Teign Vale

Local villages and towns

• Exeter - A small city that packs a big punch, Exeter is one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England.
• Chagford - The small town circles around its octagonal Market House fondly called the Pepperpot, and in short walking distance you will discover many fine old granite buildings, the beautiful church of St Michael and a wealth of unusual independent shops and art galleries.
• Topsham - The quaint historic town has a cosmopolitan atmosphere with an eclectic cluster of specialist shops and fine restaurants, plus wonderful sunsets above the estuary.
• Fingle Bridge and Woodland Walk - Perhaps the most famous walk on Dartmoor. From the imposing bulk of Castle Drogo – the last castle to be built in England – and following the breathtaking Hunters Path high above the river Teign.
• Ashburton - Ashburton is a lively historical town nestled on the southern side of the vast Dartmoor National Park. The high street is home to many galleries, book shops and a variety of eateries as well as boasting lots of great antique shops making it the perfect place to while away a few hours.
• Tavistock - Tavistock is a flourishing, beautifully friendly town that is worthy of any visitor, the ancient tannery town possesses world heritage status setting this town apart.

Places to visit

• Exeter Racecourse - Perfect for anybody with a love of racing or an appetite to enjoy all that Exeter has to offer.
• The Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter - Exeter’s world-class museum has stunning displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities.
• Torre Abbey Historic House and Gallery - Est. in 1196, Torre Abbey is a museum of history and art housed in an Ancient Scheduled Monument on the beautiful South Devon coast.
• Northcott Theatre, Exeter - The 460-seat Exeter Northcott Theatre is the city’s flagship professional theatre, producing and curating a vibrant programme of exceptional work from its home at the heart of the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus.
• Dartmoor Prison Museum - A long and fascinating history that has seen many changes in its fortunes. But it is also at the cutting edge of modern penal practice, developing ways to help offenders change their lives and to protect the public.
• Lydford Castle and Gorge, Tavistock - Turn a day out into an adventure with walking trails and activities to suit whether you have an hour, a morning or a whole day.

Historical places to visit

• Castle Drogo - Nothing is normal. Dramatic castle overlooking the Teign Gorge, undergoing a conservation project to make it watertight.
• Exeter Cathedral - Exeter Cathedral is one of the oldest and most beautiful Cathedrals in England. Located in the centre of the city, there has been a Cathedral on the present site for nearly one thousand years.
• Killerton House and gardens - Explore Killerton, one Devon's great estates, with a landscape garden, parkland, Georgian house and renowned fashion collection.
• Powderham Castle - Powderham Castle enjoys a unique, picturesque setting within an ancient deer park beside the Exe estuary, just south of Exeter. Over 600 years of history can be discovered within the walls of one of Devon's oldest family homes.
• Coldharbour Mill Museum - One of the oldest woollen mills in the UK having been in continuous production since 1797.
• Hound Tor Medieval Village, Dartmoor - If you wanted a place on Dartmoor that is surrounded by history and mystery then look no further than Hound tor. The whole area in and around the tor is famed for its ghosts and nearby are the ancient dwellings and graves of their time.

Special events

• Duck Racing at Fingle Bridge on Easter Monday - The event is organised by committee members to raise money for a nominated charity and local good causes in nearby Drewsteignton and the surrounding area.
• British Fireworks Championship (August) - The British Fireworks Championships take place each year at the Hoe in Plymouth.
• Devon County Show (May) - The Devon County Show is one of the South West’s premier agricultural shows and attracts top livestock exhibitors from the region and beyond.
• Sidmouth Folk Festival (July) - A week-long seaside celebration of music, dance and song. Since 1955. There has been a folk festival in Sidmouth in the first week of August every year since 1955, now attracting tens of thousands of visitors to over 700 diverse events with broad ‘something for everyone’ appeal.
• Flamming Tar Barrels (November) - There's plenty of Bonfire Night events and fireworks around the county to look forward to along with the ancient tradition of burning tar barrels which were once unbelievably rolled down the streets of some villages!
• Dartmouth Regatta - A first-class sailing regatta for yachts, keelboats, sports boats, and dinghies in South Devon.

Places to eat

• Fingle Bridge Inn - The relaxing atmosphere and panoramic views go hand in hand with their fine selection of locally brewed ales and home cooked menu.
• The Mill End - With a 2 Rosette award from the AA, the classic English menu encompasses modern twists. The restaurant at Mill End is a highlight for both new and returning guests with its seasonally changing menus, beautifully presented dishes and excellent value for money.
• Gidleigh Park - The elegant and intimate award-winning restaurant provides a sophisticated backdrop to our decadent tasting and à la carte menus.
• Various Eateries in Exeter – Trip Advisor recommendations.
• The White Hart – Dartmoor is skirted by abundant farmland and is just minutes from the coast. Their chefs can select from the very finest local meats, game and seafood to create wonderfully evocative dishes that do justice to the bountiful ingredients and lets freshness speak for itself.
• The Duck, Yeoford – They have a different menu for lunch and dinner, but always fish, steak, salad and a vegetarian option.

Local activities

• Fingle Glen Golf Course, Tedburn St Mary -
• Go Ape, Haldon Forest - Adventure-activity chain venue where groups explore the forest canopy via a treetop rope course.
• Paignton Zoo - Get up close to some of the animal wonders of the world across our specially designed habitats - from the savannah to the wetlands and the tropical forest. Run wild in our play areas or hop aboard our unique Jungle Express train to get even closer to the action.
• Four Villages Walking Trail, Sticklepath, Okehampton - This most scenic walk follows the cascading river Taw all the way to the quaint and ancient village of Belstone,known for its stocks and pub.
• Splashdown Quaywest Paignton - Visit the UK's biggest and best water parks! Splashdown is a great day out for family and friends, with something for everyone.
• Sea Sports, Teignmouth - If you are looking to learn a new power, sail or paddle sport, wishing to evolve your skills and experience in the water, mastering your chosen discipline with an advanced water or shore based course or simply enjoy a powerboat charter experience, SeaSports Southwest is the place to be.