Tavistock a town with a charming country atmosphere, with its large livestock, farmers pannier market, many traditional and specialist shops as well as a wide range high street names such as Boots . Beside the River Tavy, a stroll from the town can be found The Wharfs Art Centre and Theatre a well as the Meadowlands Swimming Pool.

 

One of England’s greatest heroes, Sir Francis Drake, was born on the borders of Tavistock in 1542 and baptised in the parish church. His birthplace, Crowndale Farm, is 1 mile south-west of the town. A statue to him stands outside the school in Plymouth Road, Tavistock. 

The town, the largest in West Devon, grew up around a great Benedictine abbey founded in 974. Tavistock became a stannary town — the administrative centre for the tin-mining industry based on Dartmoor. It also developed Into a prosperous woollen centre. 
The abbey was devastated in the 16th century during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and all that remains are three gates, part of the church cloister, a dining hall and a tower.
Some of the biggest copper mines in the world were worked just outside the town. 

Today Tavistock is an agricultural market town, shopping centre and tourist centre for Dartmoor. The River Tavy, one of the fastest flowing rivers in England, runs through the town. Tavistock is famous in the area for it's annual Goose Fair, held on the second Wednesday in October. On this day the ancient, stannary town is taken up with goose and cattle sales, busy market stalls and a funfair, which provides great fun for family.

 

The pannier market is open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday holding various markets, from craft, to Antiques.

TAVISTOCK & TAMAR VALLEY

Morwellham Quay is an AA award winning visitor centre set in an area of outstanding natural beauty.  Step into the Victorian world, meet our costumed staff, learn how things used to be done, dress yourself from our Victorian wardrobe. Morwellham Quay - Restored 1,000 year old riverside village, port & mine set in 200 acres. Full day of activities: displays, sailing ship, mine, playgrounds & nature reserve. Three shops & restaurant. 01822 832766

Tamar Valley Donkey Park - Free Donkey ride for every child, adventure and toddlers' playgrounds, nature trail, feed the rabbits, goats, ducks, pigs, lambs and calves. Disabled facilities. 01822 834072

Tamar Canoe Expedition - Paddle a canoe along the Tamar with family and friends. No experience necessary: first timers and non swimmers encouraged. 01579 351113.

 

Dartmoor  towns and villages to visit

About Dartmoor

Bovey Tracey

Buckfastliegh

Christow

Clapperbridge

Buckland in the Moor

Dartmeet

Lydford

Mary Tavy

Okehampton

Princeton

Widecoombe

Attractions

MAP

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