Wiltshire Museum, Devizes
Discover 500,000 years of Wiltshire’s history through award-winning galleries and stunning Bronze Age treasures in the heart of Devizes.
The Wiltshire Museum in Devizes offers a captivating journey through 500,000 years of local history, featuring award-winning galleries with high-quality graphics and reconstructions. Highlights include spectacular Bronze Age gold treasures from the time of Stonehenge, interactive exhibits for families, and extensive collections spanning prehistoric to Saxon eras. Housed in a historic town centre building, it is a cultural hub showcasing Wiltshire’s rich archaeological and natural heritage.
A brief summary to Wiltshire Museum
- 41 Long St, Devizes, SN10 1NS, GB
- +441380727369
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Allow 1 to 2 hours to explore the museum thoroughly, especially if interested in archaeology.
- Children enjoy interactive exhibits like building Stonehenge models and trying on Bronze Age clothing.
- Check seasonal opening hours as the museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays in winter.
- Admission is approximately £7.50 for adults, with concessions and free entry for children.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and Bus
From London Paddington, take a direct train to Swindon (about 1 hour 15 minutes), then catch a local bus to Devizes town centre (approximately 40 minutes). The museum is a short walk from the bus stop. Bus services run regularly but check schedules in advance.
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Car
Driving from Swindon to Devizes takes about 30 minutes via the A361. Parking is available near the museum but can be limited during peak times. Parking fees apply, typically around £2-£4 for a few hours.
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Local Bus
Regular local buses connect Devizes with nearby towns such as Marlborough and Chippenham. The museum is within walking distance from the main bus stops in Devizes. Bus fares typically range from £2 to £5 depending on distance.
Wiltshire Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Wiltshire Museum
A Window into Prehistoric Wiltshire
The Wiltshire Museum presents a sweeping narrative of the county’s history stretching back half a million years. Its acclaimed galleries bring to life the prehistoric period with exceptional artifacts, including unique gold and amber objects dating over 4,000 years to the Bronze Age. These treasures, some worn by people who worshipped within the Stonehenge stone circle, offer a rare glimpse into ancient spiritual and cultural practices. The museum’s displays combine cutting-edge reconstructions and high-quality graphics to immerse visitors in Wiltshire’s distant past.Exploring Later Historical Periods
Beyond prehistory, the museum traces the region’s evolution through the Iron Age, Roman occupation, and Saxon era. The Saxon Gallery, for example, details the making of the Kingdom of Wessex, providing insights into early medieval life. Additionally, the museum tells the story of Devizes itself and its surrounding area, enriching visitors’ understanding of local heritage. This chronological approach allows visitors to appreciate the continuity and change in Wiltshire’s human story.Interactive Experiences for All Ages
The Wiltshire Museum is designed to engage visitors of all ages, especially families. Children can follow gallery trails featuring characters like Archie and Ollie, build models of Stonehenge, examine archaeological evidence under microscopes, and try on Bronze Age clothing. These hands-on activities complement the exhibits and make the learning experience both fun and educational, fostering a deeper connection to the past.Community and Cultural Significance
Run by the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society, the museum is an independent charity dedicated to preserving and sharing the county’s nationally important collections. It serves as a cultural hub in Devizes, hosting a range of events such as guided heritage walks, craft workshops, and talks that celebrate local folklore and history. The museum’s role extends beyond static displays, actively engaging the community and visitors in Wiltshire’s rich cultural tapestry.Visitor Amenities and Accessibility
Located at 41 Long Street in the heart of Devizes, the museum offers convenient facilities including on-site parking, restrooms, and accessibility features such as ramps and provisions for visually impaired visitors. Guide dogs are permitted, and the museum provides sound effects and large-print guides to enhance the experience for all. Open Tuesday to Saturday, it welcomes visitors year-round with seasonal opening hours.Noteworthy Exhibitions and Events
Current and upcoming exhibitions include 'Un/Common People', exploring folk culture in Wessex, and 'Downland: art and the archaeological imagination in Wiltshire', featuring new works by contemporary artists. Regular events such as family art sessions, guided tours, and workshops enrich the visitor experience. These dynamic offerings ensure that the museum remains a vibrant center for heritage and creativity.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monks Mill
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Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum
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Parte de la muralla medieval de la ciudad de Bath
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The EASTGATE
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Explore The EASTGATE, a captivating historical landmark in Bath, showcasing stunning Georgian architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Bath Guildhall Market
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Explore Bath’s oldest indoor market with over 800 years of history, vibrant stalls, and charming cafes beneath a stunning domed roof.
Elton House
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Discover the charm of Elton House, a self-catering accommodation in Bath perfect for experiencing the city's rich heritage and vibrant culture.
Bath World Heritage Centre
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Explore the rich history of Bath at the World Heritage Centre, your gateway to the city’s remarkable past and UNESCO heritage.
Bath Ghost Tours
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Explore the haunted history of Bath with Bath Ghost Tours, where chilling tales and eerie encounters bring the city's past to life.
Marshal Wade's House
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Discover the elegance and history of Marshal Wade's House in Bath, a stunning Georgian architectural gem that tells the stories of the past.
Archway
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Discover Bath’s elegant Victorian Archway, a historic stone bridge carrying spa waters across York Street in the city’s UNESCO heritage heart.
Bath's Historic Venues
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Explore Bath's Historic Venues, where elegance meets history in the heart of the city. Perfect for weddings, conferences, and unforgettable events.
The Roman Baths
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Explore the ancient marvel of The Roman Baths in Bath, England, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that reveals the grandeur of Roman life through its well-preserved baths and captivating history.
Best of Bath Walking Tours
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Explore Bath's rich heritage and stunning sights with the Best of Bath Walking Tours, where history and beauty come alive on every step.
Bath Walking Tours
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Explore Bath’s rich history and stunning architecture through expert-led walking tours starting at Abbey Courtyard.
The Pump Room Restaurant
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Experience exquisite British and European cuisine in a historic setting at The Pump Room Restaurant, a must-visit gem in Bath.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kennet and Avon Canal
0.7 km
Historic 57-mile canal linking London to Bristol with iconic locks, aqueducts, and scenic towpaths through England’s picturesque countryside.
Morgan's Hill
6.3 km
Discover Morgan's Hill, a tranquil chalk grassland reserve rich in rare orchids, butterflies, historic earthworks, and sweeping Wiltshire vistas.
Bowood Woodland Gardens
9.0 km
A seasonal floral haven in Wiltshire showcasing spectacular bluebells, magnolias, azaleas, and rhododendrons across 30 serene woodland acres.
Oldbury Castle Hillfort
9.2 km
Explore Oldbury Castle Hillfort, an ancient Iron Age stronghold with breathtaking views and rich prehistoric heritage on Wiltshire’s Cherhill Downs.
Bowood House & Gardens
9.3 km
Historic Bowood House & Gardens: Timeless heritage, stunning Capability Brown parkland, and family adventure in Wiltshire’s countryside.
Cherhill White Horse
9.5 km
Historic chalk hill figure carved in 1780, offering stunning views and a unique glimpse into Wiltshire’s heritage.
The Alton Barnes White Horse
10.4 km
An iconic chalk hill figure on Wiltshire’s highest point, blending history, legend, and stunning panoramic views across the Pewsey Vale.
Lacock Abbey
11.4 km
Discover Lacock Abbey: centuries of history, stunning architecture, and magical Harry Potter film scenes in Wiltshire’s enchanting countryside.
West Kennet Long Barrow
11.9 km
Explore one of Britain’s largest Neolithic tombs, a monumental burial site offering ancient history and stunning Wiltshire views.
Silbury Hill
12.0 km
Explore Silbury Hill, Europe's largest prehistoric chalk mound, a monumental mystery towering over the Wiltshire landscape since 2400 BC.
National Trust - Avebury Manor
12.8 km
Explore a historic 16th-century manor and stunning gardens nestled within the world’s largest Neolithic stone circle in Wiltshire.
National Trust Museum
13.0 km
Explore Britain’s prehistoric heritage through the remarkable artefacts and stories at the Alexander Keiller Museum in Avebury’s ancient heartland.
Windmill Hill, Avebury
13.0 km
Explore Windmill Hill, a vast Neolithic causewayed enclosure with panoramic views and deep prehistoric significance within Avebury's ancient landscape.
Avebury
13.0 km
Explore Avebury, the world’s largest Neolithic stone circle, a monumental prehistoric landscape of mystery, ritual, and enduring heritage.
The Sanctuary
13.2 km
Explore the ancient timber circles and earthworks of The Sanctuary, a mystical Neolithic site within the Avebury World Heritage landscape.
Essential places to dine
Sign of the Angel
11.6 km
Step into history at Sign of the Angel, a 15th-century coaching inn in Lacock offering cozy charm, excellent food, and timeless English hospitality.
The Silks
21.4 km
Historic Victorian pub in Wiltshire serving seasonal British fare by MasterChef Champion Thomas Frake, blending heritage with community spirit.
Bybrook
23.0 km
Michelin-starred modern British fine dining in a historic Cotswold manor with fresh, seasonal produce from its own kitchen garden.
Bathampton Mill Bath
23.7 km
Historic riverside gastropub blending traditional British charm with scenic views and modern dining near Bath.
The Restaurant at The Bird
25.2 km
Stylish, sustainable dining in Bathwick with modern British dishes, festive charm, and stunning views of Bath Abbey.
Bathwick Boatman Riverside
25.2 km
Charming riverside dining in Bath’s historic boathouse, serving fresh seasonal dishes with warm, family-run hospitality.
Opa Bath
25.4 km
Experience authentic Greek meze and vibrant nightlife in atmospheric vaulted cellars by Bath’s River Avon.
La Perla
25.4 km
Discover authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant flavors in the cozy, atmospheric arches beneath Bath’s historic streets.
The Elder Restaurant
25.4 km
Experience refined modern British cuisine with a focus on seasonal wild game in Bath’s elegant Georgian setting.
Sotto Sotto
25.4 km
Discover authentic Italian cuisine in a romantic vaulted cellar setting beneath Bath’s historic streets.
Ponte Vecchio
25.5 km
Bath’s finest Italian restaurant in a converted riverside boathouse, with stunning views of Pulteney Bridge and the weir.
Yak Yeti Yak
25.5 km
Authentic Nepalese cuisine and Himalayan hospitality in a vibrant basement gem.
Prezzo Italian Restaurant Bath
25.5 km
Authentic Italian dining in Bath’s historic Brunel Square, serving classic pizzas, pasta, and inclusive menus in a unique railway tunnel setting.
Tapas Revolution.
25.5 km
Lively Spanish tapas and cocktails in central Bath – perfect for sharing, socialising and a taste of Iberian flair.
The Herd Steak Restaurant
25.5 km
A cozy, family-run steakhouse in Bath famed for locally sourced, dry-aged beef and impeccable service in a unique basement setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Gift Box
9.8 km
Discover unique gifts and stylish fashion accessories in a charming Calne boutique with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Natural Treats Wiltshire - Raw Dog Food Store
11.1 km
Premium raw dog food and natural treats in Melksham, serving conscious pet owners with expert nutrition guidance.
National Trust Gift Shop
11.5 km
Discover unique, eco-friendly gifts and local artisan treasures in a historic Lacock High Street setting.
O L I V
11.5 km
Discover artisan candles, homewares, and unique gifts at O L I V, a charming boutique nestled in historic Lacock village.
CoCo Chemistry Chocolates
11.6 km
Handcrafted luxury chocolates in the historic village of Lacock, blending tradition, quality, and charm for a truly sweet experience.
Quintessentially English
11.6 km
A charming Wiltshire gift shop in Lacock, specializing in handmade soaps, candles, and artisanal beauty products with a distinctly English character.
National Trust shop
12.9 km
Discover unique gifts and local artisan treasures in a historic stables building at the heart of Avebury’s ancient village.
The Henge Shop
12.9 km
Explore Celtic and Pagan treasures, spiritual guidance, and artisan crafts in the heart of Avebury Stone Circle.
Avebury Community Shop
12.9 km
Explore the Avebury Community Shop for unique local products, artisan goods, and a taste of Marlborough's vibrant culture.
Elements of Avebury
13.0 km
Discover authentic local artistry and spiritual treasures in the heart of Avebury’s ancient stone circle.
Emery Gate Shopping Centre
14.8 km
Chippenham’s only covered shopping centre offering national brands, local shops, cafes, and ample parking in a convenient central location.
Willow Uk Ltd
16.2 km
Discover timeless gifts, antiques, and design inspiration at Willow UK Ltd, Corsham’s boutique blending art and heritage.
Previous Homewares
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Discover quirky gifts, vintage treasures, and beautiful homewares at Corsham’s beloved boutique, Previous Homewares.
Wadswick Country Store
17.4 km
Wiltshire’s premier country store offering expert equestrian gear, outdoor clothing, and rural lifestyle essentials in a scenic countryside setting.
The India Shop
19.8 km
Discover vibrant fair trade treasures and authentic Indian craftsmanship in the heart of Marlborough’s charming market town.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Ivy Inn
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Westbrook Inn
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The George Inn
8.2 km
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Waggon & Horses
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The White Horse Inn
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Red Lion
13.0 km
A charming traditional pub in Avebury offering hearty food, local stories, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere near the ancient stone circles.
The Three Crowns
14.3 km
A lively, traditional pub in Chippenham known for real ales, live music, and a welcoming community spirit.
The Flying Monk
14.7 km
A friendly and lively pub in Chippenham’s Market Place, renowned for craft ales, community events, and warm hospitality.
The Cellar by Wine Monkey
14.8 km
A boutique wine bar and shop in Chippenham offering expertly curated wines, small plates, and a cozy, stylish atmosphere for wine lovers.
Old Road Tavern
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A traditional Chippenham pub with quality ales, lively music, and a welcoming garden, cherished by locals and visitors alike.
The Wellesley Arms
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The Quarrymans Arms, Box Hill
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Melt Bars - Mobile Event & Cocktail Bars
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Bespoke handcrafted mobile bars and expert cocktail service tailored for events across the UK from Chippenham’s premier specialists.
The Full Glass Bar
23.0 km
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The Fox & Hounds
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
E11evn's Nightclub
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Venue Five-0 Night Club
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The Tub
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Labyrinth Bar & Nightclub
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Second Bridge
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Lomah
25.7 km
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Zero / Zero
25.8 km
Experience Bath’s vibrant nightlife at Zero / Zero, a cozy nightclub and cocktail lounge with a lively atmosphere and late-night beats.
Komedia
25.8 km
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Sub 13
25.9 km
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ReVA Nightclub
40.8 km
Cirencester’s largest nightclub offering electrifying music, stylish cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere for unforgettable nights.
Dare to Club
41.9 km
Experience Bristol’s vibrant, inclusive nightlife at Dare to Club, where diverse music and welcoming vibes create unforgettable nights.
Motion
41.9 km
Bristol’s iconic warehouse nightclub, Motion, pulses with underground beats and community spirit, celebrating decades of electronic music culture.
The Loco Klub
42.4 km
An atmospheric subterranean arts venue in Brunel’s Temple Meads arches, where tunnels, brick vaults and intimate soundscapes host club nights, theatre and live music.
Thekla
43.1 km
A converted cargo ship transformed into Bristol’s compact, industrial live-music venue and late-night club, famed for close-up shows and throbbing club nights.
Lakota
43.2 km
Bristol's gritty heartbeat: underground raves, thunderous bass, and nights that blur into dawn at this St Paul's legend.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Cultural Heritage
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Family Friendly
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly