a year.
- Regular e-newsletters.
- Join by direct debit and get a £10 gift card to spend in the National Trust shops or café.
2025 Membership Prices
- Adult Membership (age 26 plus) = £96 a year (£8 per month)
- Joint Membership (2 adults) = £160.80 a year (£13.40 per month)
- Young Person Membership (age 18-25) = £48 a year (£4 per month)
- Junior Membership (age 6-17, under 5’s are free) = £12 a year
- Family Membership (f2 adults) = £168.60 a year (£14.05 per month)
- Family Membership (1 adult) = £103.80 a year (£8.65 per month)
- Senior Membership (1 adult) = £72 a year (£6 per month)
- Joint Senior Membership (2 adults) = £102.60 a year (£10.05 per month)
Use Top Cash Back when purchasing your membership
I’ve been a member of TopCashBack UK for several years and, to date, have earned over £1000 from it. Trust me, it’s a no-brainer, and you can make extra money by shopping online. Currently, you can get 3% back on your National Trust membership.
Is Lacock Abbey dog-friendly?
Dogs are welcome in the village, and there are beautiful walks around Lacock. You can not go inside the Abbey, but dogs are welcome in the Abbey garden between 1 September and 31 March.
Footwear That Keeps Up with Your Travel Plans
Legend Footwear is a go-to destination for quality footwear, offering a huge range of brands, from hiking boots to stylish everyday shoes. Whether you’re heading out on a countryside walk with your dog or exploring a new city on your travels, they have durable and comfortable options to suit all terrains.
Stay The Night
The Red Lion has rooms above the pub – cosy, traditional, and perfect if you want to overnight somewhere atmospheric without sacrificing comfort. Think modern, classic décor, and a proper hearty breakfast waiting for you downstairs. And the biggest perk, you’re right in the centre, with the Abbey, the village streets, the tearooms and walking routes all on your doorstep. Rooms are dog-friendly too!
National Trust Holidays
With National Trust Holidays, you also get free access to Lacock Abbey and the Fox Talbot Museum when you stay the night.
2 High Street is a 15th-century cottage full of charm. The three-bedroom retreat that sleeps 5 guests has exposed timbers, wonky walls and window frames, slate floors and low ceilings – even a log burner for colder months. Outside, enjoy the paved courtyard garden for al fresco dinners; it’s a beautiful suntrap on bright days. (Not dog-friendly)
20 Church Street does welcome dogs. The historic cottage on the edge of the pretty village has most rooms with a window seat where you can enjoy the view. It has three bedrooms that sleep up to 6 guests.
Bath Spa Hotel
Bath is 15 miles from Lacock. If you want 5-star treatment, the MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel is a complete luxury. The hotel has landscaped gardens, a fabulous spa and outstanding food. You’ll feel like you’re living the life of a Bridgerton in this corner of glorious Bath. Complimentary WiFi and guests staying on specific packages get free parking. There are plenty of special offers to take advantage of throughout the year.
Best Western Hotels
There are various Best Western hotels in Wiltshire and the Cotswolds if you want to stay and explore the local area. Depending on the hotel, you can expect to be surrounded by stunning countryside, gorgeous gardens, a swimming pool, a gym and a beauty salon. There’s high-speed free WiFi and free parking. Pets are welcome, too.
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