Attractions and Places To See around Great Bedwyn - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Great Bedwyn include a variety of historical sites, natural viewpoints, and charming settlements. Located in Wiltshire, this region offers opportunities for exploring both man-made monuments and local town centers. The area provides a mix of historical interest and outdoor exploration for visitors.
Best attractions and places to see around Great Bedwyn
- The most popular attractions is Combe Gibbet, a man-made monument on Gallows Down. This structure was erected in 1676 and offers views from its elevated position.
- Another must-see spot is Crofton Locks and Pumping Station, a historical site and facilities. This location features nine locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal, alongside a pumping station with a cafe and picnic area.
- Visitors also love Marlborough Town Centre, a settlement known for its market town atmosphere. It features independent shops, cafes, and a wide high street, with a prehistoric tumulus located within the college grounds.
- Great Bedwyn is known for its historical sites, settlements, and cycle paths. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient monuments to active town centers.
- The attractions around Great Bedwyn are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 90 upvotes and more than 40 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Combe Gibbet
Highlight • Monument
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Marlborough Town Centre
Highlight • Settlement
Small, sweet shops and cafés, nice houses and alleys make up the charm and the city as a whole is simply lovely.
Insider tip: The Polly Tea Rooms on High Street. Traditional cakes and teas with an old fashioned feeling. Grandiose.
For fans of ancient legends and legends: on the area of Marlborough College - one of the leading private schools in England - there is a prehistoric burial mound. According to legend, the magician Merlin is buried here (Merlin Mound or Marlborough Mound).
Not far from Marlborough there are other historic places such as Silbury Hill or Avebury Stone Circle.
Translated by Google •
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Crofton Locks and Pumping Station
Highlight • Rest Area
The area also provides important habitat for wildlife and is home to lots of swans, ducks, moorhens, thrushes and even common lizards and and slow worms.
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Chiseldon and Marlborough Railway Path
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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The Polly Tearooms, Marlborough
Highlight • Settlement
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Tips from the Community
Pretty town - about 8 pubs but none of them in the Good Beer Guide. Which tells its own story.
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Replacements and Legacy: The original gibbet from 1676 eventually deteriorated. The current gibbet is actually the seventh to stand on the site. Previous versions were replaced due to rotting, being struck by lightning, vandalism, or being blown down by strong winds. The current replica was erected in 1992. While the gibbet was only ever used for the display of George Bromham and Dorothy Newman, its grim history has made it a local landmark and a popular spot for walkers, hang-gliders, and paragliders, offering expansive views across Berkshire, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. The story of the murders even inspired a 1948 silent film called "The Black Legend," made by a young John Schlesinger.
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The Gibbet's Purpose: After their execution, their bodies were brought back to Inkpen and prepared for public display. A large, double gibbet was hastily erected on the long barrow. The bodies of George and Dorothy, bound in chains, were then displayed on either side of the gibbet on March 6, 1676, as a stark and gruesome warning to the local community to deter similar crimes. The location was chosen due to its prominence and being on the border of the two parishes, as there was a dispute over which parish should bear the cost of the gibbet.
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The Murders and Gibbeting: The Crime: George Bromham, a married farm labourer from Combe, and Dorothy Newman, a widow from Inkpen, were having an illicit affair. To be together, they murdered George's wife, Martha Bromham, and their son, Robert. Accounts vary, but it's believed they waylaid Martha and Robert and beat them to death with staves near where the gibbet now stands. One dramatic, though likely far-fetched, version suggests George killed his wife by thrusting her head into a hornet's nest. The Witness: The crime was reportedly witnessed by a villager known as "Mad Thomas," who alerted the authorities. Trial and Execution: George Bromham and Dorothy Newman were tried at Winchester Assizes. They were found guilty and hanged in Winchester on March 3, 1676.
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Beautiful lil town, some lovely walks through the trees too
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Crofton Pumping Station advertises that it has the oldest working steam engine in the world. The idea was actually to route the canal through a mountain at a lower altitude using a tunnel. But this project was too expensive and too complex. That's why the pumping station was built. It once reliably filled the canal with water at the geographically highest points of the route.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions around Great Bedwyn?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Crofton Locks and Pumping Station offers a fascinating look at historical engineering with a cafe and picnic area. Marlborough Town Centre is also family-friendly, with independent shops and cafes, and the historic Marlborough Mound within the college grounds.
What historical sites can I explore near Great Bedwyn?
The area is rich in history. You can visit Combe Gibbet, a 17th-century monument with a macabre history and expansive views. Crofton Locks and Pumping Station showcases historical canal engineering, featuring the world's oldest working steam engine. Additionally, Marlborough Town Centre has a prehistoric tumulus dating back to 2400 BC.
Are there easy walking trails around Great Bedwyn?
Absolutely. You can find several easy hiking routes, including loops around the Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath from Great Bedwyn, and walks near Wilton Windmill. These trails offer distances ranging from 3.8 km to 6.6 km. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Great Bedwyn guide.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
Beyond exploring the attractions, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes, running trails, and gravel biking. The Easy hikes around Great Bedwyn, Running Trails around Great Bedwyn, and Gravel biking around Great Bedwyn guides provide detailed routes.
Where can I find a good viewpoint in the area?
For panoramic views, head to Combe Gibbet. Situated on Gallows Down, this elevated spot offers wonderful vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Are there any cycling paths suitable for different skill levels?
Yes, the Chiseldon and Marlborough Railway Path is a popular option. This mixed-use path, part of National Cycle Route 482, follows a disused railway track. It features a well-maintained gravel surface, making it suitable for various bikes, though a gravel or mountain bike is recommended in wet conditions. For more challenging routes, check the Gravel biking around Great Bedwyn guide.
What is special about Marlborough Town Centre?
Marlborough Town Centre is a charming market town known for its wide high street, independent shops, and cafes. It also holds historical significance, with a prehistoric tumulus (Marlborough Mound) located within the Marlborough College grounds, rumored to be the burial site of Merlin.
Can I find places to eat or relax near the attractions?
Yes, Crofton Locks and Pumping Station has a cafe and picnic area. In Marlborough Town Centre, you'll find numerous cafes and independent shops. Specifically, The Polly Tearooms, Marlborough is highlighted as a lovely spot for traditional cakes and teas.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Great Bedwyn?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical interest and natural beauty. The stunning views from Combe Gibbet, the unique engineering at Crofton Locks and Pumping Station, and the charming atmosphere of Marlborough Town Centre are frequently praised. The area's cycle paths and walking routes also receive positive feedback for their scenic and traffic-free experiences.
Are there any running trails in the Great Bedwyn area?
Yes, there are several running trails available. You can find moderate routes ranging from 6.1 km to 14.9 km, including loops around Wilton Windmill and along the Kennet & Avon Canal. For detailed routes, refer to the Running Trails around Great Bedwyn guide.
What natural features can I see around Great Bedwyn?
The area offers beautiful natural settings, particularly along the Kennet and Avon Canal at Crofton Locks, which provides habitat for swans, ducks, and other wildlife. The elevated position of Combe Gibbet also offers expansive views of the North Wessex Downs, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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