Royal Wootton Bassett is a small town (population 11,385 in 2011) in Wiltshire, England, not far from Swindon. It was founded in 681 as Wodeton, and gained the 'Royal' moniker in 2011 in recognition of the town's role in respectfully welcoming back deceased British troops from overseas.
Get in
There are regular bus services from Swindon, which has a major railway station with direct links to London Paddington, Bristol and Cardiff.
Get around
Royal Wootton Bassett is a compact and easily walkable town. Recent changes to make the pavements and walkways more accessible means less able-bodied people can also easily get around.
See
- Wootton Bassett Museum, High St, SN4 7AU, 51.5417°, -1.9049°, +44 1793 852656. Sa: 10am-noon. Local historic museum housed in a former town hall.
- Jubilee Lake, 51.55276°, -1.89770°. Nature reserve, with play park and public toilets. 2022-08-21
Do
- Royal Wootton Bassett Arts Festival. The annual festival of music, drama and art is held in June. 2020-03-26
Buy
The ancient market is still retained every Wednesday. The Wiltshire Farmers Market also comes to the town on the fourth Saturday of every month.
The High Street boasts a large number of shops for a town of its size, from independent craft shops such as Sorelle and the stationery shop to large national chains such as Sainsbury's and WH Smith. There is also an independent bookshop.
Eat
RWB boasts a number of good restaurants, including Indian, Chinese, Greek, Turkish and British pub-style eateries.
Drink
Sleep
- Angel Hotel, 47 High Street, 51.5428°, -1.9034°. 2020-03-26
Connect
Go next
- North to Cricklade, and to see Roman history in Cirencester
- East to Wroughton and Swindon
- South to Avebury which is famous for its neolithic stone circle
- West to Malmesbury, known for its abbey.