Take the Devizes Treasure Hunt Trail: download the PDF and hunt down fabulous fictional treasure. Wander the woodlands at Drews Pond Wood Local Nature Reserve, and spot oaks, pines and a pond brimming with ducks and wildfowl. Ride horses at Pewsey Vale or meet goats, sheep and donkeys at Hope Nature Centre.
Show your kids a world beyond Mondeos and Mazdas at Atwell Wilson Motor Museum, home to cars from the 1920s onwards, including Bentleys, Rolls Royces and ancient American giants. Or pack a picnic for Lacock Abbey, nestled in a gorgeous village that played host to three Potter films. Tackle the woodland walks and botanic gardens.
Head to Avebury Stone Circle, a World Heritage site and the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world, to explore the museum’s interactive displays, children’s activities and 5500-year-old animal skeletons. Or visit the Neolithic daddy of them all: the standing stones of Stonehenge and figure out how they got the crosspieces up there.
Energy to burn? Bath Sports and Leisure Centre offers swimming, trampolining and dodgeball. Stay in town to discover the world of Ancient Rome at the historic Roman Baths. Meet a soldier, a slave girl, stonemasons and other costumed characters. Or burn off some ‘tweenage’ energy with laser tag at Kids’ Combat Adventures.
Bath is brilliant for soaking in a rooftop spa pool, walking your way around the Royal Crescent, seeing the stunningly preserved Great Bath and tasting the mineral-packed spa water. Wrap up the day milling around quirky shops selling antiques, arts and crafts, fashion, foodie emporiums, and vintage clothing.
Wander up to Caen Hill Locks, a fabulous feat of engineering set on a stunning hillside. Walk the towpath and refuel in the café with snacks, sandwiches and other light bites. Or hit the sample bar and meet the working shire horses at Wadworth Brewery, an independent family-owned concern steeped in history, heritage and traditional skills.
Get a history fix at Salisbury Cathedral, complete with Britain’s tallest spire and largest cathedral close and cloisters. Check out the original 1215 Magna Carta, the best-preserved copy in existence, and the oldest working mechanical clock in the world. Stick around for shopping at Fisherton Mill.
Wander up to the George and Dragon for Butcombe bitter and guest ales. Or go crazy over the craft beer in tasters and one-third-pints at The Vaults Micropub and The Snuffbox. Pair up the best food in Devizes with divine cocktails at The Peppermill, or dance yourself dizzy at day’s end at Exchange nightclub.
