Ashburton, the largest town wholly within the National Park It has a
thriving town centre that not only offers good local produce through its
traditional butchers, bakers and delicatessen but has also gained a
reputation for being a centre for antiques, with many varied antique
shops including antiquarian books architectural salvage and auction
house. The town is also home to a fine collection of North American
Indian items housed within the town museum
Nudging southern Dartmoor, this ancient Stannary town of Ashburton is
the ideal location for exploring the National Park, south Devon's
seaside resorts, towns and attractions.
The largest town wholly within the National Park boundary, it straddles
the River Ashburn, four miles before it joins the River Dart. The wealth
of architecture within the town is due to the history of wool and tin
industries and the town houses built by the wealthy merchants.
Enjoy the magnificent views from Terrace Walk, historical buildings and
many and varied shop, many in typical Devon gable-styled houses.
A good friendly atmosphere, traditional annual events, interesting shops
and various markets make Ashburton a town well worth visiting.
Half Day Closing: Wednesday.
Towns and Villages of Dartmoor
The Court & Law Day - the centuries old ceremony for choosing the
town's Portreeve
(3rd Tuesday in November)
Local towns and villages to visit
About Dartmoor
Brixham
Cockington
Dartmouth
Dawlish
Newton Abbot
Paignton
Plymouth
Shaldon
Teignmouth
Torquay
Totnes
- Read about a few of the moors towns and villages.
Chagford Christow Cornwood Dunsford Drewsteignton Hennock Holne Horrabridge Lustleigh Mary Tavy Moretonhampstead Princetown Postbridge South Zeal Sticklepath Walkhampton Widecombe in the Moor Yelverton
Buckfast Abbey...
which is the home of a Roman Catholic Community of Benedictine monks in
Devon, England. The first monastery was founded in 1018, but was
suppressed by Henry VIII in 1539. It was refounded in 1882. The Abbey
Church was rebuilt by the monks themselves. Buckfast now welcomes almost
half a million visitors each year. Buckfast Abbey, Buckfastleigh Set in
the beautiful valley of the River Dart on the edge of Dartmoor. Tel: 01364 642519
South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh Great Western branch line, 7 miles
besides the River Dart. Picturesque scenery, living museum.
Tel: 01364 642338
Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary Come and visit the
beautiful butterflies and otters at this extensive park.
Tel: 01364 642916
More about the Towns and Villages of Dartmoor
Markets Ashburton
Tuesday - Indoor Pannier (am)
Thursday - Cattle, 1st Thursday in month.
Ashburton
Historical events
Annual Carnival, thought to be Devon's oldest (last Saturday in June to
1st Saturday in July)
Ashburton
The Ancient Ale Tasting and Bread Weighing Ceremony and Medieval Fair
(3rd Saturday in July)
River Dart Country Park, Ashburton An exciting world of woodland adventure playgrounds with tarzan swings, aerial runways, tree houses, rope bridges and tiny tots play area. Tel: 01364 652511
The pannier market in tavistock is open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday holding various markets, from craft, to Antiques.
Milton Abbot
Countryman Cider, Feldownhead, Milton Abbot
Devon . Tel: 01822870226
- Chagford is a thriving and welcoming little town that has a wealth of lovely shops supplying a range of local produce and is particularly well known for its two outstanding traditional hardware stores. The town also boasts the largest outdoor swimming pool in Devon set in idyllic surroundings in wooded countryside close to the river, where you can enjoy a swim or just sit and enjoy a drink or snack from the cafe.
-
Christow situated on the slopes
of the Teign Valley, is a traditional Dartmoor village with a wealth
of mining history. The village has a small shop, a post office and
the popular Artichoke Inn.
Cornwood This is an excellent starting point for exploring the old farmsteads, and prehistoric and more recent tin mining remains that abound in the area. There is a village post office and tearooms.
Dunsford Whitewashed thatched cottages huddle together above the wooded slopes of the River Teign. Both the post office stores and the Royal Oak public house are to be found at the centre of the village and just down the road is a children’s play area in the most idyllic setting behind the village hall.
Drewsteignton The village church, shop and pub flank a central square in this attractive village. The village and its pub are named after a local family whose name can be traced back to 1210 in its original form ‘Drogo’.
Hennock situated to the north west of Bovey Tracey, is a small village overlooking the Teign Valley. One particular gem is the Public House, also the Post Office.
Holne This attractive village is one of the few Dartmoor settlements left with a working farm at its centre. Home Court Farm sells beef, Iamb and eggs direct to the public and supplies produce to its near neighbour, the Church House Inn.
Horrabridge The village of Horrabridge lies along the A386 just outside Tavistock. Here you can admire the historic bridge dating back to 1260 while picnicking beside the River Tavy in Weir Park. There are also shops and two pubs to choose from.
-
Sticklepath This was on a former
major trade route during the industrial revolution but is now tucked
away in the quiet corner of Dartmoor. A visit is worthwhile since,
as well as the two pubs and local shop, the Finch Foundry museum
will give you an insight into the village’s lively past.
Walkhampton The church stands above the village and its tower is visible for many miles around. The pretty village is set in a hollow where Huckworthy Bridge spans the Walkham. The village includes a Post Office and the Walkhampton Inn, which serves - good local beers.
Postbridge
This hamlet is at the
heart of the moor is so named because the bridge carried the first
post road over the moor. There is a choice of two pubs and you can
relax by the side of the river and enjoy a takeaway cream tea Post
Office Stores.
South Zeal This medieval new town,
was created in the 13th Century by the Norman Lord, Robert de Tony.
the village shop, The Stores, has expanded over the last few years
and provides ample opportunity for retail therapy. The two village
pubs in this attractive settlement offer the opportunity for
relaxing meals.
-
Lustleigh This picturesque
village is tucked along the eastern foothills of Dartmoor. Savour
lunch outside The Cleave pub next to the village cricket field.
Mary Tavy It owes much of its character to history. At one time, the largest copper mine is Wheel Friendship, was on Mary Tavy. There is a post office shop, with a quirk in that the entrance is via the back door!
Moretonhampstead is one of Dartmoor’s main centres for art with a thriving community of craftsmen artists, potters and blacksmith whose talents can be viewed in local studios as well as a prestigious gallery. A recent public art project has transformed the town with its life sculptures of Dartmoor ponies that children love to ride and a vibrant mosaic snail that wends it way towards the parish church. -
Princetown Lies at the heart of
the National Park and is famous for HM Prison Dartmoor. Don’t miss
the Prison Museum its fascinating history of prison life. Here, too,
is the Dartmoor National Park Authority’s award wining High Moorland
Visitor Centre, which is open throughout the year. The Tyrwhitt
Trails give good insight into the history historic settlement and
provide opportunities to explore the high moorland beyond. Locally brewed Jail Ale is sold in bottle at the
Feathers and the Prince of Wales.
Belmont Cottage, Ashburton, Devon.
sleeps 6.Enjoying a quiet location within Dartmoor National Park, this
immaculate detached 200 year old cottage is set in a superb walled garden with
lovely rural views. Ashburton is an ancient stannery town, ideally placed for
exploring country and coastal attractions. Buckfast Abbey, Dartmoors Buckland
Tor and River Dart Country Park are all about 3 miles. Shop and pub 400 yards.
Magpie Leisure Park,
Magpie Yelverton Devon
Magpie Caravan Site, Magpie, Yelverton, Devon
PL20 7RY Tel: 01822852651
Webland Farm Holiday Park, Avonwick
Avonwick, South Brent, TQ10 9EX
Tel: 0136473273
Cheston Caravan & Camping Park,
Wrangaton
South Brent, Devon TQ10 9HF, Tel: 0136472586
South Devon Holiday Parks Static Self Catering Holidays, Ideal for family self-catering holidays all year round, some allow pets, weekends, half term or just a short break !
The Two Bridges Hotel Dartmoor. Highly recommended Country House Hotel set in a stunning riverside location within its own 60 acres of private grounds, watch out for the geese ! Beautiful bedrooms with views across Dartmoor , many with four poster beds and double spa baths. Enjoy the wonderful cuisine served in The Tors AA Red Rosette Restaurant, the emphasis is on using seasonal local fresh produce. Relax in the cosy lounges in front of the blazing log fires.
Belmont Cottage, Ashburton, Devon. sleeps 6.Enjoying a quiet location within Dartmoor National Park, this immaculate detached 200 year old cottage is set in a superb walled garden with lovely rural views. Ashburton is an ancient stannery town, ideally placed for exploring country and coastal attractions. Buckfast Abbey, Dartmoors Buckland Tor and River Dart Country Park are all about 3 miles. Shop and pub 400 yards.
Edgecumbe Hotel Fore Street, Bere Alston
Tavistock Devon 840252
Devon Cottages Cosy properties in delightful settings, town or country. 0845 268 1255
Jasmine Chinese Restaurant, Buckland Terrace, Yelverton, Devon
01364 852807
Brimpts Farm, Farm House Food & Cream Teas, Dartmeet, Yelverton, Devon
01364 631250
Devon Tors Bar & Restaurant, Yelverton, Devon 01364 853604
Tavistock Devon 840252
Blacksmiths Arms Lamerton, Tavistock, Devon
612962
Buccanear Inn, Commercial Street, Gunnislake, Tavistock, Devon 833752
Chipshop Inn Chipshop Tavistock,
Devon 832322
Cornish Arms West Street Tavistock,
Devon 612145
Duke of York Ford Street, Tavistock, Devon 614298
Harvest Home
Tavistock
611022
Cornish Arms
West Street
Tavistock
612145
Cornwood Inn
Cornwood
837225
Duke of York
Ford Street
Tavistock
614298
Blacksmiths Arms
Lamerton,
Tavistock,
612962
