Tavistock, Devon, Visitor & Tourism Guide
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National Park: Dartmoor
AONBs: Tamar Valley, South Devon, Cornwall
Cities: Plymouth
Towns/Villages: Lydford, Okehampton, Sheepstor, Yelverton
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Morwellham Quay
West Dartmoor
On the western fringe of Dartmoor, Tavistock's the perfect place from which to explore the central, southern and western sections of the National Park. It's also a fine location for those wishing to enjoy the neighbouring Tamar Valley AONB and the South Devon AONB. Plymouth is to the south.
An information point in town provides a good introduction to some of Tavistock's points of interest. It reads: 'TAVISTOCK DEVON. THE WESTERN GATEWAY OF DARTMOOR. ANCIENT STANNARY TOWN. Remains of the Benedictine Abbey founded by Ordgar and Ordulph C.965. Gateways part of Cloister Abbots Hall and Crenellated Wall by River Tavy. Parish Church of St.Eustace A.D.1185-1450. Interesting Monuments. Birthplace of Sir Francis Drake (original statue by Boehm) and of William Browne the Poet ...'
In Tavistock, try Tavistock Pannier Market. See the remains of Tavistock Abbey and visit Tavistock St Eustachius Church, walk a section of the River Tavy and learn about the town's local history and association with Sir Francis Drake. Tavistock The Tree provides a great visual guide to the latter.
The Local Area
Morwellham Quay, part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, is close to the south west. In the area, also visit Calstock Viaduct and Cotehele House and Gardens. Buckland Abbey is great, too.
Top tors
If hiking’s your thing, we’d recommend staying in or around Tavistock and heading out onto the moors for the day. Great Mis Tor is to the east, Dartmoor’s highest tors to the north east and the stunning Leather Tor to the south east. Browse our ‘Top Ten Tors’ for more ideas.
For a unique experience and big views, head to Brent Tor, a church on a tor.
Cornwall AONB
If you're staying in the area for long, we'd also recommend heading south to Rame Head which is part of the Cornwall AONB. Whitsand Bay is awesome. The National Trust's Antony House is super, too.
Top 10 Recommendations
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Local Attractions [See more Attractions]
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Located in Tavistock, Devon, South West England, England Less than a mile away. Sir Francis Drake was born in Tavistock in the middle of the 16th century. Later in his life, Drake lived at nearby Buckland Abbey. There's another Drake statue in Plymouth on Plymouth Hoe overlooking Plymouth Sound and... |
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Located in Tavistock, Devon, South West England, England Less than a mile away. Morwellham Quay is on the Devon side of the River Tamar. The River Tamar runs down the Devon/Cornwall border to Plymouth and the English Channel. Tavistock is a Dartmoor gateway town on the River Tavy. Tavistock Canal wa... |
Local Accommodation [See more Accommodation]
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 Less than a mile away. Total Rooms: 30; Rates: £59 - £259 Per Night On the edge of Dartmoor National Park, this 17th century coaching inn has been refashioned into an award-winning townhouse hotel, brasserie and wine bar... |
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 Less than a mile away. Total Rooms: 30; Rates: £65 - £140 Per Night Near the Eden Project, in the historic market town of Tavistock, gateway to Dartmoor, the hotel is a a true taste of old fashioned hospitality at its very besta Daily Telegraph... |
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Less than a mile away. Total Rooms: 10; Rates: £130 - £200 Per Night In 5 acres of spectacular gardens and with breathtaking views over the tranquil Tamar Valley, the Horn of Plenty offers elegant, luxurious accommodation and an award-winning restaurant... |
