Discover Highworth: history, paths and landscape

Highworth for your stay

Highworth is the highest town in Wiltshire, lying about 133 metres (436 feet) above sea level. The A361 runs through the town from north to south, connecting it with Swindon to the south and Lechlade to the north. When looking for a hotel in Highworth, local points of interest can help with planning: the historic town centre, a short walk or trails through the countryside.

Historic centre and local history

The historic town centre has been a Conservation Area since 1976. This small protected area contains 84 listed buildings. The Highworth Heritage Stroll passes through old Highworth; a walk around Market Place and High Street is free, flat and takes less than an hour. You can take this walk at any time. This makes it easy to include the town centre in your day’s plans, even if you have limited time.

Notable features of the Church of St Michael include a Norman tympanum depicting Samson and the lion. The town’s history goes back even further: Highworth’s first known market charter was granted to FitzGerold by King John on 20 April 1206. Together with the listed buildings, these details give a historical context to a walk through old Highworth.

Pentylands Country Park and former railway line

Pentylands Country Park lies on the western edge of Highworth. Highworth Countryside Park is part of Pentylands Country Park. Grassland, planting and open spaces shape the landscape; walking trails offer views across Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. The park therefore combines open countryside with specific views of the surrounding area.

Traces of the former Highworth branch railway can still be seen in places there. Its trackbed forms the southern boundary of Pentylands Country Park; sections can be identified where footpaths meet it. For those interested in industrial history, these traces add to the park’s landscape, though the railway trackbed should not be mistaken for a continuous footpath.

Compare walks and hikes

The two routes differ in length and terrain. The out-and-back route from Highworth to Hannington is about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometres) long and includes a few gentle climbs. The Highworth–Stanton Fitzwarren–Sevenhampton circular route is longer at 8.7 miles (14 kilometres) and mostly flat.

Check route conditions and relevant guidance before setting out. The Highworth Town Trail App, created by Highworth Town Council and Visit Highworth, is another useful source of information. Check whether the app is available before your trip.

More things to do locally

Highworth Recreation Centre has a 25-metre swimming pool with four lanes, a fitness room and a comprehensive programme of group exercise classes. Facilities and operating details may change, so check the latest information before your trip.

The Arts and Crafts Centre at the VHL Shop offers a variety of workshops and classes run by local artists and craftspeople. Availability and booking requirements may change; check in advance. At the Highworth Visitor Centre on High Street, the Historical Society displays local railway artefacts, coins and banknotes, as well as changing exhibitions. Exhibition contents change over time.

Another local display features agricultural equipment: the free outdoor exhibition is at the Community Centre in The Dormers; many of the items are over a century old. As the display layout may change, check visiting arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Broad Blunsdon, South Marston, Swindon, Liddington.

Go to the main travel overview: Swindon.