The history of Wootton Bassett goes back at least to the 7th century and it became a chartered market town in 1219 under the grant of Henry III. The wide High Street was once the venue for livestock markets and hiring fairs for the locality.

The most striking building in the town is the 17th century, half-timbered old Town Hall, standing on a platform of stone pillars. It is now home to the town museum, which displays a collection of photographs depicting local life through the 19th and 20th centuries. Also on show are an unusual 17th century ducking-stool, the town whipping post, items of armour, silver maces and the Mayor's sword of office.

At Templars Firs there is access to a stretch of the redundant Wilts & Berks Canal, still in water. This section of the canal is currently under development by the local branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust. There has been good progress already on locks and spillweirs on this section and work is ongoing with the dedicated efforts of Trust volunteers. The hope is that the canal will eventually be restored to join up again with the Thames at Abingdon, the Thames & Severn Canal at Eisey and the Kennett & Avon Canal at Semington.

Created by the damming of the Thunder Brook around the time of the First World War, Jubilee Lake now boasts wetland habitats, ancient woodlands and grass areas and is a designated Nature Reserve. It is a natural habitat for a variety of birds, butterflies, ancient trees and wild flowers providing a peaceful setting for anglers and walkers. It has recently undergone extensive work to strengthen the dam and to improve the setting, with over 2000 trees planted.