If you are considering Wickwar as a destination, there are two distinct areas of interest to choose from: the medieval town centre and walking trails in and around the village. The historical connections can be found along the High Street and in the back lanes; the Wickwar Nature & Remembrance Trails also start on the High Street. Lower Woods is also close to Wickwar. When planning your trip, you can decide whether local history or outdoor trails should take centre stage.

A town centre with medieval roots

Wickwar’s distinctive character dates back to its origins in the 13th century, when it was established as a planned settlement. The medieval street layout and Wickwar’s historic character as a former market town have been largely preserved. The historic core includes the High Street and its associated back lanes. Together, these streets give the town centre its distinctive layout: its history is reflected not only in individual buildings, but also in the way the High Street and the lanes connect.

The widest section of the High Street lies opposite the Town Hall. The market cross is said to have stood there. This location links the history of the market town to a specific point in today’s streetscape, though the account of the market cross should not be taken as a confirmed fact. Wickwar Town Hall on the High Street is also the starting point for the Wickwar Nature & Remembrance Trails.

The Town Hall itself is associated with a notable claim: its clock is said to be the oldest working clock in a public building in England. Holy Trinity Church stands high on a hill overlooking Wickwar. The two buildings offer different points of reference for the town: the Town Hall on the High Street and the church above the town.

Wickwar’s longer history also includes the wool industry, which helped the town prosper until the 18th century. Another historical site is the Roman small town of Wickwar, designated as a Scheduled Monument. It lies 2 km southwest of the village of Wickwar. This Roman site and the village’s medieval street pattern represent different layers of local history.

Walking maps, trails and Lower Woods

The Wickwar Nature & Remembrance Trails comprise two walking maps suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The trails start at Wickwar Town Hall on the High Street. This starting point is therefore right in the historic core and provides a clear reference point when planning a walk or hike.

Public rights of way, including public footpaths and bridleways, also run throughout the Parish of Wickwar. They extend the range of walking options beyond the named trails, without needing to combine all the paths into a single route. When choosing activities, it is therefore helpful to distinguish between the two walking maps for the Wickwar Nature & Remembrance Trails and the other public rights of way in the Parish.

Lower Woods, an ancient woodland designated as an SSSI, lies in the area between Wickwar and Hawkesbury Upton. It has three waymarked walking trails. Lower Woods offers a different focus from local history: here, the woodland and waymarked trails take centre stage. If you are interested in walking, you can choose between the trails starting at the Town Hall, the public rights of way in the Parish and the three trails in Lower Woods.

When planning a stay in Wickwar, there is a clear question to consider: would you mainly like to explore the medieval street layout and its historical points of interest, or should walking maps and trails be a stronger deciding factor? You can weigh these two interests separately when choosing your destination. Wickwar’s High Street and lanes tell the story of the planned settlement and former market town; the trails draw your attention to the surrounding area and Lower Woods.

Discover more destinations: Falfield, Pucklechurch, Acton Turville, Tortworth, Bitton, Bradley Stoke, Rangeworthy, Marshfield.

For the broader travel overview: South Gloucestershire.