Attractions in the Local Area
Dartmoor
National Park
Dartmoor was designated one of the 12 National Parks
of England and Wales in 1951. It is a beautiful moorland landscape with wooded
valleys and wind swept tors. 368 square miles (953 sq. km.) in area, it is home to about
33,000 people. All the land is owned by someone, but there is legal public access to over 47,000 hectares of open country and 450 miles (730 km) of public rights of way, which provide miles of unspoilt spectacular scenery to enjoy, both on foot and horseback. Dartmoor is a rich
habitat for wildlife and has a wealth of archaeological remains.
http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/ and http://www.dartmoor.co.uk/
Tavistock
Straddling the fast flowing river Tavy below the western edge of Dartmoor,
Tavistock stands in the heart of an area of tremendous natural beauty. It is a
classic West Country Market Town, with a population of 11,000 and a shoppers delight.
Whatever your fancy - old books, bold cooks, the art scene or smart jeans - there
is enormous variety and choice.
Tavistock Tourist Information Centre: http://www.tavistockonline.co.uk/tourist_info.htm
Tavistock Town Council:
http://www.tavistock.gov.uk
Tavistock & District Local History
Society / Tavistock Museum: http://www.tavistockhistory.ik.com/
Tavistock
Goose Fair
The annual Goose Fair dates back to the early 12th century. The name Goose Fair probably came about as farmers brought their geese to market ready for fattening for Christmas. Nowadays the Fair is held on the second Wednesday in October each year. Market traders come from all over the country to sell their wares and provide entertainment. Stalls and side-shows are set up in the centre of the town, and some 200 spaces are let by the Town Council for traders and organisations. A further 70 spaces are let to members of the Showman’s Guild. http://www.tavistock.gov.uk/page/goose
Tavistock
Pannier Market
A Royal Charter granted in 1105 by Henry I is still in operation
and the Town Council are the current custodians. The Charter gives the sole right
to operate markets within two leagues (6 2/3rd miles) of the Market site. The
present market was purpose built in the 1850's by the beneficence of the 7th Duke
of Bedford, the then holder of the Charter. To erect the building it was necessary
to re-route the river Tavy. Other buildings erected in the same programme were
the Magistrates Court, Police Station, Town Hall and a run of shops along Duke
Street and around the Market itself. Apart from electric lighting and heating
today’s Pannier Market is little changed from the original build, and is
possibly the finest example in the South West of a traditional Pannier Market
offering themed days giving visitors the chance of experiencing a diversity of
goods. Refreshments are available from a number of stalls and small shops around
the Market.
http://www.tavistock.gov.uk/page/pannier_market
Launceston
Castle
(English Heritage)
Just over the border into Cornwall lies
the ancient former capital of Cornwall, Launceston, with its Castle is set on
the high motte of a stronghold built soon after the Norman Conquest. It was famously
used as a jail for George Fox during the reign of Charles II. As the venue for
the county assizes and gaol, the castle witnessed the trials and hangings of numerous
criminals. The last execution was in 1821. A hands-on display at the castle traces
1,000 years of history, with finds from site excavations.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server.php?show=conProperty.275
Lydford
Gorge
(National trust - off the A386 north of Peter Tavy)
This famous
gorge is 1.5 miles long and can be viewed from a circular walk, which starts high
above the river and passes through attractive oak woods before dropping down to
the dramatic 30m high White Lady waterfall. The path then proceeds along an enchanting
riverside walk through the steeply sided ravine, scooped out by the River Lyd
as it plunges into a series of whirlpools, including the thrilling Devil's Cauldron.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-lydfordgorge/
Okehampton
Castle
(Enlglish Heritage - 1 mile south west of Okehampton town
centre)
The ruins of the largest castle in Devon, in a stunning setting
on the foothills of Dartmoor. Only the shattered remains of the castle can be
seen today. Laid waste by Henry VIII, the ruins include a gatehouse, Norman keep
and the remains of the 14th century great hall, buttery and kitchens. It was the
medieval home of the earls of Devon and there have been sightings of Lady Howard's
ghost. There is a riverside picnic area of exceptional beauty and some enchanting
woodland walks nearby.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server.php?show=conProperty.291
Cotehele
House & Gardens
(National Trust; St Dominick, nr Saltash, Cornwall)
Medieval house with superb collections of textiles, armour and furniture, set
in extensive grounds. At the heart of this riverside estate sits the granite and
slatestone house of Cotehele, built mainly between 1485 and 1627 and a home of
the Edgcumbe family for centuries. Intimate chambers feature large Tudor fireplaces
and rich hangings. Outside, the formal gardens overlook the richly planted valley
garden below, with medieval dovecote, stewpond and Victorian summer house, and
18th century tower above. At the Quay interesting old buildings house the Edgcumbe
Arms tea-room and an outstation of the National Maritime Museum. The restored
Tamar sailing barge 'Shamrock' is moored alongside. A network of paths throughout
the estate provides a variety of riverside and woodland walks.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-cotehele/
Buckland
Abbey
(National Trust; Yelverton)
700 year old building with fine
16th century great hall. Tucked away in its own secluded valley above the River
Tavy, Buckland was originally a small Cistercian monastery. The house, incorporating
remains of the 13th century abbey church, has rich associations with Sir Francis
Drake and his seafaring rival, Sir Richard Grenville, containing much interesting
memorabilia from their time. There are exhibitions on Buckland's history as well
as a magnificent monastic barn, herb garden, delightful estate walks and craft
workshops. (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-bucklandabbey/)
The
Garden House
(Run by the Fortescue Garden Trust, a registered charity;
Buckland Monachorum)
Possibly the best garden in England with its enchanting
terraced walled garden with its 16th century tower and also the 'magic circle',
quarry garden, wild flower meadow and more. Eight acres of colour and interest
throughout the season, featuring 'naturalistic planting' within a beautiful South
Devon landscape on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. Browse the well stocked
plant centre and relax in the tea rooms.
http://www.thegardenhouse.org.uk/
The Tamar Valley and Kit
Hill Country Park
(Managed by Cornwall County Council; 3 miles west of
Gunnislake)
Rising high above the beautiful Tamar Valley AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Bauty), Kit Hill is a wild, rugged granite hilltop famous for its fine views and
fascinating history, and a focal point for miles
around. Climbing to just over 1000 feet above sea level (333m), it is the highest
point of the Hingston Down ridge. At the summit, three viewing tables help you
identify features in the surrounding countryside, including Dartmoor, Bodmin Moor,
the Tamar Valley and Plymouth. On a clear day the Eddystone Light is visible.
http://www.tamarvalleytourism.co.uk/area/Things_to_Do/Places_to_Visit/Kit_Hill_Country_Park/
http://www.tamarvalley.org.uk/
National
Marine Aquarium
(Plymouth, follow the brown and white fish signs)
The National Marine Aquarium is a registered charity dedicated to raising awareness
of the oceans.
The National Marine Aquarium is now Britain's largest aquarium
containing Europe's deepest tank. Attractions include: The Atlantic Reef is the
largest of the cold water exhibits in the aquarium and follows very closely the
conditions in the seas around our coast; The new Mediterranean exhibit features
the deepest tank in Europe. A dizzying 10.5 metres deep, the tank holds 2.5 million
litres of warm seawater.
http://www.national-aquarium.co.uk/
Tamar
Otter Sanctuary
( Near Launceston, Cornwall)
The Otter Trust is
the world's leading Otter conservation organisation
The only place in the
West Country breeding the British Otter regularly and reintroducing young otters
into the wild to save the otter from extinction. Orphaned otter cubs rehabilitation
centre, Dormouse conservation project to help conserve this attractive little
animal, Visitor Centre, Picnic Areas, Illustrated Nature Trail, Refreshments,
Gift Shop, Free Car Park, Two lakes with many Waterfowl.
http://www.chycor.co.uk/tourism/tamar_otter/tamar_otter.htm
Morwellham
Quay
(Owned and run by the Morwellham and Tamar Valley Trust; near Tavistock,
Devon)
An award-winning, evocative museum and visitor centre based around
the historic port and mine workings on the River Tamar.
Costumed staff welcome visitors to the restored port and help to transport you back to the bustling 1860s when heaps of gleaming copper ore filled the quays and a forest of ships' masts lined the river. All human life is here as you explore the busy assay office, marvel at the over-crowded miner's cottages and stroll through the delightful, walled gardens.
For many a highlight of the visit is the journey underground
into the copper mine. Here son et lumiere displays illustrate the harsh working
conditions of Victorian miners and our train drivers offer an expert commentary
on the technical aspects of hard rock mining. By way of contrast the Victorian
farm and nature reserve offer you the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of
21st century life as you wander through the tranquil countryside with only the
wildlife for company.
http://www.morwellham-quay.co.uk