Attractions and Places To See around Wickwar - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Wickwar include a blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural insights. This historic village in Gloucestershire, England, retains its medieval market town origins, evident in its architecture and layout. Situated on the western edge of the Cotswolds, Wickwar offers opportunities for exploring both its village center and the surrounding countryside. The area provides a variety of historical sites, nature reserves, and walking trails for visitors.
Best attractions and places to see around Wickwar
- The most popular attractions is William Tyndale Monument, a man-made monument built in 1866. This 34m high monument commemorates William Tyndale, who translated the New Testament into English, and offers magnificent views over the surrounding landscape.
- Another must-see spot is Church of Saint John the Baptist, Old Sodbury, a historical site and religious building. This church is approximately 900 years old and retains much of its original Norman work, featuring effigies of knights and offering views from its churchyard.
- Visitors also love Somerset Monument, a man-made monument erected in 1846. This Grade 2 listed building, about 30m high, commemorates Lord Robert Somerset and features a viewing platform at the top with panoramic views.
- Wickwar is known for its historical landmarks, natural features, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore ancient woodlands, local nature reserves, and numerous public footpaths and bridleways that crisscross the countryside.
- The attractions around Wickwar are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 270 upvotes and 30 photos shared.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
Brandy Bottom Colliery Ruins
Highlight • Monument
It operated during a time of significant coal production in the area before eventually closing.
Today, it serves as a historical point of interest along the cycling route, illustrating the region's industrial heritage
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William Tyndale Monument
Highlight • Monument
The monument is 111 feet (34 m) high and affords magnificent views over the surrounding landscape. It's a fairly steep hike to the monument and, once inside, the staircase is also very steep and tight (you struggle to pass on the staircase). The monument is generally open to the public, but if locked a key is available from a cottage in North Nibley, details of which are given on the notice board.
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Cock Lane Climb, Dyrham
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
This is part of SusTrans' National Cycle Route 17, which passes through many a lovely country lane around the southern tip of the Cotswolds and is easily reached from central Bristol via the Bristol-Bath mixed use path, taking a left turn (if coming from Bristol) at the former Mangotsfield station onto the Avon cycleway. While it's only a short route it makes for a great base around which to base a lovely ride out, as pretty much anything but the A roads in the area make for great, quiet riding.
The road is quite rough with strips of gravel in the middle, and while this isn't too big an issue at climbing speed (especially when it goes over 10%), makes for a pretty sketchy descent - if coming down going west towards Pucklechurch and Bristol I'd recommend going down the zig zag into Hinton which is much smoother and wider, making it safer in case of oncoming traffic as well.
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Church of Saint John the Baptist, Old Sodbury
Highlight • Historical Site
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Somerset Monument
Highlight • Monument
It's a grade 2 listed building about 30m high with a viewing platform at the top.
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Tips from the Community
The doors are open in the daytime. Views from the benches overlooking the severn vale not to be missed.
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Brandy Bottom Colliery, located just off the Bath-Bristol cycle path, was an important coal mining site in the 19th century, particularly known for its deep mine workings. The site features remnants of the colliery, including old structures and spoil heaps. It operated during a time of significant coal production in the area before eventually closing. Today, it serves as a historical point of interest along the cycling route, illustrating the region's industrial heritage
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This 100-ft (30m) high monument is a Grade II listed structure, built in 1846 to commemorate soldier and local MP Lord Robert Edward Somerset.
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The Somerset Monument was built in 1846 to commemorate Lord Robert Somerset. Lord Somerset was a soldier who fought in the Peninsular War and the War of the Seventh Coalition. he was also MP for Cirencester. It's a grade 2 listed building about 30m high with a viewing platform at the top.
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Steepish track up but then grassy slopes and woods. Pandoramic views from the hill even if you don’t go up the tower.
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A nice highlight. Highly recommended
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Steep walk up the hill but well worth the effort for the fabulous views.
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The Church of Saint John the Baptist is late Norman or Transitional, and is some 900 years old. It has two effigies of knights: one is late 14th century, carved in wood; and the other is dated to 1240, carved in stone, featuring a very large shield. These two are considered to have been lords of the local manor. The church is of late Norman period, and although it has been much enlarged and altered, much of the original work remains. In the nave there is an arcade of Normal columns, there are two Norman windows and the tower is also Norman. In the churchyard at Old Sodbury is a number of old bale-tombs; these were tombs for rich merchants. Some of the gravestones date back to the early 19th century. Just outside the churchyard on the hillside is a topograph (a large stone with an engraving), installed to commemorate the second millennium, that shows Old Sodbury in relation to its geographical surroundings. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Sodbury)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural areas can I explore around Wickwar?
Wickwar is surrounded by several natural havens. You can visit Lower Woods Nature Reserve, one of the largest ancient woodlands in the southwest, known for its bluebells and diverse butterfly population. Another option is Wick Golden Valley Local Nature Reserve, which offers woodlands, grasslands, and opportunities for bird and bat spotting. The area is also crisscrossed by numerous public footpaths and bridleways for general exploration.
Are there historical sites to visit within Wickwar village?
Yes, Wickwar village itself has a rich history. You can explore the Holy Trinity Church, dating back to around 1300, which features a 1496 sculpture and a Jacobean pulpit. The Wickwar High Street showcases 18th-century architecture and the historic Town Hall, which houses a clock mechanism potentially dating back to 1660. The former Brewery Building on Station Road is also a notable landmark.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Wickwar?
Beyond walking, the area around Wickwar offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, running routes, and road cycling routes. These routes often pass by local attractions and offer scenic views of the Gloucestershire countryside.
Are there any family-friendly attractions or activities in the Wickwar area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The William Tyndale Monument and Somerset Monument offer rewarding climbs and panoramic views that older children might enjoy. For nature lovers, Wick Golden Valley Local Nature Reserve has accessible paths and opportunities for wildlife spotting, which can be engaging for all ages.
Where can I find accessible paths for wheelchairs or pushchairs?
The lower part of Wick Golden Valley Local Nature Reserve features accessible paths suitable for most wheelchair users and pushchairs, allowing for enjoyable outdoor exploration.
What historical monuments are located near Wickwar?
The area boasts significant historical monuments. The William Tyndale Monument, built in 1866, commemorates the translator of the New Testament and offers magnificent views. The Somerset Monument, erected in 1846, is a Grade 2 listed building with a viewing platform. You can also visit the Brandy Bottom Colliery Ruins, remnants of a 19th-century coal mining site.
Are there any ancient Roman sites near Wickwar?
Yes, approximately 2km southwest of Wickwar village lies the site of a Wickwar Roman Small Town. Dating from the 2nd to 4th centuries AD, extensive surveys have revealed remnants of buildings, enclosures, roads, and ditches, indicating a significant Roman presence.
What is the best time of year to visit Wickwar for nature walks?
Spring is particularly beautiful for nature walks, especially in Lower Woods Nature Reserve, when the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells. The diverse butterfly population is also active during warmer months. Autumn offers vibrant foliage, making it another picturesque time for exploring the footpaths.
Can I find any unique historical churches in the vicinity?
Absolutely. Besides Wickwar's Holy Trinity Church, you can visit the Church of Saint John the Baptist in Old Sodbury. This approximately 900-year-old church retains much of its original Norman work and features interesting effigies of knights, offering great views from its churchyard.
What are some lesser-known spots or 'hidden gems' around Wickwar?
For a glimpse into industrial heritage, the Brandy Bottom Colliery Ruins, located near the Bath-Bristol cycle path, offer a unique historical point of interest. The Wickwar Roman Small Town site, while requiring some imagination, provides a fascinating look into ancient history through its archaeological remnants.
Are there designated walking routes or trails in Wickwar?
Yes, the Wickwar environmental action group (WEAG) and Inglestone Design have developed two walking trail maps, available in short and long routes, highlighting historical and natural sites within Wickwar and the local countryside. Additionally, Lower Woods Nature Reserve has three way-marked walking routes.
What kind of views can I expect from the monuments near Wickwar?
Both the William Tyndale Monument and the Somerset Monument offer magnificent panoramic views over the surrounding landscape, including parts of the Cotswolds and the wider Gloucestershire countryside. The climb to the top of these monuments is well worth the effort for the vistas.
Most popular attractions around Wickwar
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