Devizes

Situated in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, Devizes is an historic market town with a colourful medieval past. The town enjoys a rich heritage of fine Georgian houses and a 19th century castle built on the site of a Norman stronghold.

Devizes has boasted a castle for a thousand years, although the present building is of a more recent period and is privately owned. During the Middle Ages it was the scene of siege and bloodshed as Queen Matilda fought to keep her English crown.

A fascinating Medieval Trail leaflet chronicles these turbulent events and takes the visitor around the town to points of interest. And don't miss the Wiltshire Heritage Museum, home to outstanding collections tracing the history of Wiltshire over the last 6,000 years.

During the 17th century another mighty confrontation took place at Roundway Down, just outside the town, when Royalist forces soundly defeated Cromwell's troops. Today, colourful re-enactments can be enjoyed during the summer months.

When it comes to shopping and eating out Devizes has retained its individuality and offers enchanting cobbled alleyways with specialist retailers, cafes and traditional pubs. Markets abound, both outdoors in the Market Place (market day is Thursday) and indoors at The Shambles.

Wadworth's celebrated brewery remains in its original town location and their brewer's dray drawn by mighty Shire Horses is a regular and much-loved sight on the streets. Tours of the brewery are offered and a visitor centre is also on site.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of events throughout the year, including the Devizes Festival of arts in June, Devizes International Street Festival in late August, Devizes Carnival in early September, the colourful Food and Drink Festival in July and the Christmas Festival featuring a parade of hundreds of lanterns, held on the last Friday of November.

One of the UK’s most iconic canals, the Kennet & Avon canal passes through Devizes and the famous flight of 29 locks are easily accessible on foot.