Kennet & Avon Canal Museum
Volunteer-run museum at Devizes Wharf on the construction, decline and restoration of the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum is run by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust at Devizes Wharf, beside the canal in the centre of Devizes. It tells the story of the waterway that links the River Kennet and the River Avon between Reading and Bath.
The two rivers were made navigable in the early eighteenth century. The canal that joins them, about 57 miles long, was built between 1794 and 1810. After the Great Western Railway opened, traffic on the canal fell away and it slowly became derelict. The Trust was founded in the twentieth century to save the waterway, and volunteers restored it section by section until the whole canal reopened to boats in 1990.
The museum displays artefacts, models and exhibits that show how the canal was built, why it fell into disuse and how the restoration was achieved. The Trust is run largely by volunteers, and the museum is open only on limited days, so visitors should check before travelling. Schools are welcome and the Trust offers a downloadable education pack, as well as boat trips from several points along the canal, including Devizes.
Highlights
- Story of the canal's construction, decline and restoration
- Models and artefacts
- Devizes Wharf setting
- Schools education pack
- Operated by
- Kennet & Avon Canal Trust
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum states that wheelchair and pushchair access is available.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Paid parking
Pay and display parking outside the museum at Devizes Wharf.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | School visits are welcome and a downloadable education pack is available. |
