Why is devizes famous?

Devizes is a historic market town with a colourful Medieval past, wealth of history and architectural heritage with more than 500 listed buildings and a large Market Place in the heart of the town.

What was Devizes famous for?

Devizes is renowned for its character and charm, with over 500 listed buildings, stunning Georgian architecture, and landmarks such as Devizes Castle and Wadworth's famous 1875 brewery.

What are people from Devizes called?

The Excise Men left, laughing at how stupid Devizes people can be. However it was the smugglers who had the loudest laugh as their quick thinking had stopped them being caught. To this day, Wiltshire people are known as 'Moonrakers'.

What was filmed in Devizes?

Many scenes in the 1967 film of 'Far from the Madding Crowd' were shot in Devizes. The production turned Devizes Market Place back in time to the Georgian period and used a number of locations in the town.

Is Devizes worth visiting?

The historic market town of Devizes offers a colourful Medieval past with a wealth of history and architectural heritage, along with traditional independent shops and a great sense of community. Plan your visit to Devizes this season and fill your trip with plenty of things to do…

"All About Devizes" introduction with Bill Huntly

What is the poshest town in Wiltshire?

The Plough in Shalbourne, one of the poshest villages in the country, according to a new list. (Image: Google Maps) The first of the Wiltshire villages on the list is Shalbourne, on the North Wessex Downs and just over nine miles south east of Marlborough.

What is the prettiest part of England?

1. Lake District. Rolling green mountains, sparkling lakes, incredible views… the Lake District has got to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in all of England. The region has inspired writers and poets for centuries, including some of the greats like Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.

Where was Harry Potter filmed in Wiltshire?

Godric's Hollow set in Wiltshire

Nearby, a cottage in the old village of Lacock served as the exterior of Harry's childhood home at Godric's Hollow, in the terrifying scene where Lord Voldemort killed Harry's parents in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001).

What did Tom Cruise film in the Lake District?

Buttermere Valley, Lake District

Enjoy adventures on land and water at Buttermere Valley(opens in a new tab) , which includes the lakes of Buttermere, Crummock Water and Loweswater. The valley makes a jaw-dropping backdrop to a Tom Cruise stunt in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.

Is Devizes a big town?

With a population of around 17,000 to 19,500, depending on how you draw the town's edges, Devizes is one of Wiltshire's larger market towns but still retains a tight-knit, local feel.

What is the biggest town in Wiltshire?

Swindon. Swindon began as a Saxon village, which grew to a small market town over the centuries. The coming of the railway in the 1840s transformed Swindon to the largest town in Wiltshire, with much of its industry based on the growth of the railway system.

What is the crime rate in Devizes?

Crime and Safety in Devizes. Devizes is the most dangerous small town in Wiltshire, and is among the top 20 most dangerous overall out of Wiltshire's 272 towns, villages, and cities. The overall crime rate in Devizes in 2025 was 67 crimes per 1,000 people.

Why are Wiltshire people called moonrakers?

The local nickname for the people of Wiltshire is “Moonrakers”. This nickname came from a tale of smugglers who managed to foil the local Excise men by hiding their French brandy in barrels, in a village pond.

What food is Wiltshire famous for?

Wiltshire is famed for pork, the Wiltshire Lardy Cake, and cheese. North Wiltshire, particularly Swindon, has been synonymous with pig farming since Saxon times and Wiltshire ham and bacon are still very popular.

Does Michael McIntyre still live in Wiltshire?

Where does Michael McIntyre live? As of 2023, Michael lives in Hampstead, London with his family, but they also have a house in Wiltshire. In May 2020, the comic splashed out on a second home after seeing his net worth soar, purchasing another pad in the capital for a cool £10million.

What is the oldest town in Wiltshire?

Amesbury is an attractive little Wiltshire Town steeped in history with sits on River Avon, known to be the oldest continuous living settlement in this country. Dating back over 8500 years BC.

What's the prettiest village in the Lake District?

Hawkshead. Hawkshead easily tops the list, practically without trying! Sitting between Windermere and Coniston, the centre of this village has been designated a traffic-free zone, so you can get a uniquely olde-worlde enjoyment from it.

Where is Tom Cruise's house in the UK?

Tom Cruise's residence at the English estate in West Sussex, UK, stands as a living legacy of design and sophistication. The architectural brilliance, luxurious interiors, and commitment to sustainability make it a beacon in the world of residential architecture.

Was any of Harry Potter filmed in the Lake District?

Was Harry Potter filmed at the Lake District? It is easy to imagine that scenes from Harry Potter could have used filming locations in the Lake District, but it's not the case. The films have used locations across the UK, including the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Alnwick Castle and the famous Glenfinnan viaduct.

Where was Dobby's grave?

Freshwater West has become a mecca for Harry Potter fans, as the location of Shell Cottage in the Deathly Hallows movies – where Dobby the house elf died and was buried. You can visit his “grave” on the beach and leave your own tribute – a definite bucketlist activity for any potterheads who visit Bluestone.

What village did they film Downton Abbey in?

Bampton, Oxfordshire

With its golden buildings and quaint period features, Bampton was the perfect stand-in for a Yorkshire village while filming Downton Abbey. Various buildings were featured in the series, including Bampton Library, Churchgate House, and the beautiful St Mary's Church.

Where is Hogwarts Castle in the UK?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was filmed at Alnwick Castle in the autumn of 2000, and the castle was also used for shooting the first sequel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the following year. A busy couple of years for our magical castle!

What part of England has the nicest people?

Liverpool, England

Yet another survey found that Liverpool was the UK's kindest city, where locals were most likely to perform random acts of kindness.

What is the most white part of the UK?

According to the 2011 UK Census results, White British people made up the largest percentage of the population in rural areas, such as Allerdale (99.4%) and Copeland (99.3%) in Cumbria, Ryedale (99.4%) in North Yorkshire, North Norfolk (99.2%) and North Devon (99%).

What is the most beautiful small town in the UK?

Most Beautiful Villages and Towns to Visit in England

• Bibury, Cotswolds. ...
• Mousehole, Cornwall. ...
• Rye, East Sussex. ...
• Corfe Castle, Dorset. ...
• Castle Combe, Wiltshire. ...
• Whitby, North Yorkshire. ...
• Lacock, Wiltshire. ...
• Shaftesbury, Dorset.