South Devon
Nestled between the South East side of Dartmoor, and the Devon coastline, the South Devon area is well known for its landscape, its peaceful valleys and extensive farmland, its lanes and footpaths, and a variety of old market towns to explore.
It is an area that benefits from one of the mildest climates in the UK, and its spaciousness provides an over-riding feeling of peace and calm.
If you like walking, you will love walking in South Devon! In addition to the stunning splendour of the coastal path and the stark beauty of Dartmoor, walking in the South Devon countryside is a truly unforgettable experience. Many of the local towns and villages have heritage trails that highlight the local traditions and history. There are also walking festivals and the tourist centres provide information on guided or self-guided routes to explore, including routes that are suitable for wheelchairs.
South Devon Market Towns
There is a splendid array of market towns to explore in South Devon and Webland Farm is well placed for you to visit each of them: -
Ashburton:
Ashburton is a lively inland town, with specialist shops for walkers, plenty of antique shops, galleries and a variety of places to eat. In July there are ceremonial events from the stannary days, including an ale tasting and bread weighing ceremony. There is also a museum covering the history of mining and wool processing in the town.
Bovey Tracy:
Bovey Tracey is one of the main gateway towns to Dartmoor on the eastern side. It is a pretty cob and Dartmoor-granite built town.
Situated on the River Bovey it is home to an internationally famous gallery in a 19th century water mill.
Buckfastleigh:
A small market town on the old route between Exeter and Plymouth, Buckfastleigh was a centre for the wool trade. At Buckfast, about a mile to the north, is Buckfast Abbey. Founded in the 11th century by King Canute, the Abbey is an active Benedictine Monastery and is open to the public.
You can take the South Devon Railway heritage train from Buckfastleigh along the Dart Valley to Totnes or the Buckfast Heritage Bus to the Abbey and the town.
Ivybridge:
Ivybridge is another southeastern gateway into Dartmoor. There is plenty of Georgian and Victorian architecture to admire and there is a Heritage Trail around the town.
It is a good starting point for Dartmoor walks, for both the experienced and casual walker.
Kingsbridge:
Regarded as the capital of the South Hams, Kingsbridge has a long history, and was famous for its shipbuilding and rope making. There are regular markets and a monthly farmer's market.
Modbury:
Modbury is a delightful Devonshire market town that was a famous wool centre and the site of civil war battles. It has some very attractive Georgian and Victorian building, and a good range of restaurants, pubs and shops to enjoy.
Newton Abbott:
Newton Abbott's development came in the 19th century and it is now one of the largest shopping centres in South Devon. Attractions include Ugbrooke House set in a Capability Brown garden and Stover Country Park, with the recently added Ted Hughes Poetry trail.
Nearby are Canonteign Falls, England's highest waterfall, and the Centre for Contemporary Arts and the Natural World on the top of Haldon Hill.
Totnes:
One of the treasures of South Devon, with a mixture of history, culture, antique shops, restaurants and the River Dart, it is a great place to explore, and the closest town to Webland Farm. More information on Totnes
Above: Photos of the South Devon countryside
