History and Heritage in Great Bedwyn

This one-day itinerary will take you on a history tour of Great Bedwyn, with lunch in the village and then a circular walk in the afternoon.   You can of course do this in any order you wish and perhaps include dinner at a local pub at the end of the day.

The very attractive village of Great Bedwyn has an interesting and eventful history.  It has been subject to much change over the centuries, having had a Roman road in its parish, as well as the arrival of the Kennet & Avon Canal and the Great Western Railway in the 19th century.  It was here that the Seymours of Wolfhall were lords of the manor and the Seymour family tomb can be seen in St Mary’s Church.

A real chocolate box of a village, with a lot of history and some great walking - this one-day itinerary will really bring the village’s history and importance to life.

Morning

A history walk of the village with the Bedwyn History Society - guided or self-guided.  

Spend an hour or so with a real expert on the history of the pretty and vibrant village of Great Bedwyn.  The local Guide from the Bedwyn History Society will bring the history of the village to life and will be able to answer your questions about how people would have lived and worked in ages past.  What is the significance of the Seymour family?  How did Jane Seymour meet King Henry VIII?  Why are there so few 17th century and earlier cottages in Church Street?

Book your guided visit and find out the answers to these questions and more.

1 to 1.5 hours

Please contact Steve Hobson by email at bedwynhistory@hotmail.co.ukGuided tours are subject to availability.

There is a small charge of £5 per person which goes to the Bedwyn History Society.

Lunch Stops

Wendy's Community Cafe & Juice Bar

Wendy’s Community Cafe & Juice Bar

There is always a very warm welcome at Wendy’s Community Cafe & Juice Bar! This friendly and family run, independent ...
Three Tuns Freehouse

Three Tuns Freehouse

Independent freehouse pub in Great Bedwyn ...

Afternoon Walking

A range of delightful circular walks from the Bedwyn Footpaths Group and Visit Pewsey Vale.

Hatchet Lane & Crofton

Hatchet Lane & Crofton

One of a series of walks created and documented by experts and enthusiasts at the Bedwyn Footpaths Group. This circular ...
Little Bedwyn & Burridge Heath

Little Bedwyn & Burridge Heath

One of a series of walks created and documented by experts and enthusiasts at the Bedwyn Footpaths Group. This circular ...
Birch Copse & Bedwyn Brail

Birch Copse & Bedwyn Brail

One of a series of walks created and documented by experts and enthusiasts at the Bedwyn Footpaths Group. This circular ...
The Brails & Kennet & Avon Canal

The Brails & Kennet & Avon Canal

One of a series of walks created and documented by experts and enthusiasts at the Bedwyn Footpaths Group. This circular ...
Little Bedwyn, Monk's Lane & Chisbury

Little Bedwyn, Monk’s Lane & Chisbury

One of a series of walks created and documented by experts and enthusiasts at the Bedwyn Footpaths Group. From the ...
St Katharine's via Chisbury Woods

St Katharine’s via Chisbury Woods

One of a series of walks created and documented by experts and enthusiasts at the Bedwyn Footpaths Group. This circular ...
Bedwyn Circular

Bedwyn Circular

One of a series of walks created and documented by experts and enthusiasts at the Bedwyn Footpaths Group. This circular ...
Holloway, Roman Road & Wilton Brail

Holloway, Roman Road & Wilton Brail

One of a series of walks created and documented by experts and enthusiasts at the Bedwyn Footpaths Group. This circular ...
Great Bedwyn, Crofton, Wilton & Bedwyn Brail

Great Bedwyn, Crofton, Wilton & Bedwyn Brail

Walking in and around the Vale of Pewsey This circular walk is a gentle route, taking in Wilton Windmill, Wilton ...
Wilton Windmill & Crofton Beam Engines

Wilton Windmill & Crofton Beam Engines

Walking in and around the Vale of Pewsey This circular walk is a beautiful route, taking in Wilton Windmill, Wilton ...