Drews Pond Nature Reserve
Drews Pond Nature Reserve
4.4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.4
61 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
17
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Maria R
Swindon, UK34 contributions
Jul 2020
First visit to Drews Pond Nature Reserve after deciding to go somewhere different for our dog walk. Parked on a roadside near the entrance to the reserve. Followed a well maintained track around the edge of the woods initially, then turned to another path into the woods. There appeared to be several paths you could take throughout. Was a little muddy in places after our recent rain, but imagine it would be ever more beautiful in sunny weather. It was delightful to hear the bountiful birdsong along with the babble of a clear stream leading to a pond, and no traffic! Our dog was fine to go off lead and enjoyed popping into the shallow running water now and again. Very peaceful. Will definitely go back.
Written July 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clayton
Kent, UK63 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
It was a nice woodland walk, dogs really enjoyed it! Very muddy but we did go when it was raining hard. There was a nice stream that my two dogs enjoyed walking through. Only issue there was no where to throw dog poop away. We had to take it home with us so that wasn’t nice. But overall a good walk.
Written October 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham B
Devizes, UK41,459 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
This is one of our favourite places for a walk, either with or without the dogs. There's limited parking for around 3 or 4 cars although no one seems to mind if you park in the adjacent football club car park. The Reserve's network of pathways twists and turns throughout the trees, along some roughly hewn tracks that are bordered with all types of trees, tall pines, mighty oaks, as well as managed, coppiced woodland and humidity loving ferns, courtesy of the several streams that drain the area.
The walking route takes you past the old cricket green which at one time was the recreational area for what was Green Lane hospital, now converted into homes. There's quite a bit of history to see too; the old graveyard, the old hospital boiler house and along the stretch that was once the drove road from Salisbury Plain into Devizes, the site of an old hostelry where weary shepherds would stop for an ale and some sustinence.
Adjacent to the old pub is Drews Pond house, a private dwelling, with it's lovely pond, usually brimming with ducks and other wildfowl.
There are some steep climbs around the walk, some with wooden hand rails, some without, and none of the tracks or pathways are paved, so this would present an issue for those with reduced mobility. But it's a tranquil enclave just a mile from the town centre that at best, would take 40 minutes or so to walk around. There are additional tracks that lead out away from the Reserve towards the village of Potterne, some affording good views over the surrounding countryside.
One aspect to consider if you are walking a dog is that there are no poop bins provided so do take some dog bags with you. We rarely see a warden down there but they are rightly insistent that any mess is taken away with you, whether that be picnic rubbish or of a canine origin.
A lovely place for a stroll, regardless of the weather.
The walking route takes you past the old cricket green which at one time was the recreational area for what was Green Lane hospital, now converted into homes. There's quite a bit of history to see too; the old graveyard, the old hospital boiler house and along the stretch that was once the drove road from Salisbury Plain into Devizes, the site of an old hostelry where weary shepherds would stop for an ale and some sustinence.
Adjacent to the old pub is Drews Pond house, a private dwelling, with it's lovely pond, usually brimming with ducks and other wildfowl.
There are some steep climbs around the walk, some with wooden hand rails, some without, and none of the tracks or pathways are paved, so this would present an issue for those with reduced mobility. But it's a tranquil enclave just a mile from the town centre that at best, would take 40 minutes or so to walk around. There are additional tracks that lead out away from the Reserve towards the village of Potterne, some affording good views over the surrounding countryside.
One aspect to consider if you are walking a dog is that there are no poop bins provided so do take some dog bags with you. We rarely see a warden down there but they are rightly insistent that any mess is taken away with you, whether that be picnic rubbish or of a canine origin.
A lovely place for a stroll, regardless of the weather.
Written October 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Max
Devizes, UK581 contributions
Jul 2020
We have been to Devizes a number of times and weren't aware of this place. It's fine if you just want a walk, but not if you are looking for wildlife, we were disappointed that there was very little birdsong. You need to park on a residential road and walk about 5 minutes to get to it.
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrSpatula
Trowbridge, UK120 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
I am a nature lover and once I’d come across Drew’s Pond Woods I was keen to explore it. Unfortunately I found it a bit of a disappointment, mainly because Drew’s Pond can’t really be accessed. You can catch glimpses of it through the trees but the pond is actually in the grounds of a private house adjacent to the woods. The woods themselves are pleasant enough and from them you can access numerous other footpaths in the locality.
I did find roaming around the woods a bit frustrating as on a few occasions I set off down a path that looked interesting, only to find my way blocked by a fence that seemed to be there for no apparent reason.
I did find roaming around the woods a bit frustrating as on a few occasions I set off down a path that looked interesting, only to find my way blocked by a fence that seemed to be there for no apparent reason.
Written August 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy F
Devizes, UK1,392 contributions
Aug 2020
Not a huge area in the grand scheme of things, but a wonderful cool, wooded area, perfect for walking & observing nature.
Written August 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
923Dan
Swindon, UK2,995 contributions
May 2018 • Family
Good to have a walk in easy walk some bits are steep good for pond dipping and investigating velocity but watch out for mosquitos (Review by 9 year old son!) He enjoyed it.
Written May 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scott t
Swindon, UK74 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
We come across this place on the internet and what a hidden gem it was. Easy to find but parked on a new housing estate by the gates. Taking a lovely family walk with our 2 boys through the woodland in a beautiful 22c sunshine. The place is beautiful and not a single bit of rubbish spotted anywhere really looked after. The routes were easy to follow and a perfect place to walk dogs. A bit of history lies in these grounds and we are greatful we got to see this place in all its glory we will definitely be returning the Taylor’s
Written April 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dsmith83
Devizes, UK38 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
Beautiful woodland walk just outside of Devizes. I’ve lived here a year and in the area since I was 7 and didn’t know it existed! So glad I came across it. Really well maintained and the walks are easy to follow, ideal for me to get out with my baby to get some fresh air. For those with really young children it’s not pram friendly due to the steps etc so I would recommend taking a carrier.
Loads of spots for a picnic when the weather improves.
This is my new favourite spot, worth a visit.
Loads of spots for a picnic when the weather improves.
This is my new favourite spot, worth a visit.
Written March 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rfi30
Bath, UK289 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
A most enjoyable walk through the woods. Slightly steep in places but not difficult. Well worth a stroll.
Biggest problem was finding the place. Satnav took us to a private cul-de-sac with no signs whatsoever. Looked on Google Maps and eventually found it in a new housing estate (where we parked) - but still no signs.
Obviously an amenity for locals not visitors.
Biggest problem was finding the place. Satnav took us to a private cul-de-sac with no signs whatsoever. Looked on Google Maps and eventually found it in a new housing estate (where we parked) - but still no signs.
Obviously an amenity for locals not visitors.
Written October 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are you allowed to cycle in Drew’s pond woods? If so, could someone please tell me where. Thank
You
Written March 29, 2023
Sharon P
Devizes, United Kingdom
Where on earth should you park to visit?? We got lost going round this place and being directed to many dead end or private narrow lanes.. very frustrated family here who just wanted a little adventure in the woods!
Written August 20, 2019
Please delete my above answer...starting. 'the forest is hidden' it's the wrong answer. thank you
Written September 4, 2019
Hi, the stream in Drew’s pond wood, what river is it a tributary of please?
Written February 25, 2019
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