The Kennet District lies within an area which is renowned for it's high quality environment. Covering 375 square miles Kennet adjoins the Districts of Swindon, North Wiltshire, West Wiltshire and Salisbury. Largely rural and agricultural in character, it boasts some of the finest landscapes in England with some 60% designated An Area of Outstanding Beauty as part of the North Wessex Downs, and a further 20% has been appointed a Special Landscape Area.
The Vale of Pewsey cuts through the middle of the district, separating the chalk hills of the Marlborough Downs in the north with the vast expanse of Salisbury Plain to the south. This route is also followed by the main railway service in the District and the Kennet and Avon canal.
Other significant valleys have been cut into the chalk by the River Kennet to the north, in contrast to the west of the District where the chalk uplands give way to the clay vale which continues through to West Wiltshire.
The area has been inhabited since early times resulting in visible evidence of a spectacular nature ranging from the Avebury complex of monuments to the Norman castle at Ludgershall. Achievements of a later age include the Kennet and Avon canal, with it's famous flight of locks near Devizes and Steam driven pump engine at Crofton, to solitary monuments in the landscape such as Wilton Windmill.
Not forgetting the white chalk horses which dominate the hillsides. Five of the eight visible Wiltshire horses can be found in Kennet.
The main settlements of Kennet are the historic market towns of Devizes and Marlborough. Pewsey Ludgershall and Tidworth are other significant centres of population, however over half the area's population live in the extensive network of villages and hamlets scattered throughout the District.
Easily accessible by car, the M4 motorway lies to the north of the District and the A303 trunk road is located to the south. Major rail links are provided from Paddington with stations at Great Bedwyn and Pewsey. Bus services run frequently from Swindon, Salisbury and Bath with connections to most of Kennet's towns and villages.
Designed by John Rennie
The Kennet and Avon Canal is one of the country ’s most beautiful waterways, spanning the whole of the Kennet District from Seend in the west to Froxfield in the east. The Caen Hill Flight of 29 locks at Devizes, the longest in Britain, raises the water level 237 feet over a distance of 2.5 miles and is a famous landmark. The Crofton Pumping Station , south- east of Marlborough, houses two restored Cornish Beam Engines, the oldest working steam engines remaining in their original building. The engines still perform their job of pumping water to the summit of the Canal on about half a dozen summer weekends.
The fascinating construction of the canal is visible at aqueducts at Avoncliff and Dundas over the River Avon and for those with an interest in the history of the canal the award winning Canal Interpretation Centre is located on Devizes Wharf. Wilton Windmill can be found standing 170m above sea level near The Crofton Pumping Station and is the only working mill left in Wiltshire.
The Kennet and Avon Canal offers a wide range of holiday entertainment for the visitor. It is perfect for fishing, narrow boat holidays and trips, walking, cycling and observing wildlife. There are many canalside pubs providing a welcome respite at the wharf which also provide excellent angling. During the summer months there are boat trips along the canal from Devizes Wharf. There is also a Canoe Club on the Kennet and Avon Canal. The Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race takes place from Devizes every Easter, attracting competitors from all over the world. Although there are plenty of energetic activities to be found in the area, rural life can be experienced at its best and the canal is ideal for those seeking peace, tranquillity, relaxation and freedom.
