Living in Devizes

Devizes is characterised by its strong community spirit, with neighbours frequently coming together for local projects, volunteering, and festivals. The weekly market in the historic Market Place is a social highlight, drawing residents for fresh produce, crafts, and conversation. Annual events such as the Devizes Carnival, Street Festival, and the International Cider Festival underpin the town’s inclusive and lively social calendar.

The town is surrounded by the picturesque Wiltshire countryside, with the Kennet & Avon Canal running through and providing scenic walking and cycling routes. Parks like Hillworth Park and the town's green spaces encourage outdoor activities, while community centres offer clubs, workshops, and family-friendly sessions year-round.

Devizes is generally considered a safe place to live, reflected in its community-oriented ethos and relatively low crime rates for its size. Wiltshire Police maintain a visible presence around town, and regular community meetings aim to address local concerns. Residents report a notable sense of security, especially in residential neighbourhoods and the town centre, where anti-social behaviour and violent crime are infrequent compared to urban centres.

Initiatives like Neighbourhood Watch and local policing teams contribute to maintaining the town’s safe environment. Some regeneration projects have further enhanced public spaces and improved lighting, adding to the overall perception of safety in Devizes.

Parking in Devizes is typically straightforward, with several council-run car parks conveniently located around the town centre. On-street parking is available in many residential areas, often without the need for permits, making access for visitors and residents easy and flexible. During market days or major events congestion can occur, although extra spaces are provided at peak times.

Road access is robust, with the A361 passing through the town centre and connecting Devizes to surrounding towns. The M4 motorway is accessible via the A342 and A350, providing fast links to Swindon, Bristol, and Reading. Commuting by car to larger urban hubs is practical for professionals working in the wider region.

• Bath – approx. 40 minutes via A361/A4 (24 miles)
• Swindon – approx. 35 minutes via A361 (22 miles)
• Salisbury – approx. 45 minutes via A360 (27 miles)
• Chippenham – approx. 25 minutes via A342 (11 miles)

Devizes is home to a rich selection of pubs, restaurants, and cafés, many of which are celebrated for their historic atmosphere and locally sourced fare. The Wadworth Brewery, founded in 1875, anchors the town’s reputation for real ale, with its own visitor centre and brewery tap. Traditional pubs like The Bear Hotel and The Black Swan offer classic British dishes in period settings, while trendy cafés such as Tea Inc. cater to those seeking artisanal coffee and bakery treats.

The town hosts several restaurants, ranging from popular Italian and Indian eateries to contemporary British cuisine. Takeaways and food trucks provide world cuisine options, especially during festivals and street events. Nightlife in Devizes is relaxed, focusing on sociable pubs and occasional live music venues rather than late-night clubs. The Wharf Theatre and Corn Exchange host regular performances and community events, adding to the cultural offering.

School quality: Devizes offers multiple good primary and secondary schools, making it very suitable for families with children. Parents have access to well-regarded state, independent and specialist education providers.

Parks and green space: Large parks such as Hillworth Park and access to the Kennet & Avon Canal give children and families spaces to picnic, walk, and play.

Childcare: Nurseries and pre-schools are available throughout the town, and after-school clubs are offered by many educational settings.

Safety: Devizes is noted for its safe, supportive environment, and the close-knit community further enhances peace of mind for parents.

Family activities: The area benefits from local museums, leisure centres, and cultural festivals that offer a variety of engaging events for all ages.

Devizes is highly accommodating to pets, especially for those who enjoy walking with dogs or exploring the outdoors. The Wiltshire countryside surrounds the town, and the Kennet & Avon Canal towpaths provide extensive routes for dog walking and cycling. Local parks, such as Hillworth Park and Green Lane, are popular with pet owners and families alike.

There are several veterinary practices in Devizes, as well as pet supply shops. Many pubs and cafés around town are dog-friendly, providing water bowls and treats for four-legged visitors. Rental properties vary, but a generally positive attitude towards pets prevails, especially with responsible ownership.

Devizes is well-positioned within Wiltshire with reasonable access to key destinations via both public and private transport. While the town itself does not have a railway station, nearby Pewsey and Chippenham provide frequent train services, connecting residents with London, Bath, and other urban centres. The main A361 road runs through Devizes, supporting straightforward car travel to Swindon, Trowbridge, Bath, and Salisbury.

Bus services link Devizes to Chippenham, Swindon, Bath and Salisbury, making public transportation an accessible choice for commuters and local students. National Express coaches occasionally operate routes through the area. For air travel, Bristol Airport is about an hour’s drive to the west, while Southampton Airport is reachable in just over an hour to the south.

• Bath: approx. 40 minutes via A361/A4
• Swindon: approx. 35 minutes via A361
• Salisbury: approx. 45 minutes via A360
• LONDON (via Pewsey Station – direct trains to London Paddington): 75–90 minutes total journey time, including drive to station

Education in Devizes benefits from a range of respected schools and institutions, making it an attractive prospect for families. The town is served by a number of primary and secondary schools, both state-funded and independent, as well as nearby further education colleges.

Primary Schools:
Southbroom St James Academy is a coeducational primary school known for its nurturing environment (rated Good by Ofsted, 2018). Nursteed Community Primary School is also well-regarded, providing creative learning opportunities (Ofsted Good, 2017). Wansdyke School offers another strong option for families near the northern edge of town.

Secondary Schools:
Devizes School is the main secondary school in the town, providing comprehensive education for ages 11–18. The school has a Sixth Form and was rated Good by Ofsted in 2019. Lavington School, a short journey south in Market Lavington, is another popular secondary (Ofsted Good, 2017).

Independent and Specialist Schools:
Stonar School, situated a few miles away near Atworth, is an independent day and boarding school for ages 2–18, renowned for its equestrian facilities. Rowdeford School, just north of Devizes, specialises in additional needs education (Ofsted Outstanding, 2017).

Further Education and Universities:
Wiltshire College & University Centre has a campus in nearby Chippenham and Trowbridge, offering vocational and academic courses. Bath Spa University and the University of Bath are within commuting distance, broadening higher education options for Devizes residents.