Devizes is an old Wiltshire market town, with over 500 listed buildings and bags of charm. It once occupied an important spot on the coach road between London and Bristol, and some of the old coaching inns are still among the best places to stay in Devizes, especially if you’re looking for character, and excellent meals. We've also tracked down a lovely restaurant with rooms and a country house B&B.

Devizes was built up around its 11th century Norman castle, which held William the Conqueror's eldest son prisoner for 20 years. It’s sadly little more than a ruin today, but it’s a great starting point for any exploration of the town. The Market Place (markets every Thursday and the first Saturday of the month) occupies space that would once have been the castle’s outer bailey. Some of the elegant townhouses you’ll see lining the streets around the Market Place were built by wool merchants in the 16th and 17th centuries, and these make up some of the towns listed buildings. Others include a number of notable churches — several dating from the 12th century — the town hall, the green, and the Wadworth Brewery — which you’re able to make a tour through.

Devizes sits on the edge of the Vale of Pewsey, between Chippenham and Trowbridge, a picture perfect location for walkers, hikers and cyclists. So it's a great desination for anyone looking for a charming country getaway. Don't forget that the best places to stay in Devizes are busy year round, so do your research and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Devizes

For a Country Escape

• Prince Hill House is a charming, Grade II-listed country house, set in beautifully manicured gardens turned five room country house hotel. There's a  wide variety of room types, from simple doubles, to suites, and even family-sized apartments and cottages. This is a peaceful and historic spot, with simple decor and inspiring views. And it’s very well located for exploring the area.

For Foodies

• The George & Dragon is a fantastically ancient coaching inn with three comfortable rooms over an excellent country restaurant which, unexpectedly, specialises in seafood, with daily deliveries from St. Mawes, Cornwall. The decor is cheerfully country chic, with exposed beams and open fireplaces, and a charming collection of antiques. 
• The Peppermill is an owner-run restaurant with rooms, right on the pretty market square. The restaurant is the main event, offering standout British fare cooked using locally sourced produce. It’s simply decorated, as are the 16 rooms and suites upstairs. If you’re looking for something a bit special, book into one of the four-poster rooms, or one with a stand-alone bathtub. Kids are welcome in the restaurant, and there are some rooms where an additional single bed can easily be added.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Devizes’ closest airport is Bristol Airport, which is about an hour away by car or taxi, or three hours by shuttle and rail. London’s airports are next closest, with Heathrow a pleasant hour and a half drive through the North Wessex Downs, or two hours by public transport. If you’re coming via London, you can travel by train from Paddington to Swindon, and then it’s a 40 minute bus ride.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Devizes’ position, between Bath and the Cotswolds, makes this an excellent year round destination. Yes, some months will have more sunshine and warmer temperatures, and be better suited to walkers, or cyclists, but there are plenty of indoor activities on offer here too, and there are good discounts to be had if you book outside the busiest spring and summer periods. The very busiest times to visit Devizes are during the Devizes International Street Festival, an annual event held for two weeks around the Bank Holiday, and during the Devizes Food & Drink Festival in autumn.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in Wiltshire
• Consider Devizes' neighbours including the best places to stay in the Cotswolds, Bath and Chippenham
• Refine your search by the kind of holiday you’re planning and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in Wiltshire, the best pubs-with-rooms in the Cotswolds, Wiltshire's most romantic hotels or even the best country house hotels in the Cotswolds
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.