Fabulous place to be with lots of information on the history of the place who have previously lived here. The cloisters is spectacular keep eyes open as a lot of hidden carved symbols which as I spotted a few a guide showede more hidden. Breathtaking place with a lovely cafe. Well looked after

The Abbey and surrounding houses and church are all lovely 😍 Large car park on the edge of the village which is free for National Trust members. The gardens surrounding the abbey are mostly grass and parklands, although there is a walled garden with a nice selection of herbaceous plants. My favourite thing was the story of photography and the race between Mr Fox Talbot and his French rival. It was fascinating to see the original experiments and learn the process and chemistry behind it. Then to see actual items that had been photographed nearly 200 years ago and still in the building for visitors to admire IE Fireplace and rocking horse. The church is beautiful and has a beautiful family vault. We were lucky enough to visit the village hall on the day the local photography club were exhibiting and asking members of the public to vote for the best 3 images.... Parts of the village were the film sets for one of the Harry Potter films. So lots of related souvenirs!

Where else would you visit for a wedding anniversary present, other than Lacock Abbey, especially fans of Harry Potter. Firstly, beware your satnav which directs you to the entrance and not Hither Way carpark. There is a sign but it can be obscured by vehicles parked along the roadside. The car park is large and a ten minute walk from the village and Abbey entrance. We were warmly welcomed by the Trust volunteers, who gave us directions and points of interest. The story behind how Lacock Abbey came to be sited here and the subsequent years as a place of worship and business run by women, is a fascinating one to hear. Unfortunately due to illness, the Abbey was closed but that visit will be for another time. The Abbey is a large building and we were able to access the "world of Harry Potter", as explained by the enthusiastic guides. All I will say is that scenes from the first two films were filmed around the Cloisters. From here, we walked around the woods, which were covered in flowering garlic, and the grounds, before reaching the garden. It is here that photography, as we know it, all began back in the late 1800's. The plants around the garden were used as photographic subjects as Mr Fox Talbot, the estate owner at the time, developed methods of taking a photo, aided by his wife. A museum in the grounds explains more about the early pioneering minds behind the invention of cameras and photography. From here, we walked through the village, which though busy with tourists, had a calming feel about it. There are no satellite dishes or overhead wires of any sort, which ex0lains why Lacock is a filming favourite of period dramas, and Harry Potter. Tucked neatly away along the lanes were small family businesses, including a chocolate shop that makes their own delicious chocolates, the like of which have to be seen. Harry Potter souvenirs could also be bought. We noted that outside many front doors, were small crates with homemade items, from jewellery to cakes, to jams and chutneys, for sale. You were asked to pop your money through their front door. We tried to imagine what the lanes and the main street would look like without cars, to be replaced by horses and carriages. A magical feel to it. As a result of the National Trust owning most of the village, it came as no surprise to visit the Trust's shop before leaving. It was not the only shop we bought goods from, but it was our anniversary and we deserved a treat. Though we saw lots of families with young children, apart from a large play park and a sports field, there was not a great deal to entertain the small ones. We enjoyed our first walk so much, we off loaded our goodies back at the car and returned for another walk around the grounds. This time, we walked along another trail, arriving at the camera obscure, then on to the Rock Wall. It is hard to explain how it looks but hopefully the photos will help. We returned along the field, passing the pond which looked a little sad with little water in it and as the rain began arriving, we made our way back to the car. I am sure we will return again, for a visit inside the Abbey and more delicious chocolate, haha!!

At first we were not going to go in. We were not sure what to expect and didnt want to pay thr £22 entry fee not knowing. So glad we did. Beautiful home, amazing gardens, the photography section alone is worth it. Staff are so knowledgeable and ot really brings the home and gardens from the 1700s into an almost modern day expectation. Dont miss it

A truly magical place layered with history — originally a 13th-century nunnery, later transformed into a unique country house, and famously the birthplace of photography thanks to William Henry Fox Talbot. The cloisters are instantly recognisable as Hogwarts corridors from Harry Potter, giving it that cinematic charm. The surrounding village, peaceful grounds, and timeless atmosphere make it perfect for a relaxed wander and some incredible photos. It can get quite busy, especially with Harry Potter fans, and some of the interiors feel smaller than you might expect. Parking is a bit limited, and the whole experience really shines on a dry day when you can properly enjoy the grounds.