Caen Hill Locks
Caen Hill Lock Flight (Devizes)
Opened in 1810 Caen Hill is an iconic flight of 29 canal locks. The locks were restored to former glories in the 1990’s and are now a major thoroughfare on the Kennet and Avon canal. Devizes itself is a lovely old fashioned market town that is well worth a visit.
We recommend more able guests park at the canal marina in the town. Here there is a museum, shops and a departure point for regular boat trips (timetables available on site in reception).
From the marina it is a short walk to the centre of Devizes and a 1km walk to Caen Hill locks. For less able guests or those that would like less of a walk there is a nice cafe with parking located just at the top of the lock flight.
Good to Know: We have free town maps of Devizes available on site. There is also a bus route which runs directly to Devizes from Chippenham. Chippenham is our nearest town and just a short bus ride away.
The Kennet and Avon Canal
The Kennet and Avon canal, which Caen Hill is located on, is well worth a visit in its own right. The canal runs through some truly beautiful countryside around Bath and through the Pewsey Vale so it is a great place for a walk.
The town of Bradford on Avon is another beautiful town located on the Kennet and Avon canal. Free Bradford on Avon town maps and nearby walks are available on site.
Wiltshire’s Rich Railway History
The Great Western Railway (GWR) which runs from London to Bristol passing through Chippenham and Bath has some striking features. Chippenham itself has an impressive railway bridge and Box tunnel, located between Chippenham and Bath, is a very impressive feature.
Steam Museum at Swindon is located in the heart of what was a thriving engineering complex on the GWR. The museum explores the history of steam and the railway’s unique place in the history of Britain. Steam is located right next to the Designer Outlet shopping centre so a trip here is great for a his and her’s shopping and steam day out!
Good to Know: Make it a complete ‘railway’ day by taking the train from Chippenham station to the museum. It’s only 5 minutes walk from Swindon station to Steam!
