The beautiful little town which seems to be on lists of England’s prettiest market towns | Travel News | Travel

Described as the West Country’s “best kept secret”, the market town of Devizes in Wiltshire is home to ample independent shops and plenty of scenic walking routes – all enhanced by a friendly atmosphere.

Devizes is a medieval market town in the centre of Wiltshire just north of Salisbury Plain, and 16 miles from Stonehenge. The London Economic labelled Devizes as one of the “best places to visit” in 2021 for its “epic landscapes, rolling hills and tranquil canals.”

Devizes is intersected by the Kennet & Avon canal, which contains well-maintained footpaths for visitors to explore the amazing Caen Hill Locks. A total of 29 victorian locks, all in a row, raise the canal from the valley basin, up to Devizes town centre. 

The town centre is a bustling hive of activity with more than 500 listed buildings, and the town is a frequent Gold winner of South West in Bloom. It even holds a Coach Friendly Town status.

Conveniently and centrally located in the county, it is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding countryside either on foot, cycle, by car, or by water.

The town is named after the Latin ‘ad devizas’ meaning ‘at the boundaries’. The Norman castle was built by Osmund Bishop of Salisbury in 1080 at the boundary of three Saxon parishes.

To learn more about the story of Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site you can visit the nearby Wiltshire Museum which has award-winning galleries.

Wadworth has been brewing beer in the market town of Devizes, in Wiltshire, since 1875 and the brewer is local landmark. The site offers tours to visitors lasting around 2 hours which involve sampling various delicious ales.

The town hosts plenty of festivals and events throughout the year including food and drink festivals and arts and crafts fairs, many of which support independent suppliers.

Home to 19,472 residents, according to the 2021 Census, there is plenty to explore and Devizes is seen as the focal hub for the surrounding villages of All Cannings, Bishops Cannings, Bromham and Cheverell Magna.