Kennet in the heart of rural Wiltshire, is steeped in prehistory, myth and legend. The area has supported communities from the earliest times and there are few places in Europe to rival the monuments and ceremonial landscapes of this part of Wiltshire.

These include the Avebury Stone Circle, West Kennet Long Barrow and Silbury Hill. Avebury Stone Circle lies within a World Heritage Site and is perhaps the most fascinating of all the landscape features. The site has intrigued visitors for hundreds of years and is the largest stone circle in Europe.

The gently rolling landscape of the Salisbury Plain, Marlborough Downs and Vale of Pewsey offer many wonderful experiences. Over half the district has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and provides an ideal location for all types of activity, ranging from hang-gliding to canal boating. The scenery varies from rolling chalk downlands to woodlands and green river valleys.

The Kennet and Avon Canal offers a wide range of holiday entertainment for the visitor. It is perfect for fishing, barge holidays, walking and cycling. There are many canalside pubs giving a welcome respite at the wharfs which also provide excellent angling.

The area is rich in industrial heritage related to the canal and local industries such as brewing still survives in Devizes. Beer is still delivered to local hostelries by dray. For those with an interest in the history of the canal, the award winning Canal Interpretation Centre is located on Devizes Wharf and the Crofton Pumping Station. south east of Marlborough, houses two restored Cornish Beam Engines, the oldest working steam engines remaining in their original building.

Population 74,833