📷 Photo by martin fenton on Unsplash
This small village sits just a few miles southwest of Chippenham, right at the edge of the Cotswolds where Wiltshire begins.
Gastard itself is understated and rural, with traditional stone cottages and farmland that give you a genuine sense of how the Cotswolds have looked for centuries. You're surrounded by the characteristic honey-colored stone countryside that defines the region.
What makes Gastard work well is its location. Corsham, just a short drive away, is a proper working town with genuine character. Corsham Court there is worth spending time in, with its impressive fine art collection and grounds. The Bath Stone quarries that shaped this landscape are still visible in the local architecture and geology. Bath itself is only eight miles away, which means you can use Gastard as a quieter base for exploring that Georgian city without staying in the thick of things.
The countryside around here is excellent for walking, and you're positioned well between Bristol and the broader Cotswolds. It works particularly well as a peaceful stopping point if you're traveling between those areas, or as a rural retreat from busier tourist routes. You experience the real rhythm of the Cotswolds here rather than just passing through. You're close enough to major attractions to visit them easily, but far enough away that you avoid the crowds you'd encounter staying directly in them.
Visitor reviews
Every review has a sheep rating. If you have dogs on your account, you can add an optional dog-friendly paw rating when you post.
