Devizes & Wiltshire's Local Attractions
Devizes is a charming historic market town in Wiltshire. It has nearly five hundred listed buildings and a large open green at the heart of the town. A market is still held once a week and the town centre is home to coffee shops, pubs, restaurants and many independent shops.
You can find out more about Devizes on the Official Devizes website
Some highlights of the local area are listed below:
Wadworth Brewery
Wadworth is an independent brewery that was founded in 1875 in Devizes. They are very well known for their 6X beer and their famous shire horses still make daily deliveries in town. The Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre offers tours of the brewery and samples of their ales.
Link: Wadworth Visitor Centre
Wiltshire Heritage Museum
Located in Devizes, the Wiltshire Heritage Museum maintains a collection covering the archaeology, art, history and natural history of Wiltshire. Among the prehistoric collections are items from the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.
Caen Hill Flight of Locks
Caen Hill Locks are a flight of locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal, between Rowde and Devizes, consisting of 29 locks that rise 237 feet in 2 miles, taking a boat 5 - 6 hours to navigate.
More information: Caen Hill Locks - Visit Wiltshire Website
Kennet & Avon Canal
The Kennet and Avon Canal stretches a length of 87 miles from Bristol to the River Thames, passing through towns such as Devizes and Bath on its way. There are many pleasant walks along the canal.
Link: The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust
Canal Walks: Walking along the Kennet & Avon Canal
Avebury
Avebury is a Neolithic henge monument containing three stone circles. A World Heritage Site which is located around the pretty village of Avebury. 15 - 20 minutes drive from Devizes.
Avebury Manor and Gardens
Featured in the recent BBC documentary 'The Manor Reborn', Avebury Manor and Gardens is only 15-20 minutes drive away from Devizes. The 450 year old Grade 1 listed Manor has undergone an amazing, historic, six month makeover. Doors reopen on 11 February 2012
Link: Avebury - National Trust Website
More info: The BBC at Avebury Manor
Stonehenge
The stone circles at Stonehenge are a World Heritage Site and will provide an unforgettable day out. Located near Salisbury in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, it is a highlight of the South West.
Longleat - House, Safari & Adventure Park
Featuring something for all of family, Longleat offers many attractions, including a drive-through safari park, an extensive adventure playground and the stately home is a fine example of Elizabethan architecture.
Link: Longleat Website
Stourhead
Stourhead is a world-famous Palladian mansion that features one of the world's finest landscape gardens. Situated around an hours drive away from Devizes it is well worth a day trip.
Bath
Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the City of Bath offers fine architecture, museums and interesting boutique shops. Highlights include The Royal Crescent, The Cirucs and the Royal Baths.
Link: Bath Tourist Information
Castle Combe
Often described as the 'prettiest village in England', Castle Combe is a small village with a huge amount of charm. It has many fine buildings including a medieval church and a 14th century market cross. A 45 minute drive from Devizes.
Glastonbury
Glastonbury is an ancient market town whose high street is now filled with alternative bookshops and crystal emporiums. Glastonbury Abbey is set in 37 acres of beautifully peaceful parkland in the town centre and the Tor provides stunning views over the surrounding countryside
Link: Glastonbury Online
More info: Glastonbury Tor
Malmesbury Abbey
Malmesbury Abbey was founded around 676 and is one of the few abbey buildings to survive the dissolution of the monasteries. Situated in the small market town of Malmesbury, which is located on the northern borders of Wiltshire, about a 50 minute drive from Devizes.
Link: Malmesbury Abbey Website
Salisbury
Salisbury is known as 'the city in the countryside' and offers many attractions including the UK's finest medieval cathedral. Explore the historic streets, alleys and timber-framed buildings. About a hour from Devizes.
Wells
Wells is a medieval city nestling on the southern side of the Mendip Hills, it is England's smallest City - qualifying as a city due to the famous 14th century Cathedral. Just over a hours drive away from Devizes.
