Chippenham is a historical market town in north-west Wiltshire and it is known for being one of the West Country’s most vibrant towns. Nestled on the banks of the River Avon, Chippenham is viewed as the centre of relaxation and exploration of rural Wiltshire whilst also being a lively, fun market town. 

Within this article we are going to discuss the top five things to do in Chippenham. It is a diverse mix of attractions which will cater to many different people and interests. 

Let’s begin!

1. Explore the Historic Chippenham Town Centre

For all history lovers, there are many things to do in Chippenham. Chippenham is a town with a great deal of history. Archaeological finds indicate that the first urban settlements to the area were the Anglo-Saxons in the 7th Century. 

There are many points of historical interest remaining in the town. St Andrew’s Church sits on the site where a Saxon church once stood. It is believed to have been made of timber and was demolished to make room for the beautiful stone church that now stands there. The present church has a deep history of its own, being thought to have been built in Norman times, around 1120. Most of the current church was rebuilt in the 15th Century. The church is open daily from 8am to 5pm, with services taking place on Sundays at 9am and 10.30am. 

Yelde Hall is another point of historical significance in Chippenham. Built in the 15th Century it is one of the oldest buildings in Chippenham. In its time it has been a guildhall, council chamber, an armoury, a fire station, a jail, a bank, a Tourist Information Centre, as well as a museum, gallery and theatre.

The Buttercross can also be found in the town centre. Thought to have been built in the late 16th Century, it was once a place where cheese and milk were sold. In 1889 it was sold for a sum of £6 and moved to the Manor House in Castle Combe, where it was used as a gazebo. One hundred years later, the Chippenham Civic Society bought the building for £300 and started on a 6-year campaign to return the building to a prominent position in the Town Centre, near to its original home. The cost of £85,000 needed for the rebuilding of the Buttercross was raised by local donations and it was reopened in 1995. It now stands as the centrepiece of the pedestrianised town centre, where a market is still held every Friday and Saturday.

2. Visit the Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre

Chippenham Museum is housed in an 18th Century townhouse and its exhibitions tell the fascinating story of this historic market town. Visitors can learn about the town’s development and how its connections to river, road and rail helped this development. They will also get to learn about the town’s surprising links to Alfred the Great and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who designed The Brunel Arches to carry the Great Western Railway through Chippenham. 

The museum also has a large collection of art created by North Wiltshire artists and creatives so there is something for history and art lovers. 

Chippenham Museum can be found in the town centre, is free to visit and open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. 

3. Enjoy the Scenery at John Coles Park

John Coles Park is just a short walk from Chippenham town centre. It is viewed as the ‘jewel in their crown’ by locals as it is a beautiful green space enjoyed by locals and many visitors, particularly on a warm summer’s day. 

Opened in 1922, the park has an area of open space and a circular walk through mature trees. Then, it has the bandstand which has afternoon concerts every Sunday, from May to September. They are all free to attend. 

If you have children with you, they will love the Splash Pad. Open May to September, it is the perfect way for little ones to cool down in the hot summer months. 

The park is open from 8am to dusk in spring and summer and from 8am to 4pm from November to January.

4. Stroll Along the River Avon

If you love nature, birds and water, a stroll along the River Avon should be top of your list of things to do in Chippenham. It flows through the town centre and it is very easy to enjoy the picturesque surroundings on a walk. 

There are many lovely walks that you can go which will work for many different levels of walkers. An easy one to do is the Chippenham Riverside and Town walk that takes you along the river and past the park and golf course.

If you want something a little longer, you could do the River Avon loop, which starts in Langley Burrell, and allows you to take in the beauty that is and surrounds the River Avon. 

5. Discover the Neeld Community and Arts Centre

The Neeld Community and Arts Centre is a wonderful place to visit if you enjoy heading out to see a show or an event. 

The Neeld has events on in both the day and evening so you can find something to attend no matter what else you have going on in your life. And the events they have are extremely diverse. They range from Frozen Sing-a-longs to LDN wrestling events. They even have pantomimes just for grown ups! 

The box office is open: Monday to Thursday, 8am to 4.30pm, Friday, 9am to 4pm,  Saturday, 9.30am to 3pm and on performance nights, 6pm to 8pm. 

The Top Activities In Chippenham 

There are so many diverse things to do in Chippenham that, no matter what you are into, you will find something fun and enjoyable to do in this beautiful market town. 

Chippenham is a town that needs to be visited and explored as it has so much on offer, from history to nature to wrestling, you will see it all in Chippenham.

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