Towns and Villages of Dartmoor

Buckfastleigh is an attractive market town situated on the old main road between Plymouth and Exeter on the edge of Dartmoor.

Buckfastleigh is a small town, with origins that date back to the prosperous medieval woollen trade. More recently, ambitious enhancement works have transformed the town centre to provide a bright, safe and attractive environment in which to wander and enjoy the range of local shops and visit the Valiant Soldier. This former public house has reopened as a heritage centre where visitors can experience the look and fees of a pub of 50 years ago. The town hosts a farmers market on Thursday mornings where you can buy fresh local produce. On the north east side of the town up 196 cobbled steps, views from the church are beautiful. Buckfast Abbey is situated one mile north for ideal to visit on a day out, with coffee shop / restaurant and shop. Nearby a butterfly and Otter farm lie adjacent to the Northern Terminus of the Dart Valley Steam Railway and its workshops. Why not take a trip to Totnes and enjoy the experience of a country branch line of yesteryear.

Buckfastleigh is an attractive market town situated on the old main road between Plymouth and Exeter on the edge of Dartmoor.
On the north east side of the town up 196 cobbled steps, views from the church are beautiful. Buckfast Abbey is situated one mile north for ideal to visit on a day out, with coffee shop / restaurant and shop. Nearby is a butterfly and Otter farm


Dartmoor towns and villages to visit

About Dartmoor
Bovey Tracey
Christow
Clapperbridge
Buckland in the Moor
Dartmeet
Mary Tavy
Okehampton

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

Morwellham Quay is an AA award winning visitor centre set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Step into the Victorian world, meet our costumed staff, learn how things used to be done, dress yourself from our Victorian wardrobe. Morwellham Quay - Restored 1,000 year old riverside village, port & mine set in 200 acres. Full day of activities: displays, sailing ship, mine, playgrounds & nature reserve. Three shops & restaurant. 01822 832766

Tamar Valley Donkey Park - Free Donkey ride for every child, adventure and toddlers' playgrounds, nature trail, feed the rabbits, goats, ducks, pigs, lambs and calves. Disabled facilities. 01822 834072

Tamar Canoe Expedition - Paddle a canoe along the Tamar with family and friends. No experience necessary: first timers and non swimmers encouraged. 01579 351113.

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

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 !

Dartbridge Inn Buckfastleigh. Situated within easy reach from the A38 route between Exeter and Plymouth, it’s definitely worth a visit or stay at The Dartbridge Inn. Nestled on the edge of Dartmoor National Park and the beautiful River Dart just opposite, and close by to Totnes, the Dartbridge Inn makes its own picture postcard.

South Devon Hotels

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

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