The Kennet & Avon Canal was opened in 1810 to link Bristol and London to avoid ships having to carry their precious cargoes by sea around the South Coast. The museum at Devizes is owned by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust and is housed in an old bonded warehouse. It tells the story of this fascinating waterway from its early beginnings to the massive restoration programme carried out by volunteers in the 1980s.
Our team of Explorers volunteers lead free learning activities at Devizes Wharf or Caen Hill Locks, including an interactive Build a Canal workshop – a great way to learn about local history and geography. Get out and about on the canal towpath, taking a guided towpath trail focused on habitats and wildlife. Or you can book up for outdoor experiences at our canalside Forest School in Jubilee Woodland. During the summer months, classes can take part in pond dipping and bug hunting.
A boat trip and museum visit can be arranged as part of your visit to the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust at Devizes Wharf. There is a charge for boat trips. The boat will give your group an amazing first-hand experience of travel by water, including travel through a lock. A guided visit to the museum will help you to make the most of the exhibits, helping children search out relevant canal stories. Please note, groups visiting the museum and/or taking a boat trip will need to go to The Wharf, Wharf Street, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1EB.
