Highworth is the highest town in Wiltshire, lying about 133 metres (436 feet) above sea level. The historic town centre and Pentylands Country Park, on its western edge, offer different focal points for planning your trip: local history and walks in the centre, or paths through grassland, plantings and open spaces.
History and walks in old Highworth
The Highworth Heritage Stroll takes you through old Highworth, where 84 listed buildings are concentrated in a small Conservation Area. The historic town centre has been designated a Conservation Area since 1976. Highworth’s first known market charter was granted to FitzGerold by King John on 20 April 1206. These details provide a historical context for exploring the town.
At the Church of St Michael, there is a Norman tympanum depicting Samson and the lion. It is a specific architectural detail that can be explored as a focus in its own right, alongside the town’s market history. Another walk around Market Place and High Street is free, flat and takes less than an hour; it can be done at any time. This offers a short way to explore the town in addition to the Heritage Stroll.
At the Highworth Visitor Centre on High Street, the Historical Society displays local railway artefacts, coins and banknotes, as well as changing exhibitions. Those interested in local everyday life and transport history will find a range of topics under one roof. A free outdoor display of agricultural equipment is located at the Community Centre in The Dormers; many of the items are over a century old. As display arrangements may change, it is worth checking before your visit.
Paths and scenery at Pentylands Country Park
Highworth Countryside Park is part of Pentylands Country Park. Its paths offer views across Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. The landscape of grassland, plantings and open spaces differs from the historic town centre, giving your plans a distinct focus for walks.
Traces of the former Highworth branch railway are also part of the park landscape: its former trackbed forms the southern boundary of Pentylands Country Park. Sections of it can still be traced where footpaths meet the trackbed. So, as you take in the scenery, you can also look out for the former railway line, without confusing the paths with the railway track.
A short town walk or a longer route?
For longer walks, two routes differ in length and terrain. The return route from Highworth to Hannington is about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometres) long and includes some gentle climbs. The Highworth–Stanton Fitzwarren–Sevenhampton circular route covers 8.7 miles (14 kilometres) and is mostly flat. The shorter route therefore includes gentle climbs, while the longer one is mostly flat. Check route conditions and any accompanying guidance before setting out.
When planning your days, you can choose between the short walk around Market Place and High Street and the longer routes. The walking times and route profiles provided offer different points of reference: less than an hour for the town walk, around 4.5 miles for the return route to Hannington, or 8.7 miles for the circular route via Stanton Fitzwarren and Sevenhampton.
More things to do and visitor information
The Arts and Crafts Centre in the VHL Shop offers a range of workshops and courses run by local artists and craftspeople. Availability and booking requirements may change; check the current programme if a course is important to your trip. Highworth Recreation Centre has a 25-metre, four-lane swimming pool, a gym and a comprehensive programme of group fitness classes. As facilities and operations may change, check the details before visiting.
The Highworth Town Trail App was created by Highworth Town Council and Visit Highworth. If you would like to include it in your plans, check that it is available before travelling. For geographical orientation, the A361 runs north to south through Highworth, connecting the town with Swindon to the south and Lechlade to the north.
When looking for hotels in Highworth, use your itinerary as a guide: would you like to devote most of your time to local history, paths in Pentylands Country Park or a longer walk? Decide what your priorities are and match your accommodation accordingly. This way, your choice reflects the kind of stay you are planning in Highworth.
Discover more destinations: South Marston, Liddington, Swindon, Broad Blunsdon.
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