Situated on the Thames in North Wiltshire, Cricklade is the southern gateway to the Cotswolds. Visitors to the Cotswolds and Cotswold Water Park can enjoy sailing, water skiing, fishing, and bird watching on the Thames Path which runs through the town. With many historical buildings and attractions along the Heritage Trail, the High Street has a wide variety of shops, pubs, cafes and hotels. There’s also the North Meadow National Nature Reserve, which has the UK’s largest population of wild Snakeshead Fritillaries, and Blakehill Nature Reserve, which has 600 acres of grassland for wildlife enthusiasts. Within a few miles of town is the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, a heritage standard gauge railway run by volunteers. Cirencester, the Cotswolds’ capital, is only a short drive away. Cirencester has a good mix of independent and national shops, pubs, and restaurants. Swindon, formerly part of the Great Western Railway Works, has historical sites and an outlet mall. Cricklade is a great base for history buffs, wildlife enthusiasts, walkers, and many other recreational activities for all ages.
