Location: Tavistock
Top Things to do in Tavistock
Countries
The 10 Best Things to Do in Tavistock, United Kingdom (UK)
Tavistock (/ˈtævɪstɒk/ TAV-i-stok) is an ancient stannary and market town within West Devon, England. It is situated on the River Tavy from which its name derives. At the 2011 census the three electoral wards (North, South and South West) had a population of 13,028. It traces its recorded history back to at least 961 when Tavistock Abbey, whose ruins lie in the centre of the town, was founded. Its most famous son is Sir Francis Drake.
Restaurants in Tavistock
1. Tree Surfers
Overall Ratings
5 based on 114 reviews
Tree Surfers is about adventure for the whole family, don't just get close to nature, be a part of it.Test yourself on our tree top high ropes course that takes you 70 foot high into the canopy. Be blown away by zip wires, tarzan swings and our leap of faith, all interwoven to the canopy trail. Afterwards, if you are brave enough have a go at the Zip line.At Tree Surfers you can hire hire mountain bikes to explore 30kms of woodland trails ideal for adventurous families. Or try archery with one of our instructors in the woodland range.Tree Surfers is at The Tamar Trails Centre which is the gateway to the Tamar Trails. Pop into the Centre for maps, advice, information and best of all relax in the wonderful Beech cafe. The all year round cafe has a great menu of hot food and cream teas made with local produce and lots of love!
Reviewed By Eelwood - London, United Kingdom
Super time with our nephew who found it both challenging and ultimately very rewarding. The guides, especially Sid and Ben, are fantastic and a true asset to this operation. I was pleasantly surprised by the heights and relatively complexity of some of the obstacles. The crew have a very healthy attitude to the right level of safety without being overboard and nanny-like. this is truly refreshing in this era of 'elf and safety overload.
Great afternoon out and brilliant value for money. Not recommended for those of a nervous disposition but if you want a challenge , go for it.
2. Tavistock Pannier Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 420 reviews
Situated at the very heart of the historic town of Tavistock is the ancient Pannier Market. A range of quality stalls and services available all year round and a fantastic tourist attraction.Tavistock Pannier Market is a wonderful historic market with over 900 years of history. It is an indoor market which is heated on cold days. 5 day permanent traders are situated around the market with the centre traders changing throughout the week.Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am - 4:30pm
Reviewed By She9753 - Mold, United Kingdom
Tavistock is a town full of gifted characters and the Pannier Market illustrates this beautifully. Many local crafts are displayed for sale here. This historic building is currently being renovated and the traders rehoused temporarily, some in the nearby Butchers Hall This building has recently been restored, a interesting place. Well worth a visit. The Pannier Market, So much part of Tavistock’s fascinating history
3. The Garden House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
The Garden House is a 10 acre series of garden rooms, each planted differently, for seasonal interest. Visitors love the planting styles, 16th century ruins, bright colours and far reaching views over wild flower meadows. Children can roam free and find hidden corners and explore trails and trees. It is a wonderful place for garden enthusiasts, walkers and family visits. The tea room in the main house is renowned for freshly made treats and light lunches. A healthier options menu is very popular. Plants sold onsite at our well stocked plant centre are often propagated from the garden, so you will find interesting and unusual varieties that aren't commonly available elsewhere.
Reviewed By deputy2014 - Somerset, United Kingdom
Not the best of days (pouring with rain); or the best time of the year but still enjoyed walking around these Gardens. Tucked away paths; ruins; meadows; lawns; shrubberies; lakes; ponds and a tower! All on different levels with plenty of Seating and shelters when...MoreThank you so much for taking the time to write this review. What a wet weekend it was!
4. St Michael de Rupe Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
St Michael de la Rupe is the highest working church in Southern England. The church is open all year round, and services are held from Easter to Michaelmas (late September) at 6.00pm every Sunday, weather permitting, as well as at 3.00pm on Christmas Day. Our roof is currently being repaired, but we are open to visitors and for services as usual!
Reviewed By Tim C - Winchester, United Kingdom
A lovely church, six or so rows each side of the nave, high up on a rocky outcrop. We went here for the Easter Day service, got a warm welcome from the locals. We also walked up here that morning, for a superb view across...MoreThanks for your review - it's always a pleasure to welcome visitors to a service!
5. Cholwell Riding Stables
Overall Ratings
5 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By mermaidteacher - Porto Santo Island, Portugal
We are all experienced riders, but with limited recent riding, and one in ill health. Gemma and Jazz were attentive to our needs, checked regularly to make sure we were OK, and when my brother, with a few health problems needed just to walk, split the group, so my husband and I could enjoy our canters.
The horses were ideally suited to riders of all ability: they were willing and we felt perfectly safe, without them being sluggish. Thank you Donna, for your care to equip us properly, and Jazz and Gemma for the photos and escort.
6. Cotehele
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 897 reviews
Reviewed By Lynn P - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Slightly damp day but having explored the lower Gardens had our picnic in the shelter there. Our timed ticket allowed access to the decorated gallery and we enjoyed our walk around the grounds.
7. Morwellham Quay- Historic Port and Copper Mine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 570 reviews
Morwellham is an award-winning attraction which forms part of a World Heritage site, featuring historic port, village, copper mine and railway just four miles west of Tavistock and bordering the beautiful River Tamar. Discover this lost world with the help of our interactive living history team, a highlight of which is the unique narrow-gauge Mine Railway, travel by train along the banks of the River Tamar before venturing deep underground in the George & Charlotte copper mine, experience the harsh working conditions of Victorian miners.
Reviewed By Dorothy W - Eccleston, United Kingdom
Always wanted to visit the attraction so took granddaughter whilst on half term holiday at Newton Abbot. (Having bought a season ticket for Bicton Park and the Quay)
After a lovely drive over the moor we were a little disappointed at the attraction.
We expected the school to be a little more proactive instead of being talked to.(we used to visit the excellent Victorian school that was at Wigan pier years ago).
The one highlight to the visit was the fact it was Halloween and they had put a few extra things on.
However our granddaughter did enjoy the afternoon and my highlight was seeing my favourite county across the Tamar River.
Will not be visiting again
8. Lydford Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 767 reviews
Reviewed By Ewa F
very leafy dramatic gorge on the Dartmoor way. gentle sloping paved route and steeper route with stairs. National trust property with a little cafe at the entrance. did a lovely walk with my 4yr old, took about an hour and a half on the waterfall route but it is quicker if you don't keep stopping to look at leaves and flowers. Amazing English bluebells.
9. Tamar Valley Donkey Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By Thewoodingfamily
Visited with 2 young children, quite reasonable entrance fees, (use the tourism voucher and one child gets in free with paying adult) . Some of the parts could do with a spruce up, but the whole idea of the place is for the donkeys.kids loved feeding them and food was only 50p a large bag.
10. Buckland Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 580 reviews
Reviewed By Rachel S
Lovely repeat visit to the Abbey for their Christmas celebrations. The barn was beautifully decorated. Only the bottom floor of the house was open but we had a very friendly volunteer who gave us lots of detailed information about the house & family history.
Always a great place to visit & another excellent reason to have a National Trust membership.
TAGS
