Malmesbury brings together two distinctive cultural themes: the 1,300-year history of the Abbey and the Market Cross, which remains a social hub for events and gatherings. A Turner painting of the Abbey, walking routes and recurring festivals add to these highlights. You can shape your stay around heritage, outdoor activities or a seasonal event.

The Abbey and Athelstan

The history of Malmesbury Abbey spans 1,300 years. Its nave is still in use today, and the Abbey is designated a Scheduled Monument. Athelstan’s tomb was moved to the north aisle in 1927 and remains there today. Alongside its long history, this highlights the continued use of the nave and a specific historical date.

At the Athelstan Museum, you can see a Turner painting of Malmesbury Abbey. The museum is in Malmesbury Town Hall; access is via the Tourist Information Centre. The painting adds a depiction of the Abbey in art to these historical points of interest.

The Market Cross: landmark and meeting place

Malmesbury’s Market Cross dates from 1490, is built in the Perpendicular style and is designated a Grade I listed monument. At the same time, it remains a social hub for events and gatherings. A farmers’ market is held there on Friday mornings. This brings together the building’s historical significance and its present-day role: its style and designation provide historical context, while the market and events connect it to public life.

Walks and pilgrimage routes

Explore Malmesbury is designed for discovering the town on foot and is free to use. There are also opportunities for walks along the River Avon around Malmesbury. The two options offer different ways to explore: on foot through the town or along the river.

The Athelstan Pilgrim Way is a 100-mile walking and cycling route, divided into six circular walks with connecting sections. The Malmesbury and Upper Avon section of the Athelstan Pilgrimage Way is a 13-mile circular route around four churches. The routes differ in format: one route consists of six circular walks and connecting sections, while the other is a single loop around four churches. The walking guide for the Malmesbury and Upper Avon section was published in 2024. As route conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Festivals and getting here

The Malmesbury Carnival features several events every August, culminating in a parade through the town. The Thomas Hobbes Festival is held each spring. These offer two different seasonal points of reference for planning a trip: August for the Carnival and spring for the festival. If either event determines your travel dates, check the latest dates before you travel.

Malmesbury is located just off the A429, providing a specific road connection for your journey.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Staverton, Christian Malford, Chilmark, Pewsey, Cricklade, Sutton Benger, Stanton Saint Quintin, Devizes.

For the main travel overview: Wiltshire.