Tavistock a town with a charming country atmosphere, with its large livestock, farmers pannier market, many traditional and specialist shops as well as a wide range high street names such as Boots . Beside the River Tavy, a stroll from the town can be found The Wharfs Art Centre and Theatre a well as the Meadowlands Swimming Pool.

One of England’s greatest heroes, Sir Francis Drake, was born on the borders of Tavistock in 1542 and baptised in the parish church. His birthplace, Crowndale Farm, is 1 mile south-west of the town. A statue to him stands outside the school in Plymouth Road, Tavistock.

The town, the largest in West Devon, grew up around a great Benedictine abbey founded in 974. Tavistock became a stannary town — the administrative centre for the tin-mining industry based on Dartmoor. It also developed Into a prosperous woollen centre.
The abbey was devastated in the 16th century during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and all that remains are three gates, part of the church cloister, a dining hall and a tower.
Some of the biggest copper mines in the world were worked just outside the town.

Today Tavistock is an agricultural market town, shopping centre and tourist centre for Dartmoor. The River Tavy, one of the fastest flowing rivers in England, runs through the town. Tavistock is famous in the area for it's annual Goose Fair, held on the second Wednesday in October. On this day the ancient, stannary town is taken up with goose and cattle sales, busy market stalls and a funfair, which provides great fun for family.

The pannier market is open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday holding various markets, from craft, to Antiques.

Towns and Villages of Dartmoor

Dartmoor towns and villages to visit

About Dartmoor
Bovey Tracey
Buckfastleigh
Christow
Clapperbridge
Buckland in the Moor
Dartmeet
Lydford
Mary Tavy
Okehampton
Princeton
Widecoombe

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

Dartmoor Wildlife Park, Plymouth The original close encounters! Tel: 01752 837209

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

Milton Abbot
Countryman Cider, Feldownhead, Milton Abbot
Devon . Tel: 01822870226

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.

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 Bedford Hotel Tavistock. 'A Little Gem' Welcoming Town House Hotel situated in The Historic Market Town of Tavistock, Devon. Formally the home to The Dukes of Bedford and built on the remains of an Abbey. The Woburn Restaurant is renowned and features many local dishes and fresh produce. Explore Tavistock with its wealth of antique shops and Pannier Market, on our doorstep - Dartmoor, a little further afield - The Eden Project. Within easy reach three excellent golf courses, (preferred rates available for our guests) If you are looking for a short break in Devon this is an excellent location. A very popular venue for Xmas shopping with excellent craft shops and market in Tavistock or the new multi million pound shopping Mall in Plymouth just 20 minutes away.

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.

Hotels in the Dartmoor Area

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