Lacock: Day Trips and Tours from London

Nestled between the Cotswolds and North Wessex Downs, you will find the village of Lacock. Established 800 years ago, the Wiltshire village has maintained its rustic character over the centuries.

With a picture-perfect abbey and timber-framed country houses, it is no wonder that Lacock has featured in movies and television series. Join a day trip to Lacock from London to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital, off the beaten path into the English countryside.

Here's your guide to Lacock, one of the most enchanting day trips from London.  

How to get to Lacock from London?

Lacock is located about 160 kilometers west of London and is accessible by car and public transportation.

From London to Lacock by car

The fastest route to Lacock from London by car is via the M4. Along the way you will pass outside Windsor, Reading and Swindon, before exiting at junction 17. From there, you head south along the A350 to reach Lacock. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

From London to Lacock by public transport

From the London Paddington station, you can ride a train to Chippenham, with the journey taking about an hour. You then continue to Lacock with the X34 bus, which takes another 15 minutes.

You can also take a bus from London Victoria Coach Station to Chippenham and then proceed to Lacock with the X34 service. The first leg of the journey takes roughly 2.5 hours, with the bus to Lacock taking a further 15 minutes.

Guided tour from London to Lacock

If you would like to avoid driving or dealing with public transportation timetables, you can book a guided tour to Lacock. This will allow you to enjoy the drive into the English countryside, while the guide will provide you with historical context and commentary about the locations you visit along the way.

What is the typical itinerary of a Lacock day trip?

Your journey to Lacock begins either at your hotel or a central location in London, where you will meet with your tour guide and driver. The first stop on your excursion into the English countryside will likely be Stonehenge. Arriving early in the morning means it will be less crowded and easier to admire the mysterious megaliths.

Your tour will likely continue to Bath, site of the only geothermal springs in the UK. The Ancient Romans established the baths almost 2,000 years ago, with the town becoming a health retreat for the rich and famous during the 1800s.

After having lunch, your next destination will be the picturesque village of Lacock. During your stroll in town, you can visit the iconic Lacock Abbey and look out for filming locations for "Harry Potter" movies and series like "Downton Abbey" and "Pride and Prejudice".

Depending on the itinerary, you may also visit nearby Avebury, before returning to London.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Lacock?

Guided tours to Lacock from London

The most affordable way to visit Lacock from London is with a guided tour that also covers other sights and attractions in the area. The itinerary of guided tours can vary, with Windsor Castle, Bath, Stonehenge and villages in the Cotswolds often included.

There are also "Harry Potter" themed tours, that visit filming locations around Gloucester, Lacock and Oxford. Guided tours typically cover any entrance fees and their duration is usually 10 to 12 hours, depending on the schedule.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Lacock, Bath and Stonehenge from London

If you would like to spend a day discovering the English south on your own, you can hire a luxury minivan transfer that will take you to Lacock, Bath and Stonehenge. Your personal chauffeur will drive you to all the major sites, which you can then explore at your own pace.

Unguided tours last about 12 hours and include round-trip transportation from your hotel in London.

Private tour to Lacock from London

For an even more stress-free excursion, you can opt for a private tour to Lacock and other areas of interest in the region. Each tour follows a different route, allowing you to visit Bath, Stonehenge and many villages along the way.

These flexible tours offer a comprehensive and intimate experience in the English south, making them ideal for small groups and families. Private tours last between 10 and 12 hours.

How much does a day trip from London to Lacock cost?

A guided tour to Lacock and Stonehenge can cost as little as US$80 per person, to about US$180 for a tour that also includes visits to Bath and Windsor. A "Harry Potter" guided tour typically costs US$200 to US$250 per person.

For a private shuttle transfer to Lacock, Bath and Stonehenge, expect to pay about US$1,100 for a group of six. The price includes snacks and drinks for the drink, but you will have to pay any entrance fees on your own.

The cost of a private tour from London to Lacock plus Bath is about at US$150 per person, while an excursion that includes a vista at Stonehenge will set you back about US$200. More focused private tours in Lacock and surrounding areas cost about US$350 per person in a group of four.

What will you see and do in Lacock?

Lacock is relatively small, so getting around and exploring on foot is easy. Many of the houses are built in different architectural styles, giving the village a unique character. The main attraction in the village is Lacock Abbey, which began as a nunnery in the 1200s, later became a home of the Tudors and finally, the Talbots.

After many changes over the years, the abbey now enjoys a successful career in the big and small screen, having appears in the "Harry Potter" movies, as well as the "Pride and Prejudice" and "Downton Abbey" series. You can also have a picnic on the abbey grounds, weather permitting.

The village also features a museum dedicated to William Henry Fox Talbot, whose contributions in chemistry led to the invention of photography. The Fox Talbot Museum features exhibitions that chronicle the process behind the British polymath's breakthroughs.

When is the best time to visit Lacock?

The best time for a visit to Lacock is during the summer, from June up to early September. During this period, the weather is warm and mostly dry, making it ideal for a stroll around the English countryside.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking, so that get around Lacock and the surrounding areas easier.
• The ride to Lacock can be long, so make sure you have some snacks and drinks.
• Make sure you pack a raincoat or umbrella, just in case the weather changes.
• Don't forget to charge your camera or mobile phone to immortalize your excursion.