Devizes offers several distinct interests to explore during a stay: the dimensions of the Caen Hill flight of locks, local culture, Wadworth brewery tours and a circular walk to Roundway Hill. These themes do not automatically add up to a set day-by-day itinerary. Rather, they help you decide what to focus on: technical history, museums and theatre, tastings, a specific event date or a walking route. When choosing a hotel in Devizes, it makes sense to first decide on the reason for your trip and, if applicable, the dates; this way, your search reflects the stay you have planned rather than a preset itinerary.
Caen Hill: dimensions of the flight of locks
The Caen Hill flight comprises a total of 29 locks and rises 237 feet over two miles, with a gradient of 1:44. Together, the number of locks, distance, elevation change and gradient provide a specific technical measure of the entire flight. This should be distinguished from the 16 locks at Caen Hill, which form the steepest section of the Devizes flight; these 16 locks are designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Thus, two levels sit side by side: the dimensions of the entire Caen Hill flight and the particularly steep section with its designated status.
Local history and culture
The Wiltshire Museum has been based in Devizes since 1874. Wadworth was founded in Devizes, Wiltshire, in 1875. The dates are only one year apart, but have different meanings: 1874 marks how long the museum has been in Devizes, while 1875 is the year Wadworth was founded in the same town. Together, they present two dated aspects of the town’s history. The Wharf Theatre is only a few minutes from the town centre and adds another cultural venue to these historical themes.
Brewery tours and food and drink events
Wadworth brewery tours take place at the Folly Road Brewhouse in Devizes. Tastings include six Wadworth Traditional Ales and Folly Road Craft Beers. The selection and booking details may change; check both for the date you have in mind. The Devizes Food and Drink Festival is a volunteer-organised event featuring special food and drink experiences in Devizes. Its programme depends on the dates. If the festival is the reason for your trip, plan around the specific event dates.
Circular walk and choosing your trip
A circular walk runs from Devizes to Roundway Hill and along sections of the Kennet & Avon Canal. This makes it clearly distinct from a visit focused on Caen Hill: here, the route, destination and canal sections provide the focus, while there the focus is on the dimensions of the flight of locks. If you would rather focus on a route than on a single subject, you can treat the circular walk as a separate part of your trip. The two options answer different planning questions: would you like to choose a circuit to Roundway Hill that includes sections of the canal, or focus on the lock flight and its technical dimensions?
Discover more destinations: Chilmark, Stanton Saint Quintin, Downton, Bradford On Avon, Tytherton Lucas, Hindon, Manningford Abbots, Lyneham
For the broader travel overview: Wiltshire.
