Tavistock
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Tavistock has plenty to look at and keep you amused. Situated in the heart of Devon, it is your gateway to Dartmoor and the surrounding national park. It is also a vibrant and interesting town full of fascinating history. Tavistock is the site of the West Country’s most important Benedictine Abbey and you can still see the scattered remains of the abbey around Tavistock town centre. Most notable, is the area around Court Gate, which has become incorporated into the town hall buildings.
What you need to know:
- Home of the Devonshire Cream Tea
- UNESCO World Heritage site
Things to do in Tavistock
A unique town, Tavistock has a range of beautiful, local independent shops on its high street offering a truly special shopping experience. Visitors should head to the famous pannier market, which is truly a shopper's paradise. Whatever you come to Tavistock for, whether it is the shopping, the locally produced food, the architecture, the history or the proximity to Dartmoor, you’ll have a fabulous time in Tavistock.
Whatever time of year you visit, there is a full event calendar in Tavistock, from the colour festival in June to the Dickensian evening of winter there is always something to look forward to. For more regular events, there is a bustling farmer’s market where you can find a whole host of local produce.,
Tavistock has a huge amount to offer travellers, the park through which the River Tavy runs is a wonderful spot for a light stroll. It is only five minutes from the open moor. Overlooking the town is Brent Tor, budding photographers will love finding the best angle to capture the 1130ft tor. For those of you daring enough to trek to the top, you’ll find the church of St Michael, from here the view is moorland in every direction, it is something truly spectacular to behold.
Devonshire Cream Tea in Tavistock
You know those delightful traditional Devonshire Cream Teas? They were created here in Tavistock!
They weren't quite as indulgent as the ones you have today, but it was a Devonshire Cream Tea nonetheless! The original cream teas were created by the monks at Tavistock's Benedictine Abbey, who would reward those working around the abbey with bread, clotted cream and home made jam, that was produced by the monks themselves.
Eventually, these cream teas became so popular, that the monks started serving them to visitors and travellers to the abbey.
The Tavy Tuff
Before there were scones there were Devon splits and before the splits, there was the Tavy Tuff. Though we're not sure where the name came from, the Tuff was a precursor to a scone and was essentially a sweet bun. The most popular of these buns were made in Tavistock before the scone overtook them in popularity.
​
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Tavistock from the coast?
Tavistock is not a coastal area, it is close to the Dartmoor National Park, and you can easily reach both the north and south coasts. Plymouth is the nearest coastal area, where you can enjoy Plymouth Sound and the historic ocean city. The journey to Plymouth will take around 35 minutes by car or an hour using public transport.
Bovisand is the closest beach, which is an hour from Tavistock by car.
Find out more about Tavistock here.
Can I reach Tavistock by train?
Tavistock does not have its own railway station, however, you can find connecting services from Exeter and Plymouth. The nearest station is at Gunnislake, which is around 4.5 miles away and has a direct bus service to Tavistock.
If you are coming via Exeter, take the Dartmoor Line to Okehampton, where you can get a connecting bus which will take you on to Tavistock. From Plymouth, there are bus services operating from the station which will take you on to Tavistock. Alternatively, Gunnislake is the nearest station and is on the Tamar Valley line. From here, there is a connecting bus service.
Buy train tickets and more
What day is Tavistock Goose Fair?
Tavistock Goose Fair takes place annually on the 2nd Wednesday in October and has done so since the 12th century.
Find out about the latest goose fair here.