What are the opening hours?

Monday 10am - 5pm Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 5pm

National Trust Lacock

Name: National Trust Lacock
Address: Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and village, Chippenham, SN152LG, GB
Telephone: +441249730459
Price range: ££
Rating: 4.7

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National Trust Lacock

Abbey, country house and village, 800 years in the making and the British birthplace of photography We welcome feedback – both positive and negative.
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built upon the foundations of a former nunnery. Experience the atmosphoric medieval rooms and cloister court, giving a sense of the abbey's monastic past. In the museum learn about the achievements of fascinating former Lacock resident, William Henry Fox Talbot, famous for his contributions to the invention of photography.

*A bit more about this page*
Welcome to the official page for Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village, a National Trust place in the South West. We make sure we're available to respond to your comments and queries between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) - please be aware that during the Christmas period the page will be checked daily but will not be monitored 9-5. And sometimes we'll check in at the weekend because we've missed you :) Got a membership enquiry? Please email: [email protected]

*Our Facebook ‘House Rules’*
We want our page to be a place where people can share how they feel about the National Trust and talk about their experiences in a fun environment. It helps us to learn and grow. These house rules aim to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves while they’re here:

We ask you to be nice and polite to one another – you almost always are! - and respect each other’s views and comments. We ask all users to ensure your contributions are civil, polite, tasteful and suitable for all ages. We won't tolerate disruptive, offensive or abusive behaviour, unlawful or objectionable content. This includes any material which might be defamatory, offensive, infringing, obscene, lewd, pornographic, violent, abusive, insulting, threatening, harassing, discriminatory, blasphemous, indecent or otherwise unlawful or objectionable. It also includes any material which is aggressive, argumentative or likely to be construed as bullying. No spamming or repetition, please, nor off-topic material in subject-specific threads or areas.

*Moderation policy*
In general, we don’t moderate posts – except on the rare occasion that someone has used offensive language or made libellous allegations about named or identifiable individuals on our page. We have a duty to protect our staff and volunteers, so while deleting comments is totally out of character for us, our legal position is that any post containing a libellous accusations, should be removed. If an individual continues to post offensive, threatening or libellous content then we’ll be forced to block that person from the page. We won’t tolerate postings, content, or links that are racist, sexist or homophobic. We also don’t permit linking to or posting any content which endorses illegal activity, or any activities against the values of the National Trust. If you’re concerned that a posting or user content has broken any of our house rules or you’re worried about any comment or content then please send us an email to [email protected] and let us know. Finally, please note that the views on our page are created by our community and don’t necessarily represent the views or opinions of National Trust.

02/07/2024

If birds had cameras…

A different view of the abbey captured last week.

Photos: Dave H

27/06/2024

The doors are very nearly open on the new exhibition in the Fox Talbot Museum.

International Photography Exhibition, a collaboration with the Royal Photographic Society and featuring a selection of images from the longest running exhibition in the world, opens on 29 June and runs until 27 April 2025.

20/06/2024

Happy Summer Solstice from the parkland!

Who is officially excited for summer play days? 🤚 The parkland is going to be a hive of playful activity for the summer holidays, from 20 July - 1 September. Are you coming?

19/06/2024

The House and Collections Team are currently working on some projects in Lacock's storerooms, and last week completed the task of unrolling, assessing, cleaning and re-rolling a Tabriz rug that has been in storage for 14 years. It was previously on display in the Painting Room.

After assessing its condition, cleaning involves tamping to remove any dust, dirt and debris, before vacuuming and rolling (slowly and carefully!) in acid free tissue paper and a breathe-able splash-proof outer fabric to keep dust and insects off.

11/06/2024

Showing off some of Lacock's rainbow colours for Pride Month.

We'll be at our local Pride event in Chippenham this Saturday 15 June, representing Lacock and the National Trust. We're proud to celebrate the enormous contribution that LGBTQ+ staff, volunteers and supporters make to the work we do. If you're coming to Chippenham Pride this Saturday, come and say hi!

06/06/2024

Window and door dressing for late spring.

Can you identify the parts of the abbey these roses are highlighting?

05/06/2024

If you've had a memorably great day at Lacock recently, there's a good chance one of our volunteers played a part in it! From answering questions in the abbey rooms to helping care for the wider estate with the Countryside Team, there's so many people both front of house and working behind the scenes who help make Lacock such a special place to visit.

A huge thankyou to all our volunteers this Volunteers Week.

Photo: National Trust Images/James Dobson

04/06/2024

Delighted to have Chapterhouse Theatre Company return to Lacock for another family friendly night of theatre under the summer skies. Tickets can be booked here:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/lacock/events/f229dd02-beb3-4662-afd4-e95d1af44359

Chapterhouse 2024 national open air theatre and tribute concert tours featuring Tributes to Queen, Elton John and Abba and open air theatre productions of Beauty and the Beast, Little Women, AMidsummer Night's Dream and Pride and Predudice

30/05/2024

If you visit in June and see the Servant's Hall is open, don't walk past! It's your chance for a closer look at a 14th century handwritten text.

The Lacock Brito is usually displayed with closed pages due to its age and fragility. There are scraps of parchment used in the binding that date back to 1266. Once a year provides an opportunity for a peak at the handwritten text and doodles in the marginalia.

Photos: National Trust Images/John Hammond, Aby D

30/05/2024

Today and tomorrow come and have a go at making your own cyanotype, or 'sun print'. We are always optimistic that there will be some sunshine to help things develop, but any light will do 😉

Suitable for all ages and included in the cost of admission.

28/05/2024

Today and tomorrow!

Splatty, muddy, photo fun. Come and have a go at a sustainable photography technique and make your own mud prints. From 10.30 - 12.30, and 1.30-3.30. Suitable for ages 5+ and included in the cost of admission.

Photo: Sophie Sherwood

25/05/2024

Starting today!

Art boxes in the orchard. Feel inspired by the artists who've lived at Lacock and have a go at creating something yourself. This is a self-led activity, with watercolours, paper and charcoals free to borrow.

©National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

24/05/2024

Late spring in the Botanic Garden - check out these blooms!

21/05/2024

Greens and purples and everything loving the sunshine.

Come and feel inspired to create at Lacock during half term next week. Dates below for what's on, no need to book and all included in cost of general admission (National Trust members are free)

28 - 29 May: 'Mud Photography' with Sophie Sherwood
30 - 31 May: Cyanotypes
27 May - 2 June: Art boxes in the orchard

Photos: National Trust Images/James Dobson

18/05/2024

The second-hand bookshop in the Courtyard is currently out of action, so we've created a pop-up shop next to the National Trust shop in Visitor Reception.

Why not pick up a book on the way to your favourite spot to relax in the gardens? Payments can be taken by the team at the welcome desk.

17/05/2024

Have you noticed the new benches dotted around the parkland? These welcoming rest stops have been made from wood repurposed from fallen Lacock trees. Currently offering the best views of the parkland in buttercup season 🌼

14/05/2024

It's all about pollinators in the High Street Shop this week!

This Sunday 19 May local bee keeper Mark Fife will be in offering tastings of his Henge Honey. Find him in the shop from 12-2pm.

11/05/2024

Awesome scenes in the sky last night ⚡️ 🌈 🌟

Great shot by Collections and House Manager Emma of Aurora over the abbey. Did you see it in the sky near you?

📷: Emma Z

08/05/2024

May's Plant of the Month is a sweet treat for the senses. Syringa pubescens microphylla, common name Littleleaf Lilac.

They love sunshine and a position in moist, but well drained soil. Find this one in the Courtyard outside the Courtyard tea-rooms.

04/05/2024

If you're coming into the Abbey this Bank Holiday Weekend, you might spot our Volunteering Team with a pop-up information stand. They'll be on hand for informal chats with anyone who might be interested in volunteering with the National Trust, specifically at Lacock!

You can find all current vacancies, including volunteering roles, on the National trust Jobs website. Or just email us to express your interest: [email protected]

Photo: National Trust Images/John Millar

03/05/2024

Last chance this weekend to see Ellen Carey's Light Struck before it closes. The piece pictured here, 'Crush & Pull with Hands, Penlights and Spruce Needles', is a relation to Henry Fox Talbot's own 'Spruce Needles' (pictured on the left wall). There's no digital editing here, each print is a result of a super-sized instant camera and some darkroom light play.

Find the exhibition in the gallery of the Fox Talbot Museum until 5 May.

'Crush & Pull with Hands, Penlights and Spruce Needles' ©Ellen Carey

02/05/2024

A blooming BEAUTY! Have you been to our sister National Trust location yet this year? May is a wonderful time to visit National Trust The Courts Garden

01/05/2024

Wild garlic in the Woodland looking like a soft dusting of snow. If you're standing in the right spot though, you'll see the warm glow of buttercups peeping through from the Parkland. Something for everyone, however you like your weather 😉

Photo: Carrie W

30/04/2024

As part of our half-term week of art and photography activities, get messy and creative on a 'Mud' photography workshop with artist and advocate of sustainable photography, Sophie Sherwood .

You'll learn a bit about the inventor of the Muddy developer, Andres Pardo AKA General Treegan, and about sustainable photographic practices too. Each participant will be able to take their unique prints home with them and we'll provide aprons so you won't get too messy!

Suitable for ages 5+, this event is drop in and included in the cost of general admission.

'Mud' photography workshops: 28 & 29 May, 10.30 - 12.30 and 1.30 - 3.30

Photo: Sophie Sherwood

27/04/2024

We're currently recruiting for a new Volunteering & Community Officer to join the team at Lacock. This is a role that's all about connecting with people, working with volunteers and local communities to help everyone feel welcome.

Sound good? Find out more by searching ref: IRC151398 on the National Trust Jobs website.

Photo: National Trust Images/James Dobson

27/04/2024

From 27 May - 2 June come and join in a week of photography and art themed activities this May half term.

Follow in the footsteps of the artistic and creative Talbot family who lived at Lacock in the 1800s; try your hand at cyanotype making, 'mud' photography and find artistic inspiration in the orchard.

All activities included in the cost of general admission with no need to book.

25/04/2024

The newest edition of the National Trust On Screen book came out last month, with 14 pages dedicated to the times Lacock was in the spotlight.

Have you a favourite Lacock film or TV moment? Perhaps you remember when Mr Darcy rode down the High Street? You can pick up a copy of the new book in the shop in Visitor Reception.

Photo: National Trust Images/James Dobson

24/04/2024

🦆 Duckling update 🐥

All 13 ducklings survived their commute from their nest in the Cloister Garth to the pond. Here they are snapped on their holidays in the abbey field.

Photo: Emma Z

09/04/2024

Did you know we have a Plant of the Month each month at Lacock? April's is this dainty flowering perennial, Epimedium x Versicolor, or Barrenwort.

They're great for gardens that don't get a lot of sun, with some species growing particularly well in shady, damp areas. This one is hanging out with some hellebores in a nice shady spot by the abbey.

Photos: Aby D, Mike B

Address

Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum And Village
Chippenham
SN152LG

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 5pm
Sunday	10am - 5pm

Telephone

+441249730459

Website

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

Alerts

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Videos

Some call it the fastest cake, but that depends on your pronounciation. Happy Cream Tea Day!

What do santa's little helpers learn at school? The elf-abet! These little helpers are patiently waiting until the next Mother Christmas Storytime this weekend. Tickets for Toddler Time this Friday have almost completely sold out, but there are still tickets available for the Storytime sessions on Saturday and Sunday, and on the 16/17. The Toddler Time sessions are aimed at the under 5s with a smaller group and younger story, but the weekend sessions are suitable for all ages. Tickets here: https://bit.ly/47YJOFu

Advent begins on Friday! Make this Christmas special with advent calendars, cards and decorations from the National Trust. Every purchase helps us look after nature, beauty and history. Find decorations like these friendly felt faces in the Pop Up Shop in the Manger Barn, last day Sunday 3 December.

Before Christmas gets underway at the end of the month, November can be the perfect time to visit Lacock if you enjoy things a little quieter. The time in between October half term and Christmas is a peaceful time to walk in the gardens, watch the seasons change and of course check out the exhibition in the museum. When's your favourite time of year to visit? Video: Emily Jenkins

We're excited to be welcoming Illyria back to Lacock on August 16 for another fun-filled evening of family entertainment. This year they bring Robin Hood, which is sure to be a hit. Tickets often sell fast as the date approaches, so if you've been meaning to get some grab them now! Search events on our website to buy tickets. From £11 (child) to £18 (adult) with family options available. Video: Illyria

Get ready to see photography in a new light. Whether you grew up using 35mm film or have only ever known digital, photography has been evolving for two centuries. The boundaries are always being pushed, but a new exhibition coming to Lacock this May celebrates the original joy and creativity in capturing colour and light. Light Struck: a solo exhibition by artist and photographer Ellen Carey features original artworks and a piece inspired by Henry Fox Talbot's inventions. Opening May 27 2023 ⚡️

Duck update! The abbey team captured this footage of the ducks safe and in their natural habitat. Volume up for cheeps! video: Emma H

The birds are pleased to see the sunshine this morning. Can you identify the birdsong here? Our overflow car park continues to be closed, we need to let it dry out following the recent heavy rain. If you’re visiting this week we suggest soon as we open, or early afternoon for the quietest times. Please avoid parking in the village.

If you have ever wondered what it is like to work for one of the UK’s largest food & beverage businesses? Watch our video to discover what life is like for our Food & Beverage team. To find out more about our current vacancies please visit nationaltrustjobs.org.uk.

The sound of birdsong can do wonders for our mental wellbeing, can you identify any of those captured here? Not featured in this clip: a couple of varieties of woodpecker that like to make themselves heard in the woodland. When you're spotting budding crocus and snowdrops, don't forget to listen out for their noisy neighbours.

Shortcuts

Our Story

Set in rural Wiltshire, Lacock village is famous for its picturesque streets, historic buildings and more recently as a film and television location. Now is your chance to follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter, Elizabeth Bennet and the residents of Cranford. The Abbey, located at the heart of the village within its own woodland grounds, is a quirky country house of various architectural styles, built upon the foundations of a former nunnery. Experience the atmosphoric medieval rooms and cloister court, giving a sense of the abbey's monastic past. In the museum learn about the achievements of fascinating former Lacock resident, William Henry Fox Talbot, famous for his contributions to the invention of photography. *A bit more about this page* Welcome to the official page for Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village, a National Trust place in the South West. We make sure we're available to respond to your comments and queries between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday. And sometimes we'll check in at the weekend because we've missed you :) Got a membership enquiry? Please email: [email protected] *Our Facebook ‘House Rules’* We want our page to be a place where people can share how they feel about the National Trust and talk about their experiences in a fun environment. We welcome feedback – both positive and negative. It helps us to learn and grow. These house rules aim to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves while they’re here: We ask you to be nice and polite to one another – you almost always are! - and respect each other’s views and comments. We ask all users to ensure your contributions are civil, polite, tasteful and suitable for all ages. We won't tolerate disruptive, offensive or abusive behaviour, unlawful or objectionable content. This includes any material which might be defamatory, offensive, infringing, obscene, lewd, pornographic, violent, abusive, insulting, threatening, harassing, discriminatory, blasphemous, indecent or otherwise unlawful or objectionable. It also includes any material which is aggressive, argumentative or likely to be construed as bullying. No spamming or repetition, please, nor off-topic material in subject-specific threads or areas. *Moderation policy* In general, we don’t moderate posts – except on the rare occasion that someone has used offensive language or made libellous allegations about named or identifiable individuals on our page. We have a duty to protect our staff and volunteers, so while deleting comments is totally out of character for us, our legal position is that any post containing a libellous accusations, should be removed. If an individual continues to post offensive, threatening or libellous content then we’ll be forced to block that person from the page. We won’t tolerate postings, content, or links that are racist, sexist or homophobic. We also don’t permit linking to or posting any content which endorses illegal activity, or any activities against the values of the National Trust. If you’re concerned that a posting or user content has broken any of our house rules or you’re worried about any comment or content then please send us an email to [email protected] and let us know. Finally, please note that the views on our page are created by our community and don’t necessarily represent the views or opinions of National Trust.