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If you’re looking for a peaceful, charming, Cotswolds-style market town without the crowds – visit Corsham, one of Conde Nast Traveller’s Best Places to Visit in the UK 2026.

Stroll along the heritage High Street and feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Its honey-coloured Georgian buildings and classic English charm have seen it featured as one of the prettiest UK high streets by the Telegraph, as well as a location in BBC drama Poldark and Disney’s smash hit Rivals. You may even encounter one of the town’s famous resident peacocks! 

Just a short walk away is the highlight of the town’s architectural treasures, Elizabethan manor house Corsham Court. View the estate’s celebrated art collection in the 72-foot picture gallery, before taking a stroll in the Capability Brown designed gardens and grounds. 

The town’s origins go as far back as Saxon times, when King Ethelred had a summer palace on the site of Corsham Court. The wool trade and quarrying of the local limestone provided Corsham with much of its wealth until the 19th and 20th century. Roads and railways have also played an important role in the town’s history – whether that’s the coaches that travelled through from Bath to London (which supposedly inspired Charles Dickens’ ‘The Pickwick Papers’), or the Brunel built railways which transported the locally quarried stone to a wider market.

Discover more of the local history with a visit to the Almhouses, a set of 17th century buildings which include a schoolroom and social housing which is still occupied today. 

For something more contemporary, visit The Pound Arts Centre for a great selection of theatre, music, comedy, films, exhibitions and workshops. A selection of outdoor events take place in the town throughout the year, including food festival Taste of Corsham in May, September’s family-friendly Street Fair, and the traditional Christmas Lights switch-on in December. Corsham Creative Market also runs monthly from February to December, showcasing local artists and small businesses. 

Enjoy the cosy community feel by visiting the award-winning independent shops, offering everything from collectible comics and vintage wares, to locally made edible treats and eclectic and unique gifts. Stop and get a bite to eat from one of the town’s restaurants, cosy cafes, or distinctive pubs – perfect for a classic roast dinner and pint.

Spend some time in nature by walking through the grounds of Corsham Park, or discovering the local countryside and its history on a heritage trail walk. Families can also enjoy several play areas across the town, including the skate park, BMX track, outdoor gym and parkour (free-running) facility at Springfield Community Campus. Dogs are a common sight in the town and many businesses are dog-friendly.

With the popular destinations of Lacock, Castle Combe and Bath all within a 10-mile radius, as well as Junction 17 of the M4, Corsham is a fantastic addition to any Wiltshire or Cotswold trip. Travel from Bath or Chippenham on the half-hourly X31/231 bus service to connect with trains from Bristol and London, or drive and enjoy two hours free parking. Extend your visit by staying at Georgian coaching inn The Methuen Arms, country house hotel Guyers House, or new hotel and brasserie Corsham House, opening July 2026. 

The peacocks are ready and waiting for your arrival.