Tania’s guidebook
City/town information
Bovey Tracey is one of the main gateway towns perched on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park, making it an ideal base if you want to explore the natural landscape of South Devon and the Moorlands.
The town is situated on its namesake, the River Bovey, with pretty cob and granite built houses. Visit the Farmers Market, held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, to experience a flavour of the local produce and delicacies.
Bovey Tracey is a diverse town that is home to many annual events. The Summer Show is the longest running Devon Guild exhibition, launched in 1955 to celebrate the skills and original work of long-standing Guild Members through to the newest faces.
Other events include a Craft Festival, normally in June and the hugely anticipated Carnival Week, where you can enjoy a week filled with fun activities including duck race, bingo, quiz nights, gift and crafts stalls and end with the Annual Carnival Procession on the first Saturday in August.
Other doorstop attractions include the House of Marbles glass blowing and visitor centre and the National Trust's Parke Estate, home to a weekly Parkrun on Saturday mornings, where you can reward yourself for your efforts in the award winning Home Farm Cafe.
Lustleigh village is about 3 miles away, where the famous Lustleigh Cleave is a particular draw for walkers who love it's quiet steep wooded valley and tumbling waters of the River Bovey.
The village is host to several events in the year, including the Lustleigh May Fair which includes a flower filled procession, a brass band, Maypole and Morris dancing and the crowning of the May Queen on a granite throne in Lustleigh Orchard as well as stalls, games and traditional cream teas.
As you head out of Bovey Tracey and onto Dartmoor, Haytor will be the first landmark to greet you. It is one of the major landmarks of this south-eastern corner of Dartmoor and its silhouette dominates the skyline for miles around and can often be seen from a distance many miles away.
The South West Coast Path and attractions are easily accessible from Bovey Tracey. Teignmouth and Shaldon are coastal towns just 11 miles away from the Nook and both have a diverse range of events during the annual calendar.
The Teign Maritime & Shanty Festival is a recent but favourite of ours, and all in a good cause too! The festival provides over 150 hours of free entertainment over the weekend, but raises money by donations for the RNLI, Rowcroft Hospice, Teign Heritage Centre and the Alice Cross Centre. After a break in 2021, the festival will return bigger and better for 2022, on the weekend of 4th/5th September.
We live closer to the Torbay area and can recommend many spots along the stretch of coast between Teignmouth and Torquay for walking, bathing, and activities including paddle-boarding, coasteering etc
The Torbay Airshow is held on the first weekend of June of each year, postponed for 2021 - it will be back bigger and better in June 2022 (provisional dates 4 - 5 June). Home to a full display schedule, a favourite for everyone is always a full display by the Red Arrows display team!
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bovey Tracey
Bovey Tracey is one of the main gateway towns perched on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park, making it an ideal base if you want to explore the natural landscape of South Devon and the Moorlands.
The town is situated on its namesake, the River Bovey, with pretty cob and granite built houses. Visit the Farmers Market, held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, to experience a flavour of the local produce and delicacies.
Bovey Tracey is a diverse town that is home to many annual events. The Summer Show is the longest running Devon Guild exhibition, launched in 1955 to celebrate the skills and original work of long-standing Guild Members through to the newest faces.
Other events include a Craft Festival, normally in June and the hugely anticipated Carnival Week, where you can enjoy a week filled with fun activities including duck race, bingo, quiz nights, gift and crafts stalls and end with the Annual Carnival Procession on the first Saturday in August.
Other doorstop attractions include the House of Marbles glass blowing and visitor centre and the National Trust's Parke Estate, home to a weekly Parkrun on Saturday mornings, where you can reward yourself for your efforts in the award winning Home Farm Cafe.
Lustleigh village is about 3 miles away, where the famous Lustleigh Cleave is a particular draw for walkers who love it's quiet steep wooded valley and tumbling waters of the River Bovey.
The village is host to several events in the year, including the Lustleigh May Fair which includes a flower filled procession, a brass band, Maypole and Morris dancing and the crowning of the May Queen on a granite throne in Lustleigh Orchard as well as stalls, games and traditional cream teas.
As you head out of Bovey Tracey and onto Dartmoor, Haytor will be the first landmark to greet you. It is one of the major landmarks of this south-eastern corner of Dartmoor and its silhouette dominates the skyline for miles around and can often be seen from a distance many miles away.
The South West Coast Path and attractions are easily accessible from Bovey Tracey. Teignmouth and Shaldon are coastal towns just 11 miles away from the Nook and both have a diverse range of events during the annual calendar.
The Teign Maritime & Shanty Festival is a recent but favourite of ours, and all in a good cause too! The festival provides over 150 hours of free entertainment over the weekend, but raises money by donations for the RNLI, Rowcroft Hospice, Teign Heritage Centre and the Alice Cross Centre. After a break in 2021, the festival will return bigger and better for 2022, on the weekend of 4th/5th September.
We live closer to the Torbay area and can recommend many spots along the stretch of coast between Teignmouth and Torquay for walking, bathing, and activities including paddle-boarding, coasteering etc
The Torbay Airshow is held on the first weekend of June of each year, postponed for 2021 - it will be back bigger and better in June 2022 (provisional dates 4 - 5 June). Home to a full display schedule, a favourite for everyone is always a full display by the Red Arrows display team!
Sightseeing
In nearby Lustleigh, The Cleave Inn is great for good food, and we often visit when walking from Parke through to Lustleigh Cleave, it is equally nice whatever the season. The Primrose Tearooms is also lovely for light meals, or afternoon tea.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lustleigh
In nearby Lustleigh, The Cleave Inn is great for good food, and we often visit when walking from Parke through to Lustleigh Cleave, it is equally nice whatever the season. The Primrose Tearooms is also lovely for light meals, or afternoon tea.
A beautiful spot of the moors to explore. and some lovely places to stop off and rest at.
The Moorland Hotel has a lovely terrace for al fresco dining in the summer, or the Tinpickle and Rhum is a cosy welcoming spot of the hotel, dog friendly and complete with a roaring wood-burning fire you can snuggle up by the fire and we have found that even wet dogs will be welcome! The Rock Inn just below in Haytor Vale and is quite small so booking a table is recommended.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Haytor
A beautiful spot of the moors to explore. and some lovely places to stop off and rest at.
The Moorland Hotel has a lovely terrace for al fresco dining in the summer, or the Tinpickle and Rhum is a cosy welcoming spot of the hotel, dog friendly and complete with a roaring wood-burning fire you can snuggle up by the fire and we have found that even wet dogs will be welcome! The Rock Inn just below in Haytor Vale and is quite small so booking a table is recommended.
The Rugglestone Inn can be found in the picturesque village of Widecombe in the Moor. We particularly like to warm up with a home cooked pie next to one of the cosy log fires in the winter. Nestled into the heart of this village you will find a pretty village square and The Old Inn, a particularly nice spot for a cream tea and offering you everything that you would expect from a moorland pub, including the odd free roaming duck or chicken.
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Widecombe in the Moor
The Rugglestone Inn can be found in the picturesque village of Widecombe in the Moor. We particularly like to warm up with a home cooked pie next to one of the cosy log fires in the winter. Nestled into the heart of this village you will find a pretty village square and The Old Inn, a particularly nice spot for a cream tea and offering you everything that you would expect from a moorland pub, including the odd free roaming duck or chicken.
Moving towards the South West Coastal path, why not stop for coffee at the Clipper Café in Shaldon, or maybe take a trip to Maidencombe's Café Rio where you will often see a Seal or two. For a more substantial meal, the picture postcard 17th Century Thatched Tavern offers an excellent standard of food in a beautiful setting.
A little further along the coast, you will find another stop with an outstanding view at Three Degrees West situated on Oddicombe Beach, or try Anstey's Cove Café, in the beautiful cove where you can jump from the rocks to the sea.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
South West Coastal Footpath
South West Coast PathMoving towards the South West Coastal path, why not stop for coffee at the Clipper Café in Shaldon, or maybe take a trip to Maidencombe's Café Rio where you will often see a Seal or two. For a more substantial meal, the picture postcard 17th Century Thatched Tavern offers an excellent standard of food in a beautiful setting.
A little further along the coast, you will find another stop with an outstanding view at Three Degrees West situated on Oddicombe Beach, or try Anstey's Cove Café, in the beautiful cove where you can jump from the rocks to the sea.
Food scene
Relax on the terrace of Old Walls Vineyard at Bishopsteignton and take in the view of the vineyard to one side and the Teign estuary to the other.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Walls Vineyard
Old Walls HillRelax on the terrace of Old Walls Vineyard at Bishopsteignton and take in the view of the vineyard to one side and the Teign estuary to the other.
Head to Totnes and take a walk along the banks of The River Dart to sample lunch accompanied by award winning wine at Sharpham Vineyard.
90 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sharpham Wine and Cheese
Waddeton RoadHead to Totnes and take a walk along the banks of The River Dart to sample lunch accompanied by award winning wine at Sharpham Vineyard.
Consejos para la ciudad
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Pubs nearby
The Bell Inn is a two minute stroll up the road from the Nook and has great food and a lovely beer garden. The Cromwell Arms is a family owned oak beamed warm and friendly pub, and is of similar distance down the street.
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Favourite cafes nearby
Our three favourite cafes in the area are the Café 3 Sixty, an independent wine bar and café which is popular with cyclists but most enjoyable for all. Home Farm Café, situated at the National Trust Parke Estate using the best of the local produce to ensure you will not be disappointed. Offering a fuller menu and delicious cakes we love Ullacombe Farm Shop and Café, where we always receive a warm welcome. Stock up on supplies of local produce for your own cooking if desired.
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Special places to eat - our recommendations
Looking for something a bit more special - look no further than the Michelin stared Gidleigh Park near Chagford or Bovey Castle near Moretonhampstead. Another Michelin stared restaurant owned by Chef Michael Caine can be found at Lympstone Manor on the Exe estuary, or finally, The renowned Ivy has now opened in Exeter, and having spent a night here we would highly recommend a visit.