Devizes, Marlborough and Pewsey are prominent features in the Kennet countryside. Why not come and find out for yourself?

Devizes

Situated in the heart of the Kennet District, Devizes is the largest of the Kennet towns. There has been a castle here since the 11th century, and the original medieval street pattern, laid to the castle approaches, still exists today.This historic town has an outdoor market every Thursday, an indoor market on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and an antiques market every Tuesday. Devizes has a wealth of Georgian architecture and became important as the inland port on the Kennet and Avon Canal, which passes through the town. The Wadworth brewery, with its impressive Victorian facade dominates the town. Founded in 1875, the brewery is still run as a family business and the great Wadworth Shire Horses can be seen on weekday mornings plodding through town, delivering beer to the local Wadworth public houses.

Collect a copy of the medieval town trail from the Devizes Visitor Centre and discover Devizes for yourself or ask for details of Heritage and Ghost Walks. Explore the quaint courtyards and alleyways, observe the Norman churches and investigate the legends of Ruth Pierce and the Moonrakers.

Marlborough

Marlborough is a picturesque market town which has been a popular stopping off point for travelers since the age of the stagecoach and continues to thrive as a gateway to Wiltshire from the east.

The town’s history goes far back in time, and legend says Merlin, the magician to King Arthur, is buried here and gave the town its name ‘Merle Barrow’ or Merlin’s tomb.

Marlborough offers the shopper an assortment of vibrant retail outlets, which include interesting boutiques, art and craft centres, an antiques quarter and specialist food shops to name but a few. A copy of the town trail can be obtained from the Tourist Information desk in the library. There are many interesting sights including a splendid number of Tudor and Georgian buildings. Marlborough College, situated at the western end of the town, was founded in 1843 to provide education for the sons of clergymen.

The Marlborough International Jazz Festival, held in July was founded in 1986 and takes place over an entire weekend. The festival attracts visitors from far and wide and in previous years has featured such artists as Jools Holland, Humphrey Lyttelton and the up and coming Clare Teal.