Tiverton is one of Devonshire’s largest towns, on the River Exe, and has an excellent shopping centre plus pannier markets three days each week.
A settlement has existed at Tiverton since the 9th century, though the Romans had a fortress here in the 1st century.
Situated on the junction of the Rivers Exe and Lowman, the name is derived from the Saxon “Twyford Ton” meaning “Two Ford Town”.
The area became the centre of Devon’s medieval woollen industry for several centuries until competition from the north of England led to its decline.
The town was saved in 1816 by John Heathcoat, a lace maker who was forced from his factory in Loughborough. Bringing several of his key employees with him, he setup his business in a disused wool mill in the West half of town and taught the redundant wool producers how to make lace.
The factory has been the main employer in Tiverton ever since and has provided lace for several royal weddings, including the present Queen’s, and the net for the late Princess Diana’s veil.
The Roman fortress on the northern edge of the town was partly excavated by local archaeologists in 1985 and the coins and pottery which were found are on display in the Tiverton Museum.
There is also a model of how the gate- house, the part which was excavated, would have looked when the fortress was in use during the 1st century

Overlooking the town is the site of a huge British hill fort called Cranmore Castle. A wooden castle was built on the banks of the Exe in ~106 by the Earl of Devon but none of that building remains. When Hugh de Courtenay inherited in 1293 he rebuilt it in stone.
Many of Tiverton’s other buildings did not survive the terrible fires which ravaged the town in 1598, 1612 and 1731 and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

There are several interesting churches in the town including St George's and St Peter’s, both Grade I listed buildings.
Just north of Tiverton in the village of Bolham is Knightshayes Court country house, owned by the National Trust and open to the public.

Heathcoat’s Factory School was the first factory school in the southwest and has a factory shop. Opposite The Great House is Chilcott’s School, opened in 16 and now occupied by the Mid Devon District Council.

The Grand Western Canal Basin on the south side of the town is one end of the attractive waterway which stretches eleven miles to the East. There are a number of well presented lime kilns and the Grand Western Horse boat Company operates trips from the Basin. A collection of photographs and tools from the canal at on display at the Museum.
There is a Tourist Information Centre’ Phoenix Lane and a “Town Trail” guide available. The Museum and the Library the Town Hall are both good sources of. information about Tiverton and Mid Devon in general.

Tiverton once a wool centre is a pretty town to visit .The towns buildings include remains of a 14th century castle which was once owned by the Courtnays, the Earl of Devon, the Waldron Almshouse and Greenway's Almshouses, both 16th century and the famous Blundells School, founded in 1604 by a rich local wool merchant.

For wonderful food try Mr.Davids in Tiverton for a good selection of home made lunches served with fresh vegetables and a smile.

Local towns and villages to visit


Bickleigh
Crediton
Cullompton
East Budleigh
Exeter
Exmouth
Tiverton

Grand Western Canal Country Park
The Moorings, Canal Hill, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 4HX 01884 254072

Devonshire's Centre-, Bickleigh Mill, Bickleigh
Tiverton, Devon . EX16 8RG Tel: 01884855419

Cobbaton Combat Collection, Chittlehampton
Umberleigh, Devon

Rose & Crown Riding Stables
Palmers Lodge Calverleigh Tiverton Devon EX16 8BA 01884 252060

Hancocks Devon Cider Works, Clapworhty Mill
South Molton, Devon . Tel: 01769572678

Bellbrook Valley Trout Fishery
Oakford Tiverton Devon EX16 9EX
01398 351292

Monsters Mansion
Elmore Football Club, Heathcoat Way, Tiverton, EX16 4DB 01884 255 692

Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life
Beck's Sq, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 6PJ 01884 256295

Tourist Information Centre
Phoenix Ln, Tiverton, EX16 01884 255827

Knightshayes Gardens National Trust
Gardens Office, Knightshayes, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 7RG 01884 253264

Diggerland
Verbeer Manor, Willand, Cullompton, EX15 0870 034 4437

Lantic Gallery
38 Gold St, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 6PY 01884 259888

Abbotshood Farm
Abbotshood Farm, Greenway, Halberton, Tiverton, EX16 01884 820 728

Devon Tourist Information (Tiverton)
Little Chef
Junction 27, M5
Sampford Peverall
Tiverton

The Caravan Club, Exmoor House, Dulverton
Devon TA22 9HL Tel: 01398323268

The Caravan Club, Exmoor House, Dulverton
Devon TA22 9HL Tel: 01398323268

North Devon Static Self Catering Holidays, Ideal for family self-catering holidays all year round, some allow pets, weekends, half term or just a short break !

Best Western Tiverton Hotel Tiverton. Friendly welcoming hotel on the outskirts of the market town of Tiverton only 10 minutes from junction 27 off the M5 and 20 miles from the Cathedral city of Exeter. The hotel has 69 spacious en-suite bedrooms 10 of which have been upgraded to an Executive standard. The 7 conference rooms vary in size and can accommodate up to 300 delegates. Ample free car parking available.

The Hartnoll Hotel
Bolham, Nr. Tiverton, EX16 7RA 01884 252 777

Lodgehill Hotel
Ashley, Tiverton, EX16 5PA, EX16 01884 251200

Angel Guesthouse Bed and Breakfast
13 St. Peter Street, Tiverton, EX16 6NU 01884 253 392

The Parkway Inn
32 Lowertown, Sampford Peverell, EX16 7BJ 01884 820 255

The Swan Hotel
Station Rd, Bampton, Tiverton, EX16 01398 331 257

Hotels in the Tiverton Area

Devon Cottages

Cosy properties in delightful settings,

town or country. 0845 268 1255

Rose & Crown Inn
Palmers Lodge, Calverleigh, Tiverton, EX16 8BA 01884 256301