Local Attractions
Lydford Gorge
www.lydford.co.uk/gorgetext.htm
The deepest gorge in the South of England which stretches one and a half miles from the west end of Lydford Village. Take the three and a half mile round trip walk leaving on the high path looking down into the gorge, eventually reaching the famous 90ft "White Lady" waterfall. Return on the low path directly beside the river Lyd crashing down through the gorge, rising slowly to visit "The Devils Cauldron" whirlpool. There are National Trust refreshment tea rooms and parking at both ends of the gorge.
Note: This walk is fairly strenuous. Good footwear and reasonable health are essential.
Lydford Castle
www.lydford.co.uk
Found between the church and the Castle Inn in the west of the village.The circa 9thC Lydford Castle (actually an ancient prison) is maintained by English Heritage. In this area there are the remains of several other settlements, still partially visible, that pre-date the Castle by many hundreds of years.
Lydford Church
www.lydford.co.ukBeautiful and fascinating church with massive history. Found at the west end of the village. You can learn a lot about the area and the village with a walk round the church yard and buildings.
Lydford Viaduct
www.lydford.co.ukFound just a few hundred yards from the site, the viaduct crosses the River Lyd just as it dives down towards the gorge. Marvel at the superb stone construction from below and watch the Lyd waters accelerating past the 80ft tall central pillar. A very pleasant 30 minute stroll with the dog on a summer evening!
Dartmoor
www.discoverdartmoor.com
Dartmoor National Park has a beautiful moorland landscape with wooded valleys and wind-swept "Tors". Walkers' paradise or try the popular pass time of Letterboxing (a form of orienteering). Clues are sold for charity at site reception.Local to the site are some of the highest and most interesting "Tors". Correct walking attire, map and compass are essential for walking any distances on Dartmoor, or stay close to a parking area and see the wide variety of free range wildlife that's waiting to meet you. Visit the "Moorland Visitor Centre" in Princetown; interactive information centre tells you everything you need to know about Dartmoor. Free admission.
Eating Out
See our eating out guide and some sample menus available in Reception.
Walking Distance
The Castle Inn, Lydford. 400 yards W from site. Great food and drink served all day, including breakfast, in very Olde Worlde setting. Memorabilia on the walls depict the village's history.
Lydford House Hotel "La Cascata" 400 yards E from site. Award winning Italian restaurant. Fantastic food and service in a romantic setting. No Pizza! and not just Pasta. Daily specials and a la carte.
Lydford Gorge Tea Rooms.1/2 mile and 1 1/2 miles. Open during the day. Facilities at both ends of the gorge offering a varied menu.
Dartmoor Inn. 1/2 mile E at junction with A386. High end restaraunt (and so are the prices!) Award winning food and drink and even has a boutique within! Another one for the special occasion.
Fox and Hounds. 1 3/4 miles walking (using the Granite Way) each way, or 2 mile drive on A386 N approx. Traditional English country pub. Serves food all day, from pub grub to full a la carte. A good stop off after a walk on the Moor.
Now you need a driver!
Bearslake Inn. 4 miles N on A386. Beautiful thatched Devon long house serving superb food in a lovely setting. Evenings and Sunday Lunch only. Booking advised.
The Highwayman. 5 miles N on A386. World famous "folly" pub. Serves only drink, ploughman and pasties, but you will be so busy being amazed by the interior you will forget your hunger. As much a tourist destination as a pub. Please buy something if you call in to view.
White Hart Bridestowe. 5 miles N. If you are brave you can turn left out of the site and take the hair-raising narrow drive direct, but easier to go via the A386. An attractive traditional village pub in an interesting village, serving good food in a very pleasant dining room or the bar.
Mary Tavy Inn. 5 miles S on A386. Nice homely pub/restaurant serving sensibly priced fare in nice surroundings.
The Elephant's Nest. 5 miles S on A386 and then left onto the moor for another mile or so! Quirky by name and by nature but survives on its great reputation as a fine place to visit and eat.
Peter Tavy Inn. 6 miles S on A386 then left into Peter Tavy and keep going until you can go no further! Worth the trouble finding the place. Great food and drink in yet another lovely but different setting.
Tavistock and Okehampton offer endless outlets for fish and chips, Chinese, Indian, Tex Mex and traditional eateries. Try the East End Cafe in the pannier market at lunchtime for great value.
Tavistock
www.tavistockdevon.co.uk
Tavistock is known as the nicest town in Devon and certainly lives up to its reputation. It has much historical interest, great shopping, an indoor pannier market Tuesday to Saturday and a farmers' market 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. There always seems to be something going on from food and wine fairs to the famous Goosey Fair held in October. The River Tavy tumbles down from Dartmoor straight through the centre of town. The old tin miners' canal runs alongside. There is a great indoor freeform swimming pool and the Wharf entertainment centre hosts live shows, plays and cinema days.
The Granite Way
www.devon.gov.uk/cycling
The Granite Way is a mostly traffic-free, 11-mile cycle and walk way from Okehampton to Lydford and forms part of the National Cycle Network. Offering an ever-changing panorama - from moorland to rolling hills in the distance, massive viaducts at Lake and Meldon, the Meldon reservoir, quarry and railway sidings all with wildlife in abundance.
You can hire bicycles from The Lydford House Hotel, right at the start of the Granite Way.
Cycle Routes
Click here to find local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network around Lydford. The National Cycle Network is a groundbreaking project providing over 10,000 miles of safe and attractive cycling and walking routes throughout the UK. The project is coordinated by Sustrans, the UK's leading sustainable transport charity.
Okehampton
www.okehamptondevon.co.ukOkehampton is 7 miles north of Lydford, just north of the A30. The small shopping centre has three supermarkets with parking and other retail establishments to suit most needs.There is ample car parking (pay and display). There are several rivers and streams locally tumbling in falls through the town. There is a small mutiplex cinema, sports centre, and swimming pool. Okehampton Castle ruins are nearby as are many walks and parks climbing from the lower slopes of Dartmoor.
Plymouth
www.plymouthcity.co.ukThe city of Plymouth has something for everyone, with vast shopping areas and visitor attractions. Most famous for its Royal Navy docks and connections and Plymouth Hoe. Take the bus from site or use park and ride on the outskirts of the city. Parking is expensive and difficult in the city centre.
Fishing
www.tavistocktroutfishery.co.uk/
There are no end of fishing opportunities within a short distance. The above web site is useful as are the Tavistock and Dartmoor web sites.
Horse Riding
01822 810526Award winning Cholwell Riding Stables offers riding for all abilities directly on to Dartmoor. Lydford House Hotel offers temporary stabling in the village.
Brentor Church
Take the road west through the village taking the "back way" to Tavistock. After about 5 miles you will see a tiny church perched high up on a rock. Stop and park in the car park. Cross the road and take the winding path up to see the real beauty of the church and take in yet more stunning views. Due to its location, the church has appeared in a number of Spooky! films as it is often encircled by its own little mist cloud.
National Trust Properties
www.nationaltrust.org.ukWe are well served with an interesting variety of properties all within a reasonable distance.
Lydford Gorge (see separate entry)
Cothele House and Gardens:- Wonderful historic and unspoilt property with vast gardens. Walk down to the quayside, visit the maritime museum and further on the working water driven mill.
Buckland Abbey:- Another beautiful but different house and gardens. Once home to Sir Francis Drake.
Finch Foundry:- Step back in time to visit this working water powered foundry. Talks and demonstrations daily. Take a walk around Sticklepath village while you are there.
Castle Drogo:- The last castle ever completed in the UK. Great gardens and views coupled with this unusual property make for a memorable visit.
Dartmoor Prison (Princetown)
www.discoverdartmoor.co.ukPrincetown is home to Dartmoor Prison and its fascinating museum. Visit also the Moorland Centre, the official visitor and information centre for Dartmoor.
The Eden Project
www.edenproject.com
The Eden Project is one of the West Country's most spectacular visits. An easy one hour drive from site will provide an exciting and fabulous day out for all the family.
Widecombe in the Moor
www.widecombe-in-the-moor.comLovely village in the middle of the moor. Famous for Widecombe Fair and the song "Uncle Tom Cobley".
Dingles Steam Museum and National Fun Fair Heritage
www.dinglesteam.co.uk
This is one for a rainy day. Vast and fascinating indoor collection of steam engines, machinery and memorabilia. Also home to a complete and working steam funfair housed in a massive hanger. Fun for all the family.
Winsford Walled Garden
www.winsfordwalledgarden.com
Winsford Walled Garden, situated between Okehampton & Holsworthy, is home to the best, most innovative and most ornate Victorian greenhouses anywhere in the South West of England - and they're made from 130 year-old Burmese teak - so no painting required. Wander inside the greenhouses to view glorious displays of bougainvillea and tropical hibiscus. Long before you reach the greenhouses, you will be enthralled by the garden borders, the bamboo grove, massive gunnera manicata (giant Brazilian rhubarb) and the many features of the gardens.
Dartmoor Railway
Dartmoor Railway has recently re-opened and commenced passenger trips to Meldon. It is intended in the near future to connect with main line services at Yeoford Halt. See web site for full details. www.dartmoor-railway.co.uk
