Located in the very centre of Wiltshire, Devizes is a historic market town surrounded by pretty countryside. Stay for a weekend or longer - whatever time of year you visit, there’s plenty to see and do. You might like to plan your visit to coincide with one of the annual events organised by Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts; there’s an international street festival in the spring, Devizes carnival in the summer, as well as the extremely popular Confetti Battle, and a festival of winter ales in November.
Ready to start planning? Here are our recommendations for what to do during a weekend getaway in Devizes…
Saturday morning
Begin your weekend away in Devizes by exploring the town on Saturday morning. There's the large market place to look around, surrounded by enticing independent shops, with a farmers and artisan market on the first Saturday of the month. Then take a stroll around the surrounding streets to see the town's architectural heritage. There are over 500 listed buildings in Devizes, from cute cottages to the industrial Wadworth Brewery building which presides over the town. Beer has been made at Wadworth since 1875 by generations of skilled brewers. Pop into the shop or tap room to pick up some of this local tipple to enjoy later in the weekend or to take home with you.
During your walk around town, you’re also likely to come across Wiltshire Museum, home to the best Bronze Age archaeology collection in Britain. Here you can find out about the fascinating history of Wiltshire and its people over the last 6,000 years, including the stories of the people who built and used the ancient standing stone circles at Stonehenge and Avebury.
Saturday afternoon
Pop into one of Devizes’ independent cafes or pubs for a spot of lunch before enjoying an afternoon activity. There are lots of hands-on activities you can try in the town or nearby. Explore the canal with a trip on the Kenavon Venture boat from the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust's headquarters at Devizes Wharf. Or enjoy a cycle ride along the towpath, or a spot of fishing if you prefer. For foodies, Vaughan’s Cookery School just outside the town run cookery classes throughout the year, from breadmaking to chocolate crafting, with options for both adults and children. And finally, Sleight Valley Golf Driving Range is the place to be if you're a fan of golf, with practice opportunities, tuition options from PGA Professionals, and crazy golf for the children.
Saturday evening
As the day draws towards an end, its time to enjoy an evening meal and a good night’s rest. There are lots of pubs and restaurants to choose from in Devizes where you can sit down to a hearty meal accompanied by a glass of local Wadworth beer. Or if you are staying at a self-catering accommodation option, perhaps you will prefer to cook up a storm for yourself with fresh local produce bought earlier in the day at the market. For your overnight stay, Cliffe Farm Dairy and Copse Cottage both offer homely self-catering accommodation a short drive from Devizes itself, while Mill farm Glamping has luxury canvas lodges or a spectacular treehouse to choose from.
Sunday morning
Sunday morning is the perfect time to clear your head and stretch your legs with a refreshing country walk. Head out of Devizes into the surrounding countryside to explore timeless Wiltshire landscapes with far-reaching views. One of the easiest walking options takes you west along the canal towpath to the spectacular Caen Hill Locks, a ‘staircase’ of locks that lifts the canal up and over the steep hillside. The Kennet and Avon Canal, looked after by the Canal & River Trust, continues west all the way to Bristol or East to Reading, so you can plot a route for whatever length of walk you feel like. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like herons and kingfishers as you follow the towpath.
Sunday afternoon
After a long walk in the morning, you will have surely worked up an appetite for a traditional Sunday Roast at one of Devizes’ many pubs. After that, its time to say goodbye to Devizes – for now. We're sure you'll want to come back again for another visit soon!
Why not pop in to one of Wiltshire’s other attractions on your way home? The fascinating stone circles at Stonehenge and Avebury are both a short drive away, and the traditional, original town of Salisbury is less than an hour’s drive. Or you can take a trip to the pretty national trust village of Lacock, to the North West of the town, or head East to explore the tranquil landscapes of the Vale of Pewsey. Take a look at the many other things to do in Wiltshire for more inspiration.
We hope you enjoy your trip to Devizes. For more ideas for a short holiday here in Wiltshire, take a look at these options:
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