Devizes campsites

Being a historic market town there must be a market... Drop by on a Thursday for what remains of the old markets and grab a bargain from the fruit and vegetable stalls. Other stalls include the charming Olives & Stuff, various arts, crafts and fabric stalls, plus a highly regarded butchers and fishmongers.

The Kennet & Avon Canal has awesome examples of canal engineering. The 16 locks that form the steepest part of the flight at Caen Hill are not only a scheduled ancient monument, they are an Olympic sized challenge every boater must do.

But you don’t have to be a boater to appreciate this beautiful waterway. Visit the welcome boat, The Admiral, for activity sheets on pond dipping, local walks and information and stories about the locks before taking a stroll over to the Diamond Jubilee Wood.

Caen Hill Diamond Jubilee Wood is one of 60 new woods planted in 2012 around the country to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and her 60 years on the throne.  Maybe eat at one of the picnic benches and take in the scenery from the viewpoint. Look westwards over the Wiltshire landscape, reflect on the beauty of the countryside and enjoy the sunset if you visit in the evening. The viewpoint is next to the Caen Hill visitor’s carpark and is easily reached by people who find walking a challenge.

Leave no stone unturned on the Devizes Treasure Hunt Trail. It’s a way to see the local area in a totally new light while hunting down fabulous (fictional) treasure. Your guide on this quest comes in the form of a map. It’s stuffed to the brim with top tips which will guide you along the way, particularly when it comes to sniffing out clues hidden on statues, signposts and landmarks.

Perhaps you’re looking for history, tied in with wildlife... Drews Pond Wood Local Nature Reserve has loads of things to see and discover, with a network of pathways through woodland that has plenty of different trees to spot, including mighty oaks and tall pines. There is a lovely pond that is usually brimming with ducks and other wildfowl. And there’s also plenty of birds and mammals for the kids to look out for, including bats, buzzards and badgers. They might even see a long-eared owl.

If after all that you need a stiff drink, you can take a tour of the Wadworth Brewery. The active brewery still delivers draughts by Shire horse, and tasting tours are available from the visitor’s centre.

Looking for a day out with a difference, look no further than Wessex Carriage Driving. A great way to explore the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, as a pair of Welsh chestnut cobs, Blush, and her partner Gwillim pull you along. They are very well trained and constantly schooled to be confident and safe wherever they take you. The carriage is a country wagonette, which has comfy upholstery and is built with traditional looks.

Finally, The Wiltshire Museum where you can see gold from the time of Stonehenge! Wiltshire Museum is home to the best Bronze Age archaeology collection in Britain. Explore the galleries, see the outstanding collections and find out more about the fascinating history of Wiltshire and its people over the last 6,000 years.

Devizes is not only a fascinating place to visit, but also makes a great base from which to explore the whole area as it is only a few miles away from the iconic sites of Stonehenge and Avebury and tranquil walking and cycling in the Vale of Pewsey.