Over half the district is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with wooded river valleys, rolling downland and timeless villages of mellow stone cottages, portraying the idyllic English scene. Among them are the film locations of Castle Combe, acclaimed as England's prettiest village and the National Trust village of Lacock, which provided the romantic setting for Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Emma, and 'bewitching' scenes in Harry Potter and where within the medieval abbey photography itself was pioneered.

Discover Malmesbury, England's oldest borough, with the remains of its impressive Norman Abbey and Cherhill White Horse carved into the open downland near Calne. Trace the architectural heritage endowed by wealthy 'wool' merchants in the Weavers' Cottages and Heritage Centre in Corsham, fine town houses and manors tucked away in sleepy hamlets.

Visit the imposing stately homes of Bowood, set in glorious parkland, with an exciting Adventure Playground, and Corsham Court, internationally renowned for its art treasures and the glorious gardens of Abbey House, Pound Hill and Sheldon Manor.

Lively market towns of Chippenham, Calne, Malmesbury, Corsham, Cricklade and Wootton Bassett offer enticing antique shops, local crafts and fresh produce at weekly street markets and Farmers' markets.

Population 125,370