To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.
To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.
No visit to Wiltshire is complete without spending time in Calne.
For a small town Calne packs in a lot of history. Its story begins around AD 978 through drover’s trails and coach roads, the rise and fall of canal and rail travel, woollen broadcloth and meat processing with the world famous Harris factory.
Did you know that Joseph Priestley “discovered” oxygen here whilst working at nearby Bowood House? Shortly after, Jan Ingenhousz built on the work of Priestley and “discovered” photosynthesis.
Visit Calne’s Heritage Quarter, concentrated around St Mary’s Church, to experience each chapter of its past in the Calne Heritage Centre, (open March –December), with two hours free parking nearby.
Today Calne is a great place from which you can discover the timeless wonders of Wiltshire. We are on the edge of the North Wessex Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural. Nearby is the Cherhill White Horse, UNESCO World Heritage site of Avebury which includes Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow.
Why not plan a visit to the Atwell Wilson Motor Museum or the nearby REME Museum at Lyneham.
On our doorstep is magnificent Bowood House and Gardens, home to one of Capability Brown’s most splendid parks; a great place to spend a day or even longer.
The town hosts the annual Calne Bike Meet in July and the Calne Music and Arts Festival in October.
For travellers along the A4, Calne is a great place to take a break and wander our selection of independent shops and cafes, the delightful Castlefields Canal and River Park which was voted Local Favourite in the South West in 2022, and access the SUSTRANS Cycle route 403.
Visit Calne today and see what you can discover.
Share this with friends
On the A4, east of Chippenham. South of M4 Junction 16 or 17.
Nearest railway station at Chippenham with direct links from London Paddington. Local bus services and taxis available.
Motor museum with vintage, post-vintage and classic cars, including American models. The…
The REME Museum displays the proud history of the Corps of the Royal Electrical and…
The Museum is housed in a fine 18th century grade II listed building. The displays tell…
A quirky country house and grounds, built on the foundations of a medieval nunnery, that…
60 feet long canal boat for up to 45 passengers with a bar, refreshments and on-board…
The Kennet and Avon Canal has 106 locks, six aqueducts, three tunnels, and hundreds of…
Sample the delights and discover the history & heritage of Wadworth Brewery.
On the Kennet & Avon Canal you will find beauty, history and nature. Tap into its…
The beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal (or K&A as its known) flows along 87 miles of the Great…
Discover gold from the time of Stonehenge, find out more about ancient Wiltshire,…
One of the most important prehistoric archaeological collections in Britain. Includes…
The pretty village of Avebury nestles within the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage…
At Avebury you will find the largest stone circle in the world, a museum and a manor…
The Pound arts centre, run by local charity Pound Arts, is the hub of Corsham’s arts…
The Perpendicular tower of this lovely Medieval church dominates surrounding fields. It…
© Great West Way 2025.
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
