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

Former town hall, now housing the museum

• 1 Wootton Bassett Museum, High St, SN4 7AU, ☏ +44 1793 852656. Sa: 10am-noon. Local historic museum housed in a former town hall.  
• 2 Jubilee Lake. Nature reserve, with play park and public toilets.The Jubilee Lake Cafe. is open W-Su 10AM - 3PM. (updated Jul 2024)

Do

• Royal Wootton Bassett Arts Festival. The annual festival of music, drama and art is held in June. (updated Mar 2020)

Buy

The ancient market is still retained every Wednesday.

The High Street boasts a large number of shops for a town of its size, from independent craft shops such as Sorelle 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.

Sleep

• 1 Angel Hotel, 47 High Street. (updated Mar 2020)

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.

Routes through Royal Wootton Bassett

Bristol ← Chippenham ←

W  E

→ Swindon