7 of the most commonly mispronounced places in Wiltshire

Wiltshire is brimming with history, picturesque countryside, and popular filming locations, making it a favoured destination for tourists or those looking for a new home.

But getting around the area can be difficult if you can't pronounce the name of the local town or village correctly.

To help, we've compiled a list of the seven most commonly mispronounced place names in Wiltshire and how you say them correctly.

Lacock (pictured) is among the Wiltshire place names commonly mispronounced. (Image: Tripadvisor)

7 of the most commonly mispronounced place names in Wiltshire

Biddestone

The village of Biddestone is located near Corsham in northwest Wiltshire and is part of the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It is often confused with Biddesden, with both being named after the Bidde family.

The correct pronunciation for this Wiltshire village is 'Bidder-stun'.

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Calne

Calne is situated between Chippenham and Marlborough and has a population of around 20,000 residents.

The small town is brimming with history, with it dating back to 978 AD, according to Visit Wiltshire.

The correct pronunciation for the town is 'Kahn', rhyming with 'barn'.

Clyffe Pypard

Clyffe Pypard is a small rural village seven miles south of Swindon, known for its "tranquil" countryside and historic architecture.

The correct pronunciation, confirmed by Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, is 'Cliff pip-ard'.

Etchilhampton

Etchilhampton is a small village east of Devizes, and its name is famously tricky for visitors to pronounce.

Even though locals may sometimes say "Eyeshalton", the official pronunciation is "Ashleton" (ASH-ul-ton).

Etchilhampton Hill is a famous hotspot for crop circles. (Image: Getty Images)

Lacock

Lacock is located just south of Chippenham, about a half-hour drive from Swindon.

It is described by the National Trust as a "quintessential English village" complete with timber-framed cottages and local shops, meaning it still looks the same as 200 years ago, even today.

It is also well known as the set for various movies and TV shows, including Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and The Other Boleyn Girl.

While many visitors pronounce Lacock with a French accent, this is incorrect.

The correct pronunciation is 'Lay-cock'.

Mildenhall

Mildenhall, in Wiltshire is located near Marlborough - but is not to be confused with its Suffolk namesake, which is famously home to major US Air Force base, RAF Mildenhall.

Looking at the spelling, you may think the market town should be pronounced  ‘Mil-den-hall’.

But you would be mistaken, as the correct pronunciation is 'my-nall'.

Minety

Minety, split into Upper and Lower Minety, is another one that looks deceptively simple until you have to say it out loud.

Locals say it should be pronounced 'my-ne-tee'.

Minety means ‘the island where the mint grows’.

Are there any other place names in Wiltshire you struggle to pronounce? Let us know in the comments below.