DEVIZES MARINA

The marina is situated about 1 mile outside Devizes, just “East” on the A361. Assuming that you are coming from the north, head down the A361 towards the town and you will come to a roundabout near a Murco petrol station. This new roundabout has a number of exits most of which are small, the only main one being the continuation of the A361. Coming from the north, take the second exit to the left, (which is actually straight on!) when I visited, the sign for the roundabout had a note on it directing you to the marina (for day boat hire) but this is perhaps only temporary. This road takes you into an estate of houses. Keep straight on over two mini roundabouts and you will enter the marina. There are security gates which can be opened only using a unique a key, if you are planning to arrive out of hours then if you call the yard they can probably arrange for somebody on site to let you in. Equally if you are staying on site and what to get in/out for an evening then, against a deposit, you may be able to get a key for this.

There is an office, chandlery and wet dock within the confines of the main building and a slipway just behind. Moorings for OwnerShips boats are out side on the wharf so there is no need to enter the basins where the rest of the moored boats are located, loading and unloading is fairly easy, there is ample space to park a car.

Car parking: each car will require a parking permit, these will be available from the reception and must be returned to the reception at the end of each holiday. This comes into action on 8th January 2007.

The gates at the entrance to the Marina will be electronic and a transmitter will be needed to open the gates after normal working hours. This will not take effect until Spring 2007.

All main services are available at the yard including pump out, gas etc., moor on the front on your return to obtain these. I am advised that there is a valet service available which must be booked at least 7 days in advance, and anchors and life jackets should be available for hire at a modest charge.

There are no local shops nearby but Devizes is only 1 mile away and there is a bus which runs from the end of the road, if you require directions please ask the staff.. The nearest pub is The Bridge Inn which is around 1 mile away. The easiest access being by boat, it is just a short lock free trip along the canal, the marina itself being situated on a 16 mile lock free pound - with Caen Hill at one end!

The telephone number of the yard is 01380 725300 (divert to mobile outside of normal hours) and there is a fax on 01380 721700. Whilst we are on the subject of telephone numbers the local taxi firm is on 01380 723129. Should you call the marina the best person to speak to is probably Richard Poole.

I found the staff friendly and approachable and Richard Poole used to maintain the hire fleet that ran out of Cowroast Marina some years ago. Situated in a beautiful part of the country the cruising from here can only be pure joy.....