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Discover North Devon
Information for Visitors
north devon places of interest
North Devon is great for vacations with so many
interesting places to visit. Attractions include historic houses,
castles, gardens, old villages and several National Trust properties.
Along with the beautiful scenery, wonderful beaches and excellent
accommodation these varied attractions will ensure a UK vacation to
remember. |
| Okehampton Tel 01837 52844
| Location 1 miles SW of Okehampton
| April - Oct 10-6 (dusk in Oct)
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OKEHAMPTON
CASTLE The ruins of the largest castle in Devon stand
above a river surrounded by splendid woodland. There is still plenty to
see, including the Norman motte and the jagged remains of the keep.
There is a picnic area and lovely woodland walks.
Before 1070 the site was a simple motte but in the late 11th century
a stone keep was constructed.
The aristocratic family, the Courtenay's, owned Okehampton for over 350
years, from 1172 to 1539. Their main residence was at Tiverton, north of
Exeter. The family probably only visited Okehampton a few times a year
for special occasions and to hunt.
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Finch
Foundry Museum Harnessing the fast-flowing waters of the
River Taw, 19th century Sticklepath became a village of water wheels
providing power for a variety of mills and rural industries. Among these
was the foundry run by the Finch family, which from 1814 to 1960
produced agricultural hand tools and tools for the tin and copper mines
and china clay industry of Devon and Cornwall. In 1966 a trust was set
up to preserve the foundry, and today its buildings and machinery, mill
leat (watercourse) and launder (a wooden aqueduct used to wash out
debris), have all been restored to working order. |
| Okehampton 01837 840046
| April to Oct: daily except Tues 11 - 5.30
| Off A30, 4 miles east of Okehampton
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LUNDY
A unique and un-spoilt island, undisturbed by cars and home to a
fascinating array of wildlife amidst dramatic scenery. There is a small
village with an inn and Victorian church, and nearby the 13th-century
Marisco Castle keeps guard
Note: The island is financed, administered and maintained by the
Landmark Trust
Sea passages all year round from Bideford by the island vessel MS
Oldenburg (300 tons, 267 passengers, refreshments on board)
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| 11 miles off coast of North Devon
| Bristol Channel Devon 01237 431831
| For sailing details Tel. 01237 470422
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Torrington
1646 is the Civil War heritage centre, a unique new
indoor/outdoor family attraction located at the heart of Great
Torrington. The entrance is in South Street Car Park, a few steps from
the wonderful panoramic view over the River Torridge valley.
At Torrington 1646 you will meet colourful 17th Century characters.
Dressed in period costume and speaking and acting as though they were
living in Great Torrington at the time of the civil war. They will guide
you to safety through the streets of the town on the night of the 1646
battle. Afterwards they will show you around the physic garden with many
herbs for cooking and healing, and in the Royalist encampment you can
try your hand at some of the games they used to play, or perhaps try on
some armour!
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Nearby Torrington1646, Rosemoor
Gardens, Great
Torrington |
Dartington
Glass Molten glass, red-hot from the furnace, is transformed
into fragile goblets, vases, jugs and many other kinds of lead crystal
glassware, under the gaze of visitors in the viewing galleries of
Dartington Glass. It takes as many as 11 glassblowers to shape an
intricate piece, but even the simplest tumbler requires the labours of a
team of six under the supervision of a master blower. Visitors can see
all stages of the process, then view and buy the finished glassware. The
Glass Centre includes a video theatre, a re-creation of an 18th century
glass-making workshop and displays on the history of glass.
| Great Torrington 01805 626244
| Factory Tours -Mon-Fri 9.30-3.30
| Factory Shops and restaurant Mon - Sat 9.30 - 5.00 Sun10.30-4.00 |
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Clovelly
was a childhood home to the Victorian author, Charles Kingsley, and the
place which inspired him to write, The Water Babies. Even then,
the village was the last of its kind in England - a small but ancient
community which stems from a settlement which was old before the Doomsday
book was written. It is as a consequence a close-knit one, but its
people are warm hearted and welcoming and know the importance of
visitors in helping them preserve this precious place for the future.
Discover for yourself the magic that attracts visitors from all over the
world to this historic, un-spoilt North Devon village where quaint,
flower-strewn cottages seem to tumble over one another down to the tiny
14th Century harbour below.
And to enhance the enjoyment of your visit, you will find the award
winning Clovelly Centre, gift shops, picnic area, self service
restaurant, Fisherman's Museum, Charles Kingsley Exhibition. The
Clovelly Pottery and The Silk Shop are open seasonally
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| Lydford Tel 01822 820441
| At W end of Lydford village; 1ml W off A386 opposite Dartmoor Inn;
| April - Sept: 10--5.30; Oct: 10-4; Nov to March 10.30-3.
(waterfall only)
| Picnic area, shop and tea-room
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LYDFORD GORGE
This famous gorge is 1˝ml long and can be viewed from a circular walk,
which starts high above the river and passes through attractive oak
woods
before dropping down to the spectacular 30m-high White Lady waterfall.
The path then proceeds along an enchanting riverside walk through the
steeply sided ravine, scooped out by the River Lyd as it plunges into a
series of whirlpools, including the thrilling Devil's Cauldron
Note: The walk is arduous in places; visitors should wear stout
footwear. Unsuitable for visitors with heart complaints or walking
difficulties |
GLEN
LYN GORGE Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest,
you should not miss a visit to this spectacular gorge, through which
poured the waters of the 1952 Lymouth Flood Disaster. There are lovely
woodland walks by the waterfalls and well made paths climb this
beautiful un-spoilt valley. Ideal spot to bring a picnic and sit beside
the river. Also Power of Water exhibition showing how some of the water
from West Lyn River now produces environmentally friendly
hydro-electricity. Children can operate the giant waterwheels and water
cannons. Collections of steam engines and water operated models |
| Lynmouth Tel 01598 753207
| At crossroads in Lynmouth
| Glen Lyn Gorge is open all year. Power of Water Exhibition -
Easter to October
| Nearby
- Lynmouth, |
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| Drewsteignton 01647 433306
| 27 March to 31 Oct: daily except Fri 11--5.30. Garden: all year:
daily 10.30 to dusk.
| Nr Okehampton 5 mile south off A30.
| Shop & plant centre |
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CASTLE DROGO
This granite castle, built between 1910 and 1930 for the self-made
millionaire Julius Drewe, is one of the most remarkable works of Sir
Edwin Lutyens. Perched on a moorland spur above the River Teign, it
commands spectacular views of Dartmoor. The interior is designed for
comfortable and elegant living, with an interesting kitchen and
scullery, and elaborately appointed bathrooms. There is a delightful
formal garden with roses and herbaceous borders, spring flowers, and
many fine walks in the estate.
Nearby
-Chagford, Okehampton The
Drewe Inn
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