Market town is 'best kept secret' and regularly voted one of UK's favourites

31 December 2023 , 19:23

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It's also an ideal base to explore the surrounding countryside either on foot, cycle, by car, or by water. (Image: Getty Images)

The market town of Devizes in Wiltshire has been described as the West Country's "best kept secret." With many independent shops and plenty of scenic routes, it's one of the "best places to visit" according to The London Economic.

A medieval market town just sixteen miles from Stonehenge, it's complete with "epic landscapes, rolling hills and tranquil canals." 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.

It is intersected by the Kennet & Avon canal, complete with exciting footpaths for visiters to explore the amazing Caen Hill Locks. A total of 29 Victorian locks raise the canal from the valley basin, up to Devizes town centre.

It's also an ideal base to explore the surrounding countryside either on foot, cycle, by car, or by water. It also boasts its local landmark - beer brewing - since 1875. 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 (Western Daily Press)

According to The Express, the market 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. If you want 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.

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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.

Hanisha Sethi