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Industrial Heritage

Caen Hill Locks, Kennet & Avon Canal, Devizes. Photo: David WilliamsKennet & Avon Canal
There’s lots for families to see and do around the Kennet & Avon Canal. Stretching from Reading to Bristol and taking in scenic countryside, charming towns and villages and all the character of the waterways in between, the waterway offers a wealth of entertainment on Wiltshire’s doorstep. Visit British Waterways’ leisure website at www.waterscape.com to find out about walking routes, wildlife watching and key canal-side sites. With boat trips, museums, tea rooms, canoe and cycle hire, waterside pubs, restaurants, cafés and much more, it’s the perfect place to start your family day out. 2010 is the bicentenary of the Kennet & Avon Canal. There are lots of celebratory events going on including walking days, canal-side fun days and historical re-enactments. Find out more at www.waterscape.com/k&a200.

STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
STEAM is a great day out for the whole family! Follow the amazing story of the Great Western Railway through lots of imaginative displays and plenty of hands-on exhibits. Climb aboard famous locomotives, be a signalman or an engine driver for the day, have a go at putting a locomotive together or maybe build a bridge and shunt wagons. There’s plenty to do for all ages here! Under 3s go free. The award-winning displays are open every day, all year round except 25-26 December and 1 January. There is also a busy events programme, including a Day out with Thomas, 22-23 May 2010 and the Great Western LEGO Show, 2-3 October.  See www.swindon.gov.uk/steam for full details. Plus, travel with First Great Western and save on admission to STEAM. Simply purchase a ‘Combined Rail and Admission’ ticket from any First Great Western station. More details and terms and conditions are available on the First Great Western website:  www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk

The Great Western Railway was created 175 years ago in 1835. From humble beginnings it grew to be one of the largest and most well known railway companies in the world with a network stretching from London to Penzance, to South Wales and to Liverpool. 2010 marks the 175th anniversary of the creation of the Great Western Railway. A series of special events will take place across the region to celebrate this milestone in railway history. For more information visit www.gwr175.net

Swindon and Cricklade RailwaySwindon and Cricklade Railway 
Wiltshire's only standard gauge Heritage railway, the Swindon & Cricklade Railway offers the chance to see and experience our great industrial heritage, with both steam and diesel trains (depending on the day). Featuring Santa Specials, Halloween Specials, Easter Egg specials, and an August bank holiday treasure hunt, these themed events are aimed at families, alongside the many other events run by the railway. Please call (01793 771615), or refer to our website (www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org)

Wilton WindmillWilton Windmill
Explore the history and workings of a Victorian windmill.  Spectacular views over the Wiltshire countryside.  Open Sundays and Bank Holiday from 2pm to 5pm to the end of September for guided tours - children are free.  Refreshments available at the shop or bring your own and use the picnic area.