OUT AND 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 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 2 ½ hours! Holidaymakers take half a day at least.

The infamous Devizes-Westminster Canoe Race is always at Easter time in April, and the Beer Festival is held the first Saturday in July annually.

DEVIZES

Devizes itself is an historic town, dating back to medieval times. The market is held in the centre of town every Thursday, and other Farmers/ European markets are held on frequent Saturdays throughout the year.

The Wadworth Northgate Brewery has a visitor centre and the world famous Wadworth Shire horses still deliver the beer to the local pubs in and around Devizes.

The Wiltshire Heritage Museum is highly respected and specialises in ancient artefacts, of which there are many in Wiltshire, free entry is on Monday.

Devizes has its own theatre - The Wharf which is situated on the wharf next to the Kennet and Avon Canal Visitor Centre which has a wealth of information on the canal. Canal Boats can be chartered from the Wharf on a daily or weekly basis.

The Crammer pond is widely believed to be the source of the "Moonraker" legend that gives the name "Moonrakers" to the locals. There are churches that date back through all eras and the historic Roundway Hill battleground has a Biannual festival.

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 the village is very used to being part of backdrops to Victorian filmsets, on a regular basis.

A local building archive expert can offer tours of the village with detailed insights into the fascinating history/make up of the area, ask for details.

STONEHENGE AND AVEBURY

A visit to Wiltshire is incomplete without seeing either Stonehenge or Avebury. Stonehenge lies approx 30 minutes away 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.

BATH

The Georgian city of Bath will take about 35 minutes to reach by car, and local buses run regularly. Beautiful architecture remains of Roman buildings, modern shopping of the highest quality and a lively atmosphere of street entertainment, makes Bath a "must see".

SALISBURY

A pleasant drive across Salisbury plain in the opposite 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 (sat) right in the city centre, and once again has many historical buidings mixed in with quality modern shopping and entertainments.

STATELY HOMES nearby

Longleat House, with its Wildlife park and magnificent Art collections is only a 40 minute drive away as are the beautiful Stourhead Gardens. Bowood House and its wonderful gardens (especially the Rhododendrons) is 10 minutes away. Wilton House with its lived-in family atmosphere and antiques can be visited en route to Salisbury.