History and Heritage in Devizes

Spend a day in the lovely market town of Devizes, discovering its rich history and taking in Wiltshire Museum. 

From the elegant Market Place, it is just a short walk to the famous Wadworth Brewery to discover what makes their beer so special. 

You can then take a stroll around Devizes, browse some of the independent specialist shops on your way to the Wiltshire Museum, where you will find Britain’s best Bronze Age archaeology collections to help you discover more about the mysteries of Stonehenge and Avebury. 

Then select one of many cafes and pubs in Devizes for lunch and then on to Hillworth Park for a gentle stroll and perhaps some afternoon tea.

Being a market town, Devizes has plenty to offer:

  • Thursday - the main street market from 7am to 2pm in the Market Place
  • Saturday - Farmers' Market is on the first Saturday of the month from 9am to 1pm in the Market Place
  • The Shambles indoor market is open every day apart from Wednesday

Morning

Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre

Check out brewing memorabilia in the free Brewseum, and learn about the history of brewing and how they combine traditional techniques with modern brewery skills. The unique collection of hand painted pub signs is a must-see, all created on site in a dedicated studio.  Wadworth is also one of the last brewers in the country to use Shire horses to delivery beer locally by a horse and cart.

Allow approximately 1 hour

Free entry
Charge for guided tours/ beer tasting

Call 01380 723361
Email visitorcentre@wadworth.co.uk
Visit website 

Wiltshire Museum

Gold from the Time of Stonehenge
These award-winning displays feature spectacular treasures dating to the time of Stonehenge and worn by people who worshiped inside the stone circle.

Telling Wiltshire’s Story
500,000 years of Wiltshire’s story told in the £750,000 gallery featuring high quality graphics and leading-edge reconstructions.

"A must-see before visiting Stonehenge or Avebury"
Wiltshire Museum is one of Tripadvisor's top-rated attractions in Wiltshire. Other comments from visitors include “You haven't really seen Prehistoric Wiltshire till you've seen this!” and “Breathes life into Stonehenge”

Something for everyone
The museum has fascinating displays telling Wiltshire's story, including Roman treasure, the Story of Devizes and the new Saxon Gallery features the Making of the Kingdom of Wessex.

Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours

Free entry for children under 16 - check website for current charges
Tours available for groups

Call 01380 727369
Email hello@wiltshiremuseum.org.uk
Visit website

Lunch Stops

There's plenty of choice on where to eat in Devizes - just have a look here.

Afternoon

Hillworth Park

Hillworth Park is often described as the ‘hidden gem’ of Devizes. Nestling between Hillworth Road and Queens Road the park has an interesting history, starting life as a private landscaped garden.

The park has been transformed, with a contemporary, fresh, look it is now even more of a gem, but rather than being hidden, it is shouting “I’m here, come and enjoy me”. Georgian summer house, reflective pool, gardens, aviary and café.

Allow approximately 1 hour

Free entry 

If you are interested in a day in Devizes, you may want to have a look at another one-day itinerary - Tour of Devizes.