Devizes is a Market town situated in the centre of Wiltshire. It has a great deal of character and plenty for visitors to do in and around the area.
The Wharf Devizes
The Wharf is the home of the Canal Centre and shop run by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust. There is a small cafe there for light refreshments Boat trips can be accessed here on Sundays and weekdays in the summer season. A peaceful trip to enjoy with family and friends. It is busy here each Easter with the start of the annual Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race.
Caen Hill Locks
To the west of Devizes you will find the start of the 29 locks which have a rise of 237 feet in 2 miles. leading up into the town of Devizes. This flight of locks was engineer John Rennie’s solution to climbing the very steep hill, and was the last part of the 87 mile route of the canal to be completed. The towpath alongside the canal is an ideal place for walking, cycling, even running. There is a small cafe in the old Lock Keeper’s Cottage.
Wiltshire Heritage Museum
You can explore the Museum which has outstanding collections that trace the fascinating history of Wiltshire, its environment and its people over the last 6,000 years. The displays feature collections excavated from the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. There are also regular talks and events for the whole family.
Wadworth’s Visitor Centre
A centre where you can sample the delights of beers and discover the history and heritage of Wadworth Brewery in the Visitor Centre. Here you can book a tour, purchase some of the Wadworth brand souvenirs, or book and take part in a Brewery Tour.
Avebury Stone Circle
Take a trip to the east of Devizes to the World Heritage Site of Avebury. This National Trust site is a place where you can take long slow walks, take part in a Heritage guided walk around the Stone Circle or stroll around the Manor gardens. You can also venture out to the surrounding Silbury Hill, West Kennet Long Barrow and Ridgeway Path if you prefer a little more serious walking. The village also has a cafe, shops and pub along with the Alexander Keiller Museum, the Great Barn and plenty of space to explore. Suitable for the whole family.
Lacock
This National Trust village is around 10 miles to the north of Devizes. It is an ideal location to spend a day exploring its courtyards and village streets. It has often been the backdrop for a film or TV drama. There are many areas worth exploring including the Abbey and grounds, the Fox-Talbot Museum, craft shops, pubs and cafes, and the lovely village street scene. The village and Abbey also host events, such as the scarecrow festival, village fair, musical events in the Abbey and grounds.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, about 2 miles west of Amesbury and 14 miles south of Devizes. One of the most famous sites in the world, Stonehenge is the remains of a ring of standing stones set within earthworks. An English Heritage site which is worth a visit.
Exploring Around Devizes
Devizes is surrounded by rolling countryside where it is possible to explore on foot, by bike or even horse. As well as the Sustrans Route 4 there is the Ridgeway nearby, the Roundway Hill and Oliver’s Castle area, the White Horse Trail and the Quiet Lanes around the Pewsey Vale.
Devizes History and Town Trail
Devizes is full of buildings of historic importance. There are Blue Plaques on many buildings. The Devizes Town Trail, is a local publication which will help any visitor to explore the town’s history. The book is illustrated throughout and suggests a walk which takes in some of the finest buildings.
