Malmesbury – has been called the “queen of hilltop towns”, being England’s oldest borough with a rich history of over 1,000 years. Set on a hill, circled by the river Avon, the imposing Norman Abbey dominates the skyline. In the 7th century St Aldhelm founded a monastery, which became a place of pilgrimage and learning. Athelstan, first King of England, made the town his capital in the 10th century. The Walker’s Guide to the Town introduces you to the historical sites in the town – the 15th century Market Cross, the Old Courtrooms and Almshouses, narrow medieval streets, quaint alleyways and the river walk, including amusing tales of the town’s colourful past and personalities. Well worth a visit are the Abbey House Gardens of which Alan Titchmarsh said, “the WOW factor is here in abundance.” Even more so if you visit on a hot day when the owners might just be gardening in the buff.