Devizes Castle
Castle 13th-century castle ruins in Wiltshire market town
In Devizes, Wiltshire, the Norman‑origin castle survives as earthworks and masonry above the market town; visitors combine the castle remains with canal walks along the Kennet and Avon and local history.
Devizes Castle is a medieval castle site in the market town of Devizes in Wiltshire, England, with origins that date to the Norman period. The site retains the earthwork motte and low ruins associated with its medieval layouts.
The most noticeable features today are the motte and surrounding bailey earthworks and fragments of masonry that mark the former castle footprint. The site is a local historic landmark and is integrated into the townscape rather than standing as an isolated fortress.
The original castle was established in the years after the Norman Conquest as a motte-and-bailey stronghold and was later rebuilt in stone during the medieval period. Over subsequent centuries the castle fell into disuse and parts were dismantled or adapted, leaving the earthworks and limited structural remains visible today.
The castle sits within the centre of Devizes in Wiltshire, in southwest England, and is accessible from town streets and public spaces.
- Surviving remains: Visible remains at the site include a motte and surrounding earthworks that mark the footprint of the medieval castle.
- Access: Located in the centre of the market town, the castle site is readily viewable from public streets and open spaces in Devizes.
How to Get to Devizes Castle #
Devizes is reachable from Bath (about 32 km) or Swindon by road (A361/A4361). The town is served by local buses from nearby railway stations; the nearest mainline railhead is Chippenham or Swindon with onward bus or taxi links. The castle is in the town center, an easy walk from the market square.
Tips for Visiting Devizes Castle #
- The castle itself is privately owned and not always open - check with Devizes tourist information for current visitor access and events.
- Walk the Market Place and adjoining streets to see the castle from different angles and to understand its relationship to the town layout.
- Visit during a local event (e.g., town festival) when some private sites occasionally open to the public.
Best Time to Visit Devizes Castle #
Late spring through early autumn is best for seeing the castle and town at their liveliest; check the local tourist office for access to the castle interior.
Weather & Climate near Devizes Castle #
Devizes Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (723 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 78 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
