The Red Lion Lacock Review

If you’ve ever wandered through Lacock Village in Wiltshire, you’ll know it’s full of honey-stone prettiness, cobbles, cloisters and cottages straight out of a period drama. Literally, it’s in pretty much every historic feature film. It’s the place where time seems to slow down enough to let you enjoy a proper pub lunch. And if you’re scouting for pubs in Lacock, you can’t miss the Red Lion: standing proudly, luring you in with the promise of pints, comfort food, and that warm, slightly smug feeling of having found “the good one”.

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Lacock Pubs

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.

Red Lion Lacock Menu

We popped in for a weekday lunch, the kind where you’re meant to order sensibly but inevitably end up in a carb-heavy stupor. Spoiler: worth it.

Indian Spiced Battered Haddock Flatbread

Now this was the star. An Indian-inspired creation that shouldn’t work as well as it does. Picture this: flaky haddock encased in spiced, crispy batter, tucked into a warm coriander flatbread and topped with raita, tandoori mayo, and pickled onions that brought the zing. Every bite was a tiny flavour explosion. It felt playful, unexpected, and genuinely delicious. I personally would have liked it a bit spicier, but it was still yummy.

Chicken & Bacon Club Sandwich

Let’s start with the classic. A club sandwich isn’t precisely the riskiest choice on the menu, but The Red Lion Pub Lacock gives it the kind of glow-up that makes you rethink your life choices. Thick slices of chicken, plenty of bacon, and just the right amount of mayo. The fries were perfectly golden, the sort you keep absent-mindedly picking at even once you’re “totally done”, and the side salad was fresh enough to convince you you’ve made a balanced choice.

If this is the standard for Lacock Restaurants, then consider the bar officially raised.

Is the Red Lion Lacock Dog-Friendly?

You know we’re never far from a dog-related angle, and The Red Lion is as welcoming to four-legged visitors as it is to hungry humans. Water bowls, fuss-loving staff, and that relaxed “bring them in, we love dogs here” vibe. You can even purchase Sir Woofchester’s dog-friendly meals.

Red Lion Lacock History

The Red Lion isn’t just a pub – it’s part of Lacock’s centuries-old story. The building dates back to the 18th century and was formerly a coaching inn. You’ll spot original features, timber framing, open fires and décor that leans delightfully into its heritage rather than fighting it.

Lacock itself is famously owned by the National Trust, so the whole village feels like stepping onto a film set – which, given its appearances in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and Pride & Prejudice, is pretty accurate.

What Was Filmed in Lacock?

Harry Potter – several scenes filmed in Lacock Abbey, including Professor Snape’s 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.

What to Do in Lacock

You don’t just eat here; you make a day of it. Lacock is one of Wiltshire’s prettiest villages and a National Trust favourite.

Here’s what to do before or after your Red Lion feast:

Lacock Abbey & Museum – Harry Potter filming locations, medieval cloisters and the home of pioneering photographer Fox Talbot.
Wander the Village Streets – cottages so pretty you’ll consider quitting your job to move here and open an artisan jam shop.
Independent Shops & Tearooms – perfect for adding unnecessary but beautiful things to your home.
Woodland & Riverside Walks – ideal for stretching your legs (and giving your dog the adventure they deserve).

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, garden items, accessories, plus books, cards and souvenirs.

How much does it cost to visit?

The village is entirely free to wander around. Parking is free for National Trust Members or £5 per day.

If you would like to visit the Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Gardens, you can expect to pay £22 per adult, £11 per child, and £55 for a family.

Lacock Red Lion Address

High Street, Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LQ

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Booking the Red Lion Pub Wiltshire

You can walk in, but bookings are a smart move. Head to their website and reserve a table.

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Want to drool over your phone screen or want further Red Lion Lacock reviews? Follow them for menu updates, offers, and behind-the-scenes bites on Red Lion at Lacock TripAdvisor | Instagram | Facebook

Lacock Accommodation

Yes, you can turn lunch into a full-blown staycation here. 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.

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Lacock Pubs