Stay and play

Bovey Tracey

Lying on the West Teign river, Bovey is named for the Saxon township of “Bofa” and the medieval landlord William de Tracey, who built the church in 1200 as penance for his part in the murder of Thomas Becket. The remains of a pottery which produced sanitary ware from the fine clays from Bovey Heathfield is now home to the House of Marbles – a fascinating glass studio and manufactory. The town’s history is detailed in the Heritage Centre at the old station. You can find out more about the town at the Tourist Information Centre in the town car park.

The town has a range of everyday and more specialist shops, as well as a Farmers Market on alternate Saturdays.

Four miles to the west are the famous Becky Falls. A little further to the west is Haytor Down where the massive Tor attracts hundreds of visitors each year. Close by is Haytor Quarry where granite was hewn for prestigious buildings in London including London Bridge. The granite was transported to the docks at Teignbridge partly by a granite railway, still visible near the quarry. This is also the start of the Templer Way – an 18 mile walk that takes you all the way to the coast at Teignmouth

Budleigh Salterton:

This old salters’ community nestling on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast has a 400-year-old cobble beach. A delightful riverside walk to the old village of Otterton runs from Budleigh Salterton through the picturesque Otter Valley.
Otterton defies modernity with its chocolate-box thatched charm. Even the Kings Arms Inn has a post office and general store. Otterton Mill is a Pandora’s box of cultural activity with a bakery, working flourmill, arts and crafts, and gallery of fine Devon art. A popular restaurant with live music provides evenings of delicious food and entertainment.
Nearby is Hayes Barton, the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh, favourite explorer of Queen Elizabeth I. Bicton Park and Botanical Gardens are also nearby and are the most magnificent privately owned gardens in Devon. Around the headland from Budleigh Salterton is the famous and striking geology of Ladram Bay, with its red cliffs plunging into the sea.
Nearby attractions include Otterton Mill for delicious local food, arts and crafts and Bicton Park Botanical Gardens for a great family day out

Crediton

Situated between Dartmoor and Exmoor, and only seven miles from the city of Exeter. This attractive and historic market town is surrounded by rolling hills and wooded valleys. It has a landscape of rich red earth, which is typical of Devon.

Crediton was the birthplace of St. Boniface in 680AD, one of the first Christian missionaries who went to northern Europe. The town became the first Bishopric of Devon and Cornwall and the site of a beautiful cathedral like church, which still dominates the town today.

As well as having a thriving farmers market, Crediton High Street has many local independent retailers, which provide a refreshing antidote to the sameness of most modern towns

Dartmeet

A famous beauty spot, where east and west branches of the River Dart meet in a steep, wooded valley. There is a fine example of a stone clapper bridge and many choose to gather here to picnic, laze in the sunshine or head off across the moor. Nearby is the wonderfully unique Pixieland and Brimpts Farm, the home of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust. Here too, among the outstanding views, is Badgers Holt, tearoom, cafe and welcome respite for weary travellers.

Dartmoor National Park:

Dartmoor is not just about the landscape; there’s a lot more to it than that. It’s not just about the ponies, or the tors, the history or the heritage; but that’s a good start.  It’s about getting out there, experiencing new things. This living, breathing, working landscape holds the secret to a past that stretches back over the centuries, and a future that is both sustainable and green. From rare birds and butterflies, Neolithic monuments and ancient woodland, to tradition, folklore and farming on horseback, Dartmoor has it all. Leading the way for the arts, all things organic, a haven for literary greats and explorers, you will be walking in some awesome footsteps.

Exeter:

Exeter is an intimate city brimming with character and steeped in ancient history. The City offers a wide range of attractions, facilities and entertainment making Exeter the perfect day out. Exeter is surrounded by vast swathes of lush green Devon countryside, within minutes drive of the centre.
Whether you’re taking a holiday, if you are touring or looking for an interesting day out, whatever your age, Exeter has much to entice all year round.
Visits to the following are an absolute must: 850 year old cathedral, Britains only Underground Passages, Historic Quayside – array of craft and antique shops, pubs and tea rooms, Exeter Festival – held every year in the summer, Theatres, Art Centre and Art Galleries.
“With a touch of buzzy, big city atmosphere and a thriving arts scene, Exeter is one of the liveliest cities in the southwest. The city’s long heritage means there are plenty of monuments and historical attractions to occupy at least a day’s sightseeing, and the excellent selection of bars, cafes and restaurants make Exeter a vibrant place to be after dark” – Lonely Planet.

Exmouth

A popular holiday destination since the 18th century, Exmouth truly represents the British seaside at its best with golden beaches for building sandcastles, rock pools to hunt for elusive crabs, and sparkling sea in which to paddle, swim, windsurf, and water ski.

As you would expect there is plenty of seasonal entertainment, while the popular World of Country Life at Sandy Bay is a great all-weather attraction with lots of animals, rides, play areas, and a Victorian street.

An excellent way to view the vibrant red and burnt orange of the ancient Triassic rock of the Exmouth coastline is by taking a Jurassic Coast trip with Stuart Line Cruises. They also offer bird-watching cruises as the mudflats and grazing marshes of the Exe estuary attract a huge variety of birdlife. In winter months special RSPB Avocet Cruises from Exmouth docks allow passengers to view rare avocets, a birdwatcher’s delight.

Moretonhampstead

One of the historic towns on Dartmoor, Moretonhampstead is an ideal base for outdoor activity holidays, with a range of facilities for walking, cycling, horse riding and bird watching.

As one of the gateway towns to Dartmoor, it has a thriving crafts community with a number of open studios and galleries that you can visit. It has a variety of hotels, inns and teashops, a growing number of public art installations, an open air swimming pool and has its own town letter box trail.

Just outside of the town there is a superb golf course at the Bovey Castle Hotel, and next door to this is the Miniature Pony Centre and Animal Farm visitor attraction.

Postbridge

An attractive hamlet, which is ideal as a base for walking. Famous for the largest clapper bridge, dating back to the 13th century. Postbridge was once an essential link from Chagford to Tavistock and was first recorded in 1670 when the track (now B3357) was the only reliable moorland route.

Postbridge benefits from a quaint but well equipped local shop, cream teas, pubs and the Dartmoor National Park Authority Visitor Centre, as well as the beautiful River and being as central point for reaching other parts of the moor such as Two Bridges, Grimspound and Bellever

Widecombe

The village that everyone knows through the popular song (Tom Pearce and his Grey Mare). Widecombe is a big draw for visitors the world over. The church tower is visible from many vantage points around the eastern moorlands. The Widecombe Fair is held annually on the second Tuesday in Sepember. There is a church, pubs, shops and accommodation.

For more information visit www.heartofdevon.com