Calne is a historic market town in Wiltshire situated in the valley of the River Marden. The settlement has Saxon origins and developed as an important market and agricultural centre, with the wool and bacon industries contributing significantly to its later prosperity.
Calne: Historical sights and information
Facts about Calne
- Latitude:
- 51.438628
- Longitude:
- -2.005087
- GPS Coordinates:
- 51°26' N, 02°00' W
The historical and tourist significance of the town
Calne's historic centre contains buildings from several periods, including attractive Georgian properties associated with the town's eighteenth- and nineteenth-century prosperity. The town is also closely associated with the Harris family and the famous Wiltshire bacon industry that operated in Calne for generations.
The surrounding countryside provides excellent opportunities for walking, cycling and wildlife watching. Nearby attractions include Bowood House and Gardens, Avebury, Lacock Abbey and the North Wessex Downs, while the prehistoric landscape around Avebury provides a major cultural attraction.
Food and shopping
Calne has cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs, bakeries, delis, farm shops, supermarkets and independent retailers. Wiltshire produce, including cheeses, meats, breads, ciders and seasonal farm products, features strongly in the local food culture. Spring through autumn is particularly suitable for exploring Bowood, the surrounding countryside and prehistoric sites, while Calne's historic centre provides year-round shopping and hospitality.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Calne.