STAYING IN OR OUT AND ABOUT?

Staying In

If you are not in hurry to explore you can just sit around and read that holiday novel, write some postcards or do some knitting in our lounge, set aside specifically for guests to use. There are even some books in the bookcase you might find useful – like the history of Devizes. Otherwise you might like to browse through our selection of tourist information leaflets or ask us for some ideas of visits you can make.

If you are travelling with friends you are welcome to meet up with them in the lounge here to plan the next part of your trip - we even provide a map book to help! We have a selection of printed routes to various local attractions and to further destinations.

On a warm summer evening you probably won’t want to stray much further than our own garden, where you can just sit and relax.

Out & About around Greenfields

A short walk down the garden takes you to our own gateway onto the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal, which links Bristol to London. Just behind Greenfields you will find a number of narrow boats moored at a small marina, along with passing boats tied up for the night, waiting to navigate the long flight of locks. The Caen Hill flight of locks is world-famous.

The Caen Hill Flight of Locks

The world-famous Caen Hill flight of locks is the most notable feature on this once-derelict waterway. The canal now thrives with the leisure craft you can see any day of the week.

The sixteen locks that make up the “staircase” form part of the 29 locks that take the canal through a rise of 237 feet. The record for negotiating these locks stands at around two and a half-hours! Holidaymakers take half a day at least.

Based around these locks are a number of walks that are not too taxing, but take in wonderful views. A simple walk along the towpath will allow you to experience a variety of wildlife from cygnets to herons, foxes and badgers. Alternatively you could just watch the fishermen watching their lines. Daily and weekly licences can be obtained locally if you want to fish.

Devizes

Devizes itself is an historic town, dating back to medieval times. The market is held in the centre of town every Thursday as it always has been. The museum is highly respected and specialises in ancient artefacts, of which there are many in Wiltshire. There are churches that date back through all eras and historic battlegrounds on the edge of town.

Out & About Further afield

Lacock

Lacock is a complete village owned by the National Trust and looks very much as it did centuries ago. Lacock Abbey is where Fox Talbot discovered the photographic negative process and is a delightful old property to visit. Walking the streets of Lacock you can almost hear the horses and carts of yesteryear. In fact you can occasionally see the village being used as a backdrop for filming such period programmes a Pride & Prejudice.

Stonehenge & Avebury

A visit to Wiltshire is incomplete without seeing either Stonehenge or Avebury. Stonehenge lies approx 30-minute drive to the South. These world-renowned standing stones remain a mystery.

Avebury village lies in the centre of an enormous circle of standing stones. Like Stonehenge these stones date back thousands of years into pre history. There are many stories surrounding Avebury stones, which come alive as you walk amidst them.


Bath

The Georgian city of Bath will take about 35 minutes to reach. Beautiful architecture, remains of Roman buildings, modern shopping of the highest quality and a lively atmosphere makes Bath a "must" to see. Open top buses are probably the best way to introduce yourself to Bath and we will be happy to suggest the best ones.

Salisbury

A pleasant drive, across Salisbury Plain, in the other direction takes you to the ancient city of Salisbury. The cathedral, located in a tranquil area near to the water meadows, boasts the tallest spire in England. It has a lively market right in the city centre twice a week and there are many pleasant walks in and around the city.

Stately Homes etc.

Longleat House, with its Wildlife Park and magnificent art collections, is only a forty-minute drive away. Bowood House and its wonderful gardens (especially the Rhododendrons in Spring) is even closer. Wilton House with its lived-in family atmosphere and antiques can be visited on the way to Salisbury.

Greenfields, Bath Road

Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 1QG

Tel: 01380 725706