NO visit to Devizes is complete without seeing the flight of locks to the west of the town. The resuscitation of the derelict Kennet and Avon Canal is a great local success story.

Find out more, including details of boat trips, at the Canal Museum, Couch Lane open daily Easter to Christmas. (01380) 721279.

It was not only in the 18th century that locals built amazing structures. World famous Stonehenge is only 18 miles away, open daily except Dec 24 to 26 and Jan 1 (01980) 623465 www.stonehenge.co.uk.

Closer to Devizes, Avebury's standing stones are more approachable, with the added benefit of Avebury Manor and two museums to visit. Tourist information on Avebury's attractions (01672) 539425.

Britain's very first photograph was taken in Lacock. The Fox Talbot Museum tells the story, and you can also visit the Abbey shown in that first picture. (Museum March to October and winter weekends (01249) 730459, Abbey (01249) 730227 April to October afternoons, not Tuesdays). This stunning village may appear familiar. It has been the backdrop to many a period drama.

Wadworth Devizes brewery horses welcome visitors to their stables weekdays from 1.30pm to 4.30pm (01380) 724342.

To let off steam try Coral Cove children's indoor play and activity centre, with slides, ball pools and more. Open daily, height restriction 1.4 metre (01380) 739944.

Also highly rated is the adventure playground and soft play palace at Bowood House near Calne, Open daily, April to end October (01249) 812102 www.bowood.org. Grown-ups can enjoy the beautiful grounds and the house itself.

For shopping, there is Swindon's Great Western Outlet centre, open daily (01793) 507600, or the fashion shops in attractive Marlborough.

Mechanical buffs will like the vintage cars at the Attwell Wilson Motor Museum, Calne open year round but not Fridays or Saturdays (01249) 813119 or the Steam railway exhibition, Swindon, open daily except December 25 and 26 and January 1, (01793) 466464 www.steam-museum.org.uk.

The woods around Marlborough, such as Savernake Forest or south of Lockeridge are particularly rewarding territory for bird watchers to explore.

To get under the skin of Devizes, check out events on the noticeboard outside the 19th Century town hall, or pick up the Open Gardens leaflet at the Visitor Centre (01380) 729408. A Sunday afternoon pottering around gardens and having a cream tea is the very essence of this lovely part of Wiltshire.