Attractions and Places To See around Charlton - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Charlton, situated in the historic landscape of Wiltshire and the Cotswolds, offer a blend of historical sites and scenic outdoor routes. This region features ancient market towns, Roman roads, and diverse trails. Visitors can explore areas known for their historical significance and natural beauty, providing opportunities for cycling and walking. The landscape combines rolling hills with preserved historical pathways.
Best attractions and places to see around Charlton
- The most popular attractions is Malmesbury…
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Malmesbury Market Cross and Abbey
Highlight • Religious Site
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Fosse Way Roman Road
Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site
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NCN Route 45: South Cerney to Cricklade
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Malmesbury Abbey
Highlight • Historical Site
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Valley Byway Through The Cotswolds
Highlight • Forest
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Tips from the Community
Mostly Flat Path Comprising of Combination Of Gravel, Tarmac,
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The woods bit is always great, but the second bit around the fields can get muddy in winter and overgrown in summer. Spring is your best bet.
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Ancient Roman Road, The Fosse Way is an excellent single track path with road sections, I rode this route on the day of Storm Eunice in Feb 2022, it was gnarly but afforded a lot of shelter from the crazy winds we we're heading directly into, the trees however were a constant worry, but it seemed most of the falls had already happened earlier in the morning or perhaps the previous night. This rout is amazing and apart from a short stint on the road you can cycle from the Cirencester YHA to the Bath YHA along the Fosse. Beautiful track, good scenery, and an interesting history. The Salutation Inn is the only stopping place for food and drink, so I'd suggest a stop there if you need it, nice pub by all accounts.
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Good going in the dry, not bad in the wet, experienced this track the day before storm Eunice hit in March 2022, wet and winder but surface we fantastic. Part of an old disused railway that is slowly being brought back into use, some sections of the cycle path were closed due to works being carried out on restoring the old line so be aware if you plan to use this route. https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org
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"Malmesbury (/ˈmɑː(l)mzbəri/) is a town and civil parish in Wiltshire, England. As a market town it became prominent in the Middle Ages as a centre for learning focused on and around Malmesbury Abbey, the bulk of which forms a rare survival of the dissolution of the monasteries. Once the site of an Iron Age fort, in the early medieval period it became the site of a monastery famed for its learning and one of Alfred the Great's fortified burhs for defence against the Vikings. Æthelstan, the first king of all England, was buried in Malmesbury Abbey when he died in 939." Cit. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malmesbury
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Route on a section of old railway line - lovely, leafy and level! This was originally part of the Midland and South Western Junction Railway, eventually absorbed into the Great Western, running between Swindon and Cirencester and on to Cheltenham. Wikipedia has more. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midland_and_South_Western_Junction_Railway
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Lovely market town, lots of nice small shops and cafe's
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Charlton?
The region around Charlton is rich in history. A prominent historical site is Malmesbury Market Cross and Abbey, an ancient market town known for its medieval history and a rare surviving abbey. Another significant historical feature is the Fosse Way Roman Road, an ancient Roman road that offers a unique historical cycling experience.
Are there good cycling routes near Charlton?
Yes, Charlton is well-suited for cycling enthusiasts. You can explore the Fosse Way Roman Road, which is a great gravel track with dramatic ford crossings. Another option is NCN Route 45: South Cerney to Cricklade, a lovely, leafy, and level route along an old railway line. For off-road adventures, the Steps Lane Bridleway connects Minch to Avening, avoiding main roads and is suitable for mountain and gravel bikes. For more cycling options, check out the MTB Trails around Charlton guide.
What kind of hiking trails are available around Charlton?
The Charlton area offers a variety of hiking opportunities. You can find trails that take you through forests and along old railway lines, providing scenic routes. For specific hiking routes, consider exploring options like the 'Angrove Wood loop from Malmesbury' or the 'Malmesbury Abbey – Saxon M4 Lane loop from Malmesbury'. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the Hiking around Charlton guide.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Charlton area?
Yes, Malmesbury Market Cross and Abbey is categorized as a family-friendly attraction. This historic town offers a charming environment with independent shops and cafes, making it a pleasant place for families to explore together.
What are some unique natural features or trails to discover?
Beyond the historical sites, you can discover natural beauty along the Fosse Way Roman Road, which features dramatic ford crossings and small stone bridges. The Valley Byway Through The Cotswolds offers a gentle pedal through a forest valley, providing a tranquil natural experience. Additionally, NCN Route 45 follows an old railway line, offering a leafy and level path through nature.
Where can I find cafes or places to eat near the attractions?
If you are visiting Malmesbury Market Cross and Abbey, you'll find a wide choice of fantastic bakeries, independent shops, and cafes. Specific recommendations include the Summer Café and The Birdcage, offering various options for refreshments and meals.
What are the terrain and difficulty levels of the trails around Charlton?
The trails around Charlton offer varied terrain. The Fosse Way Roman Road is a gravel track, manageable on road bikes with wider tires but requiring care around stream crossings. NCN Route 45 is generally level as it follows an old railway line. The Steps Lane Bridleway is an intermediate off-road route suitable for mountain and gravel bikes, with some sections that can be challenging, especially when ascending.
Can I find mountain biking trails near Charlton?
Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities. The Steps Lane Bridleway is an intermediate off-road route suitable for mountain bikes. For more extensive mountain biking, you can explore routes like the 'Tetbury Loop — Cotswolds' or 'Swindon & the Marlborough Downs from Malmesbury'. More options are available in the MTB Trails around Charlton guide.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Charlton?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical significance and scenic outdoor routes. The medieval history of Malmesbury, the unique experience of cycling the Roman Fosse Way, and the tranquil off-road paths like Steps Lane Bridleway are frequently highlighted. The area's charm, independent shops, and cafes also contribute to a positive visitor experience.
Are there running trails available near Charlton?
Yes, the area offers several running trails. You can find routes such as the 'View Towards Malmesbury – Quiet Country Lane loop from Malmesbury' or the 'River Avon Garden View – Malmesbury Abbey loop from Malmesbury'. For a comprehensive list of running options, refer to the Running Trails around Charlton guide.
What is the best way to explore the historical landscape of Wiltshire and the Cotswolds around Charlton?
The best way to explore the historical landscape is by combining visits to ancient market towns like Malmesbury with cycling or walking along historical routes. The Fosse Way Roman Road offers a direct connection to the past, while various cycleways and bridleways allow you to traverse the rolling hills and discover preserved historical pathways at your own pace.
Most popular attractions around Charlton
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