What to do in Malmesbury

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic church with a large arched entrance, surrounded by a cemetery with headstones and a pathway leading to the church.
An ancient stone church with pointed arches and a cemetery in front.
A historic church with a large arched entrance, surrounded by a cemetery with headstones and a well-maintained lawn.
A rural dirt road flanked by green fields and a large tree in the distance.
Photo by ROGER ROBERTS (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
A narrow road in a rural village with stone houses and lush greenery.
Photo by David Purchase (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Malmesbury Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Malmesbury has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Malmesbury is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Malmesbury to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Malmesbury Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Malmesbury.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Malmesbury attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Churchill War Rooms & Blenheim Palace

Churchill War Rooms & Blenheim Palace Day Trip from London

CA $133
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Churchill War Rooms & Blenheim Palace Day Trip from London
Harry Potter Film Locations of Lacock & The Cotswolds - Small Group Tour

Harry Potter Film Locations of Lacock & The Cotswolds - Small Group Tour

CA $242
per adult
Harry Potter Film Locations of Lacock & The Cotswolds - Small Group Tour
The 'Hidden Cotswolds' Shared Tour from Bath for 2-8 people

The 'Hidden Cotswolds' Shared Tour from Bath for 2-8 people

CA $516
per adult
The 'Hidden Cotswolds' Shared Tour from Bath for 2-8 people
The picturesque village of Castle Combe

Lacock and Castle Combe - Afternoon Private Tour

CA $638
per adult
Lacock and Castle Combe - Afternoon Private Tour
Blenheim Palace, Great Court

Private Full-Day Tour from Bath to Blenheim Palace

CA $2,065
per traveller
Private Full-Day Tour from Bath to Blenheim Palace
The picturesque village of Castle Combe

South Cotswolds Private Day Tour from Bath

CA $1,201
per traveller
South Cotswolds Private Day Tour from Bath
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Top places to visit

1. River Thames

London’s long and tumultuous history is written upon the face of the city, and the River Thames has watched it all. A 19th-century Member of Parliament, John Burns, said it best: “The Mississippi is muddy water, but the Thames is liquid history.” In modern-day London, history comes to life on the 70 wharves, which have remained in operation after centuries. As you make your way down the river’s dark waters, you will enjoy a unique snapshot of life in this dynamic but resolutely historical city.
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A historic castle with towers and a river in the foreground.

2. Thermae Bath Spa

Thermae Bath Spa offers indoor and outdoor thermal baths in a modern and chic spa setting. Spend the day receiving massages and treatments, and soaking in the soothing hot pools. These pools are fed by the same mineral-rich water used by the Celts and Romans 2,000 years ago.
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A hot spring pool with steam rising, a historic building in the background, and a clear sky.

3. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre

At Cabot Circus Shopping Centre you can shop at popular brand-name stores, dine on contemporary cuisine and have fun at an adventure golf course. Cabot Circus Shopping Centre opened in 2008 and replaced a precinct of post-war retail buildings. It features three split-level shopping streets covered by a striking shell-shaped roof. The roof’s glass panels create the effect of an outdoor mall while protecting visitors from unfavorable weather conditions.
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A multi-level shopping mall with a glass ceiling, various stores, and a central walkway.

4. Roman Baths

The Roman Baths is a famous historical landmark encompassing several ancient bathhouses and a museum. Walk around the site to learn more about the rituals and practices of bathing, which were an integral part of life in Roman society.
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A historic courtyard with a central fountain, surrounded by classical architecture and columns.

5. Gloucester Docks

Gloucester Docks is a stylish commercial and residential waterfront district with many things to do. Attend maritime festivals, visit ancient ruins and shop at antique stores, boutiques and well-known retailers. Gloucester Docks was once Britain’s most inland port and traded in everything from fruit and grain to timber, wine and wool. Today, the Victorian merchant warehouses have been converted into a contemporary space that mixes tourism with maritime heritage.
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A street with a sign for Matthews & Co. LTD, a hairdressing shop, and a welcome sign for Gloucester Quays.

6. Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Set across a plot of 160 acres (65 hectares), Cotswold Wildlife Park is one of the premier family-friendly attractions in the Cotswolds. Make your way through the park’s four distinctive sections, get up close to exotic animal species and admire the gardens.
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A sign for Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens with a pathway leading through a green landscape.

7. University of Bristol

Experience student life in and around an acclaimed institute of higher education at the University of Bristol. It is recognizable for its landmark buildings, museums and its proximity to a busy nightlife district. The origins of the University of Bristol date back to 1595 and it received a royal charter in 1909. It counts Nobel Laureates, such as Sir Winston Churchill, among its former chancellors, professors and students.
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A city street with a historic cathedral in the background.

Recommended things to do in Malmesbury

Number of things to do
15
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Stonehenge Salisbury and Avebury, Wiltshire Road Trip Guidebook: CA $19
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Malmesbury

Stay near popular Malmesbury attractions

Malmesbury Abbey

9.0/10 (24 reviews)
You can learn about the history of Malmesbury when you stop by Malmesbury Abbey. Check out the spas and top-notch restaurants in this quaint area.
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Malmesbury

A historic building with arched windows and a well-maintained lawn.

Cirencester

A forest with tall trees and a ground covered in fallen leaves.

Swindon

A historic stone building with a large arched entrance, surrounded by a grassy field and a gravel path leading to it.

Badminton

A rural road with stone walls and a large house in the background.
Photo by Kenneth Allen (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Crudwell

A green field with a wooden fence, a white house, and a barn in the background.

Sherston

A grassy field with two large leafless trees and a hedge in the foreground.
Photo by Roger Cornfoot (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Hankerton

A gravel driveway leading to a white house with a grey roof, surrounded by hedges and trees.
Photo by Roger Cornfoot (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Little Somerford

Frequently asked questions

Is Malmesbury worth visiting?
Offering a blend of walking trails and camping, there are plenty of things to do in Malmesbury. When you're here, visit Royal Wootton Bassett Old Town Hall, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Malmesbury?
When you've checked off leading attractions like Royal Wootton Bassett Old Town Hall and M4 Karting, spend the rest of your day experiencing the food and retail options in Malmesbury.
What is the top tourist attraction in Malmesbury?
Royal Wootton Bassett Old Town Hall is one of the top tourist attractions in Malmesbury and deserves a spot on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Malmesbury?
If you just want to check out the leading attractions, three days will be plenty of time for a getaway in Malmesbury. Stay for seven to ten days for the chance to really appreciate the local vibe, visit nearby highlights and discover some hidden gems.
What are some activities to do in Malmesbury with kids?
If you're searching for sights and tours for all of your group, here are some great ideas for what to do in Malmesbury with kids.

What to do in Malmesbury for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there's lots of things to do in Malmesbury for adults including Royal British Legion Remembrance Garden.
Are there free things to do in Malmesbury?
From enjoying parks to strolling around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Malmesbury. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Lacock Abbey Country House is a must for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.

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