With over 300 games to choose from, and expert help to learn to play them all, what a great place for a family day out!
This was just a fantastic afternoon of family fun that could so easily become a welcome habit. The location was Game Knights, an unassuming shop in Devizes that hosts families, children, grown-ups and game playing fans of all ages and experiences, offering them the chance to play board games together – and a good bit more too.
The idea is simple – turn up, choose from the 300ish board games available, sit down and play. The very friendly team will help you pick the best game for you, assist with the rules and even sit down and take part if you need another player. You then pay per person and per hour.
Also available is the chance to build and paint Warhamme and Dungeons and Dragons sets and characters – again, with help on hand where needed – as well as Lego building.
We called along one Sunday afternoon, just a dad and his teenage son looking for some chilled out fun. Edward was on hand to welcome us in, give us a tour of the premises and explain how things work. As it happened, co-owner Jamie showed up and was happy to advise, picking out one of his favourite games, Ticket To Ride, as being perfect for us, before sitting down with us and demonstrating how to play.
While Jamie went through the rules, a mum and her young daughter sat behind playing their own choice of game, while another family – regular visitors with a love of Warhammer – painted their characters. We were all soon joined by a young couple asking for advice on paints and to order a new game.
One of the great attractions of Game Knight is just how relaxed and friendly the whole experience is, from the friendly knowledgeable staff, through to the banter between customers. Jamie also makes the venue available to families who need quiet sessions for children who aren’t comfortable with crowds.
In no time, we were away with Ticket To Ride, tracing our routes across America, trying to stop the other players reaching their destination and winning points along the way. The shop supplies drinks and snacks to keep us refreshed.
As we played, Jamie explained that he started up Game Knight with his partner Mary as a passion to create a community space where gamers and non-gamers alike could enjoy time together with friends and families. Alongside the board games and Lego, there’s also specialist events, including Warhammer, painting, Magic night, a Pokemon league and quizzes.
“We welcome a real range of ages,” explained James. “While there’s a good few families who have younger children, two of our regulars are an older couple in their 70s who like to play backgammon once a week.
“We also enjoy reach-out projects with local schools and community groups, while visitors come from across Wiltshire and Bath too.”
As our game progressed, we really got into the flow of things. In no time we were planning return visits with friends and family, while an hour or two’s Lego building hugely appealed to me while I waited around for my oldest son’s weekly bushcraft school group in a nearby town.
With our game coming to a finish, I missed out on victory by a smidgeon to a very happy youngest son (I let him win, honest…).
As we cleared up the pieces, we were already looking around for a game to enjoy for our next visit – perhaps the Star Wars themed version of Risk…
