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Dartmoor
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Castle Drogo is
perched high above the Teign Gorge with dramatic views over Dartmoor.
It was the 20th century home of self made millionaire Julius
Drewe, and contains family keepsakes and modern
technology such as gramophones, set alongside 17th century
tapestries. The formal garden makes a striking contrast to Dartmoors ancient
woodlands, which creep up to the borders of the grounds. There are family activities in the school holidays, and a shop, plant sales and cafe.
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This lush oak-wooded steep-sided river gorge (the deepest in the South
West), with its natural beauty, fascinating history and many legends,
can be explored through a variety of exhilarating short or long walks.
Around every corner the river Lyd plunges, tumbles, swirls and gently
meanders as it travels through the gorge. Throughout the seasons there
is an abundance of wildlife and plants to see, from woodland birds to
wild garlic in the spring and fungi in the autumn.
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Visitors to the Miniature Pony Centre can experience animals and activities in 20 acres of beautiful parkland. There are over 150 animals to see including miniature Shetland Ponies and Mediterranean donkeys, as well as pygmy goats, Kune Kune pigs, lambs, rabbits and chipmunks! Say hello to Gulliver the Shire horse, and meet Chico, the spotted miniature horse. There are lots of fun activities for children, especially in the school holidays, and you can always take a break in the cafe.
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Step back in time on one of the magnificent steam engines of the South
Devon Railway, with mainline rail connections at both ends! Visitors can take the return steam train trip from Buckfastleigh
and benefit from a Vintage Bus Service which is available to transport
you to and from Buckfast Abbey and Buckfastleigh Town Centre. A
combined ticket is available, covering entry to Buckfast Butterfly Farm
and Otter Sanctuary as well as the famous Buckfast Abbey.
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Buckland Abbey was home of the Elizabethan seafarer Sir Francis Drake, set in a secluded location in beautiful Tavy Valley. The 700-year-old buildings include the fine 16th-century Great Hall, rumoured to be haunted by Drake and accompanying 'hell hounds!' Explore the history
of the buildings and grounds through interactive displays and hands on
activities, or take a walk along one of the marked trails along the
river Tavy. Facilities include a shop/garden shop, and cafe.
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The Museum of Dartmoor Life tells the stories of people who lived on and around Dartmoor. The museum was built as a granary in 1811, and the picturesque
cobbled courtyard features granite rails on which the wheels of carts
would once have run.
In addition to three floors of exhibits, the building includes a
state-of-the-art Gallery where exhibitions and other events are
staged. At the side of the building is a large working waterwheel. Facilities include a shop and tearoom.
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Canonteign Falls is the highest waterfall in England and is situated in
the beautiful Teign Valley. Steeped in a fascinating silver mining
history, the Falls were created in 1890 when the 3rd Lady Exmouth, to
keep the redundant miners in Devon employed, used them to divert the
water over the high outcrop of rocks thus starting the landscaping of
the estate. Canonteign Falls offers a spectacular day out for all the family,
with nature and wildlife trails, walks through woodland, wetlands,
lakes and parkland and extensive play areas for children.
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Buckfast Abbey enjoys a tranquil setting beside the swift flowing River
Dart, and is still home to a Roman Catholic communityn of Benedictine
Monks. The abbey is open to visitors however, and includes a gift shop
selling monastic produce, a book shop and a restaurant which serves
cream teas and delicious lunches! You can take an extensive Visitors
Tour, which takes in the various chapels and churches, bee hives,
winemaking area, lavender gardens and a medieval monk exhibition.
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Situated in the centre of Dartmoor National Park, the area around
Bellever Tor is easily accessible and is a popular site for walkers. From the adjoining Forestry Commission plantation, there is a pleasant
and relatively gentle walk up the moorland slopes towards the summit of
Bellever Tor. In addition to its geological significance, the site offers excellent
views over South Dartmoor. The area also exhibits many remains of
prehistoric settlement, including tombs and stone rows and circles.
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Church House is an attractive two-storey granite building with a
thatched roof dating from 1540. It was originally a brewery, then a
school and now fulfils the dual role of Heritage Visitor Centre and a Bookable Function Hall. Traditional Devon Cream Teas are available on visitor days. A special feature is the roof structure, which preserves
cruck trusses and rare smoke-blackened thatch. The adjacent Sexton's Cottage is a National Trust shop and Dartmoor
Information Point.
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