Local Area

Places of Interest and local information

Lydford

Gorge

The village of Lydford is noted for the National Trust property Lydford Gorge and our stream at the edge of the property flows into this gorge. The full walk along the gorge is 3 miles long. Lydford Gorge has a tea room and shop. The opening hours vary according to the time of year, and some sections can be closed to the public in certain conditions, it is best to check in the winter months 01822 820320. Paying entry for non-Trust members.

Castle

English Heritage has free entry to the castle which is actually a 13th-century tower on a mound, built as a prison. You can download a short audio tour for Lydford Castle and Saxon Town. It is designed to be played on an iPod, mobile phone or mp3 player so that you can listen to the guide as you walk around the site. The tour begins at the car park in the centre of the village, opposite The Castle Inn pub.

Church

The small but beautiful church of St Petrocks, next to the castle, deserves a visit. It is in a peaceful setting and the oldest parts go backe to the 13th century. If you are lucky you may buy home-made cakes just inside the church which are baked to raise funds for the church. There is lots of information within the church. Wrap up as it is very cool within!  The church is within the diocese of Exeter and the ecclesiastical details can be found here.

Cycling

The Granite Way is ideal family cycling between Okehampton and Lydford along former railway with spectacular views of Dartmoor and west Devon countryside, there are superb viaducts along the way. Steam train option in summer between Okehampton and Meldon. Includes short on-road section via Bridestowe, continuing to Lydford along former railway line. 11miles/18km. Further information is here.

Swimming

Whilst Lydford has no official pool of its own, hardy souls may take the short walk to Black Rock and bathe in the many pools formed in this stretch of the river Lyd.

Dartmoor

Walking

Dartmoor has over 47,000 hectares of open countryside and 450 miles (730 km) of public rights of way for you to explore and enjoy. The landscape includes the high upland areas, of the north and southern moors, steep sided river valleys and ancient woodlands. On the open moor you are free to choose your own walking route and there is no need to keep to footpaths. You should only cross over walls or fences where there are properly constructed stiles or gates . The Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Outdoor Leisure map is recommended for walkers.

Other Activities

There are many activities including horse riding, canoeing, climbing, cycling, guided walks and letterboxing and information on these can be found on the Dartmoor National Park Authority website http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk

 

Futher Information

Information can be obtained from the tourist offices:

Okehampton Tourist Information Centre
Tel: 01837 53020
Email: okehamptontic@westdevon.gov.uk
Opening Hours
High Season: Mon - Sat 10am - 5.00pm
Low Season: Mon, Fri & Sat 10am - 4.30pm

Tavistock Tourist Information Centre
Tel: 01822 612938
Email: tavistocktic@westdevon.gov.uk
Opening Hours
High Season: Mon-Sat 9.30am to 5.00pm
Low Season: Mon, Tues, Fri & Sat 10am- 4.30pm

Devon Buses  http://www.cartogold.co.uk/Devon_Transport/Devon.htm