The old cloth town of Devizes (8mi/13km southwest; pop. 10,600) has a distinctive sickle shaped market place with a fountain and cross (19th century) bordered by several 18th century town houses. The portrait painter Thomas Lawrence (1769-1830) was son of the landlord of The Bear Inn and launched himself on his career by drawing sketches of the
guests.
Devizes features the Wiltshire Heritage Museum, the Wharf Museum and Bowood House, built in 1760. There is also the Rhododendron Gardens with a playground for children.