Towns and villages

Be sure to visit our moorland towns, each with its own character, local artisans and independent stores.

Ashburton

• Gateway to southern Dartmoor
• Foodie vibe – artisan bakers, food delis, variety of eateries and the annual Food Festival in September
• Medieval Stannary Town (where tin was weighed, stamped and taxed)
• Wander the streets to see historic buildings (St Lawrence Chapel), antique shops, galleries

Bovey Tracey

• On eastern edge of Dartmoor, only 3 miles from Haytor Rocks
• Enjoy the new Wray Valley cycle route from the National Trust Parke estate to Moretonhampstead
• Home to the Contemporary Craft Festival and Devon Guild of Craftsmen
• Stock up with local produce at the Farmers’ Market (1st and 3rd  Saturday each month)

Buckfast

• Home to Buckfast Abbey, with its peaceful gardens and famous Buckfast Tonic Wine

Buckfastleigh

• Interesting mix of architecture in Fore Street (oldest part of town)
• History of wool industry, quarrying, mining, tanning and paper making
• Independent shops, Valiant Soldier museum and information centre
• Good base for walking, cycling, caving and rock climbing

Chagford

• Voted ‘Best place to live’ – situated on north-eastern edge of Dartmoor
• Popular and thriving town with distinctive ‘pepper pot’ market house, pubs, cafés and variety of independent shops
• Great centre for walking – Two Moors Way long distance walking route passes close by
• Home to Chagstock music festival (July) and Chagford Film Festival (September)

Moretonhampstead

• Ancient market town on north-eastern side of Dartmoor
• Centre for local artists and craftspeople (pottery, furniture making, blacksmithing and bronze sculptures) – plus Green Hill Arts Gallery
• Cycle or walk the Wray Valley Trail (between Moretonhampstead and Bovey Tracey)
• Visit the Motor Museum to see a wonderful collection of restored classic cars and motorcycles, or call into the Miniature Pony Centre nearby

Okehampton

• Ideal base for exploring the wild northern moor and Dartmoor’s two highest Tors – High Willhays and Yes Tor
• Fair Trade town with a high percentage of independent shops and a twice weekly market
• Explore the Victorian shopping arcade and Museum of Dartmoor Life
• Stroll through pretty Simmons Park, or visit Okehampton Castle
• Cycle from Okehampton to Lydford on the Granite Way cycle route

Tavistock

• Attractive market town on the western edge of Dartmoor
• Birthplace of Sir Francis Drake
• Great for shopping – over 70% of independent retailers, plus award-winning Pannier Market
• Visit the traditional Goose Fair (October)
• Cycling along the Drake’s Trail (National Cycle Network Route 27)

Widecombe-in-the-Moor

• One of the most picturesque villages on the moor, with pretty village green, attractive tea rooms and local pubs
• The Church of St Pancras, known as the Cathedral of the Moor, is particularly spectacular if seen from the top of the hill when travelling from Haytor
• Visit the traditional Widecombe Fair (2nd Tuesday in September) and see Uncle Tom Cobley and all
• Farmers’ market held every fourth Saturday of the month