Buildings overlooking the Crammer, Devizes

Devizes is just six miles from our base in Melksham, and a popular destination for a light summer evening.

(See also Melksham, Avebury, Cherhill, Bradford, Bathampton, Larkhill, Villagechurches Honey Street and Westbury)

The name "Devizes" means "at the division point" I am told, and indeed Devizes is where the Diocese of Salisbury, Gloucester, and Bath and Wells meet. It's an upland market town - the highest in Wiltshire - and it retains a old world quaintness encouraged by some excellent building preservation in the Market Square.

The Village Green (or should we call it the town green?) is home of a pond known as The Crammer where you'll see ducks, swans and Canada geese ... this is Moonraker territory, and the Moonraker Pub's just up the road from there

Map locator - Devizes


Church and Crammer, Devizes

The Kennet and Avon Canal climbs up Caen Hill just to the West of Devizes in a magnificent flight of 29 locks. If you fancy a 2 mile walk each way, park at the Three Magpies at Sells Green (see our Nearmelksham page) and walk up the flight to The Black Horse, or if you've got still more energy carry on to the Artichoke or one of the many town centre pubs. There's good beer to be had, as Devizes if home of Wadworth's brewery of 6X fame.


Caen Hill Locks Devizes

Devizes market square is surrounded by many historic building and it's a great place just to wander around in the evening if you're in to architecture. This view of the Market square will give you only the briefest idea of the welter of treasures.


Devizes Market Square


Devizes Market

The market itself is held in the Market Hall building several times a week

The towns of Calne , Bradford on Avon and Marlborough are also fascinating to walk around during the evening if you're on one of our public courses


Bus service 49; Trowbridge - Devizes - Swindon

The bus from Melksham runs up to Devizes, from where you can connect into the Swindon service

Overlooking Devizes is the flank of the Marlborough Downs; there, at Roundway Hill Covert (also known as Olivers Castle) a battle was fought during the English Civil War.


Olivers Castle, viewed from near Bromham

Twice a year, the Funfair comes to Devizes ...

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