We took the bus in to Devizes, about 4 miles form the campsite, this morning.
Devizes..The Old Swan Yard
It is a pretty and old town, very much centred around the Kennet and Avon canal and home to the Wadworths brewery (factoid of interest only to beerheads…you know who you are).
St Marys, Devizes
There has been a church here since 1150.
The Shambles
There is a little market here selling bric a brac and other assorted interesting stuff.
Bric a brac stall
Improving Literature
I picked up this leaflet for Nia, from circa 1906, with some most valuable advice to the young (and older) married girl.
There is also useful stuff such as suggestions on the selection of an appropriate husband ‘The kind of man to marry’ which I may have to share on future posts.
The Black Swan
We slipped in to the Black Swan for lunch….stilton and red onion tart, and cheddar and ham sarnies, for me and the Missus respectively…very nice too. Washed down with a little Pinot Grigio.
Antiques for sale
The pub is owned by an antiques dealer and there are useful items all around for sale. I was tempted by a 1930’s metal turning lathe but this suggestion was turned down by the boss on grounds of impracticality.
Kennet and Avon Canal
We walked back along the canal.
Caen Locks
These are the famous Caen locks, one of the longest canal lifts in Europe, built by engineer John Rennie in 1810 to take the canal up the steep hill at Devizes.
The Botox lock? What’s going on here?
Another Lock
Fishing
Rambling about Europe with the Kray Twins (Colin and Penny).
Travels with Mavis 
Thanks for setting off again Nia and Pete – so we can go with you! Where are you heading for in Europe this time? Bon voyage, Sue
Spain…hopefully in a week or so. Can’t wait to share those tapas, and Rioja, with you!!
Devizes looks interesting and now I know what’s been irritating Tony all these years! Are you planning to be in Nonancourt on Friday? If so we are meeting Liz from Paris again and have booked to eat at Hotel du Grand Cerf and you are very welcome to join us. Let us know and we will change the reservation to 5.
Hi Guys and thank you very much….we’ll see you there.
Peter and Nia
xx
Hi Rosie,
It will be great to see you, Tony and Liz again at Nonancourt on Friday.
We’re looking forward to trying your restaurant.
Love Nia xxx
Hi Peter and Nia,
That’s great! Looking forward to seeing you on Fruday x
Fascinating blog! As an SHO on the Bath rotation I used to rush out to Devises to do urology clinics in the cottage hospital. I now wish I had lingered for a nose around and a pint of Wadworths 6X. Where next we ask ourselves? Perhaps you should abandon France to the French and continue your tour of the West Country, we await the next blog with interest! J+V
Just been checking temperatures around Europe…..Valencia looks pretty good for next week…..beats the west country by a nose. A long nose.
WE’VE MISSED YOUR BLOG WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE ON THE ROAD AGAIN KEEPS US ENTERTAINED….IT’S NICE AND WARM HERE….XX
Hi Guys
We’ve missed the warm weather and those trips to Antonio’s. And the flamingos.
Peter and Nia
xx
Hi Peter and Nia
I have just stumbled across your blog – fantastic. I’m giving you a 2 week start then I will be hunting you down for one of those fancy coffees! We’re just selling a house, then will be loading up the van with diesel and departing Cornwall and heading for some Spanish sunshine 😉
Bon voyage
Team Tigger
Hi Phil
Thank you…looking forward to meeting Tigger…..is that the other half….or a border collie? Whichever, we’ll be ready with the coffees.
Hello, we are watching too…have a great trip, while I try to explain to the aged P how to comment on your blog!
Thanks….we seem to have hit some warmer weather today…outside without a coat for the first time! And we’re only in Portsmouth.
xx
Great post!
Thank you! I’m planning to share a few more of Mrs Frank Stephens pearls of wisdom…..
Peter