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The Artisan Quarter Today
The Artisan Quarter is anchored by quirky independents that work alongside national chains, located in Hathaway Park, a Premier Inn and supermarket. It is a vibrant area where its ‘high street’ includes essential services and it is denoted by the historic Brunel Arches. As a main northern thoroughfare it is the gateway to the other town centre Quarters and a place where Chippenham’s unique offer can be found adjacent to the busy train and transport intersection.
The Artisan Quarter
town history & information
The Artisan Quarter
The Artisan Quarter is Chippenham’s creative gateway, framed by Brunel’s iconic railway arches and steeped in the town’s foundry heritage. Today, it’s a lively mix of independent shops, quirky services and buzzing music venues like the Old Road Tavern and Cousin Norman’s. With pubs, cafés, and cultural spaces dotted along New Road, Old Road and Union Road, the quarter offers a vibrant, grassroots experience for locals and visitors alike.
Artisan Quarter History
Home to Brunel’s famous railway arches and with roots in Chippenham’s foundry and engineering heritage, this area has long been a gateway into the town. Once lined with traders, craftsmen and small industries along New Road, Old Road and Union Road, it grew into a lively hub of work and community life. The spirit of making and creativity that defined its past still shapes the Artisan Quarter today with access across the mainline railway bridge toward the town centre and Wiltshire College.
A Vibrant Mix
This area has a vibrant mix of independent shops, quirky services and cultural hotspots where music lovers can enjoy performances at the much-loved Old Road Tavern, discover fresh talent at the new Ruzs, sample unique dishes at Cousin Norms and discover an artisan bread shop by the side of the main railway line. With its blend of retailers, pubs, & arts spaces, the Quarter offers an authentic & creative experience for both visitors and locals.
This is also where you will find the popular independent Pet shop and the towns Cinema
A Unique Place to visit
Traversed by one of the busiest principal routes in the town the Artisan Quarter affords quirky independent shops, a large national Preloved Shop and a Post Office to one side, with many services opposite affording access to quality hairdressing, health and beauty salons, a vibrant nusery school, opticians and dentists alongside Hathaway social prescribing rooms and Moose Hall therapy studio.
All this with access through the historic Brunel Arches into the other areas of the town centre with the river avon and parks running through.
Shops & Services
The Artisan Quarter is home to quirky independents, essential services and creative outlets. From vintage shops and specialist stores along Old Road and New Road to music venues and pubs, it’s an area where community and commerce meet. Workspaces are also emerging, with cafés and pubs doubling as informal co-working spots.
Art & Culture
This is Chippenham’s grassroots cultural hub, anchored by the Old Road Tavern and Cousin Norman’s, which both host regular live music and community events. Street art, independent makers and small businesses give the quarter a vibrant, creative energy.
Green Spaces
The Artisan Quarter is home to John Coles Park, often described as the jewel in Chippenham’s crown. With its bandstand, play areas, splash pad, formal gardens and leafy walks, it’s a focal point for community life and events throughout the year. The quarter also links into riverside paths and cycleways, connecting green corridors across the town.
Transport, Accommodation & Event Venues
Situated near the railway arches and pedestrian bridge, the quarter is easily accessed on foot from the station and town centre. The Old Road Tavern doubles as an events venue, while accommodation includes the large Travelodge Hotel at Hathaway Retail Park, offering affordable stays close to shops, restaurants and road links.
