This site was produced by: LOCAL AUTHORITY PUBLISHING
Publishers for local authorities throughout Great Britain. View more Official Guides at www.officialguides.co.uk

Whether you are paying a brief visit to Devizes or intend to stay a little longer, we hope you find this guide both useful and informative and that it helps you to enjoy your visit even more.

If you only have a short time in Devizes, why not use the guide to follow our short tour of the town (page 20) it includes many of the principal sights, and will give you an insight into the rich history and culture of the town. There is a map on pages 32 and 33 to help you navigate. If you plan to stay a little longer, then the guide can be used as a reference point to explore not only the town itself but also the surrounding area.

Situated in the Vale of Pewsey, Devizes is a market town with a population of around 12,500. The precise origins of the town are not known, although some say it was founded by Dunwallo, a pre-Roman British king. One thing is sure; there is plenty of archaeological and documentary evidence allowing us to trace the town’s history through the ages to the present day. From Devizes Castle, built by Osmund Bishop of Salisbury in 1080, to the Wadworth brewery, a walk around the town will reveal the history of Devizes in its fine architectural heritage of more than 500 listed buildings.

Devizes is not only a fascinating place to visit, but also makes a great base from which to explore the whole area. Bath, Bristol, Salisbury and Winchester are all within easy reach by car, while the Avebury world heritage site with its ancient stone circle is just a few miles down the road. Alternatively, you can take a boat and glide through the beautiful Wiltshire countryside along the Kennet and Avon Canal. The canal passes through Devizes, and you’ll find a shop and fascinating canal museum at the Wharf.

Whether you intend to stay for a while or are just passing through, we hope you enjoy your time in our town.