Sign of the Angel, Wiltshire

Overview

Nestled in the timeless village of Lacock, the Sign of the Angel is a quintessential countryside inn. One of the architectural gems in the National Trust owned village, the timber framed inn on Church Street is a 15th-century wool merchant's house and former coaching inn.

The inn retains the impressive original doorway and medieval layout, exuding historic charm with heavy beams, creaking floors, huge stone fireplaces, heavy oak furniture and ancient latch doors. Its rich history is emphasised by the village of Lacock itself, with its twisting streets, packed with attractive buildings from the 15th to 18th-centuries, possessing all the character and atmosphere of medieval England.

With traditional pubs in the village and several tearooms to serve Lacock's tourists, the inn boasts a more refined dining experience, operating more as a restaurant with rooms rather than a pub. Push open the vast oak door to find logs glowing in grates, flickering candles on old dining tables, rugs on stone floors and heritage hues on freshly plastered walls throughout the three dining rooms. The atmosphere is still relaxed and informal with a great seasonal lunch menu, and there are five cosy beamed rooms to choose from upstairs.

The inn and historic location were very special. The room was so full of character, and the bed and facilities very comfortable. The whole team were very friendly too.

Cath - Sunday Times Competition Winner

Rooms from

5 Doubles: £110

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Alfresco & private dining
Parking available
£15 dog stay charge

Dog-friendly
Dogs are welcome in one of the dining rooms at lunch and dinner, and overnight in all the bedrooms.

A touch of culture
With Lacock village not only being a medieval gem, but also being the setting for plenty of famous films, culture lovers are spoilt for choice.

No car needed
A taxi from Chippenham station is only 11 minutes - so Lacock is easy to explore by foot.

Scenic and serene
The secluded streamside garden to the rear of the inn provides a peaceful haven and is perfect for lazy summer lunches and afternoon teas away from the hordes.

Rooms

Venture up the winding staircase to reach the five first floor bedrooms where wall timbers, wonky floors and exposed beams abound and little has changed over the centuries.

Each bedroom evokes plenty of period character and charm, beautifully furnished with bespoke finds and period pieces from auctions and antique shops. Expect antique lamps on oak chests, rustic painted bedside tables, upholstered easy chairs, original fireplaces, and traditional prints and paintings.

Beds are super comfortable, topped with quality linen and down and wool blankets. Detail touches include plush cushions, pottery mugs, jugs of fresh flowers, and plenty of books and magazines. Modern tiled bathrooms have been imaginatively squeezed in as planning allows. The gorgeous panelled residents lounge has been beautifully refurbished, with rugs on wooden floors, deep sofas and smart upholstered chair and a stone fireplace, and offers space to relax over afternoon tea or evening drinks.

Restaurant & bar

The kitchen team create interesting and varied menus, sourcing quality ingredients from a network of top local suppliers and artisan producers.

Imaginative cooking skills sets the inn apart from the tourist trail eateries in the village, appealing to more discerning visitors who wish linger longer over lunch and dinner. At lunch, indulge in the great value lunch with plenty of sophisitcated fare - alternatively, tuck into upmarket sandwiches and ciabattas and pub classics with a twist.

Cooking moves up a gear in the evenings, the short, well-balanced menu evolves with the seasons and the choice is enhanced by daily specials at each course. Kick off, perhaps, with scallops with smoked butternut puree, bacon, and chilli and anchovie butter; follow with pork tenderloin with smoked apple and sage risotto and cider cream; and finish with apple and summer berry crumble with coconut custard.

Things to do

Spend some time getting to know the stunning Saxon village of Lacock, which has changed little since the Middle Ages. Preserved by the National Trust, Lacock's stone cottages and narrow streets are regularly visited by film and television crews and looking round, you can understand why. Harry Potter and Cranford have been filmed here, among many familiar productions and adaptations. While in the village, take a look at Lacock Abbey and the Fox Talbot Museum of photography.

Acknowledged by historians as one of Europe's most important Neolithic sites, Avebury is one of numerous ancient landmarks found within the Wessex region. It's fascinating to stroll among these brooding standing stones, which make up one of the largest remaining henge monuments.

Bowood House lies within easy reach of Corsham, Chippenham and Calne. As well as the house, which includes collections of heirlooms, porcelain and paintings, there are pretty terraced gardens and a lake. Expect, too, a gift shop, garden centre, licensed restaurant and tea room.