Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to reveal swathes of honey-coloured tors. Soon you're at
Merrivale
. Park up on the right, just after the Dart-
moor Inn, and stroll over the rise (due south) to discover a snaking stone row; a tiny stone circle and a standing
stone are just 100m further on. Back in the car, after a short climb, turn right towards Princetown, glimpsing the
brooding bulk of Dartmoor Prison (you can't stop here; there's a better vantage point later). Call in at the
Dartmoor Prison Heritage Centre
(
Click here
) to explore the jail's grim story. Cut through rugged
Prin-
cetown
, perhaps taking tea at the Fox Tor Cafe, before picking up the B3212 towards Two Bridges; the
lay-
by
immediately after you leave Princetown provides prime Dartmoor Prison views. As you follow signs for
Moretonhampstead, an expansive landscape unfurls. At
Postbridge
, park and stroll over the 700-year-old
bridge, then dangle hot feet in the cold River Dart. A few miles further on, the
Warren House Inn
(
Click
here
) makes an atmospheric spot for lunch. Around
Lettaford
take one of the signed, plunging lanes to
Chagford
to visit its quaint, thatch-dotted square. Scour some of its wonderfully old-fashioned shops, then head
to
Castle Drogo
(
Click here
) to explore a unique 1920s stately home. Finish the day back at Chagford at 22
Mill Street, a truly classy spot to eat and sleep.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Tavistock & Around
POP 12,300
Peaceful and prosperous, Tavistock is graced by crenellated, turreted constructions built in
the late 1800s out of warm, grey stone. The rugged landscape around the town is home to
three worth-a-detour sights: the former mine at Morewellham Quay; Sir Francis Drake's
former manor house, Buckland Abbey; and the intimate horticultural delight that is the
Garden House.
Sights
GARDENS
Garden House
MAP
( 01822-854769;
www.thegardenhouse.org.uk
; Buckland Monachorum, near Yelverton; adult/child £7/2.70;
10.30am-5pm Mar-Nov; )
The enchanting blend of landscapes here make this garden one of
the best in Devon. Its 8 acres encompass wildflower meadows and South African planting,
Acer glades and a walled cottage garden. Terraces cluster around the picturesque ruins of
a medieval vicarage, while clambering up its 16th-century tower reveals views of sweeps
of blue flax, poppies and buttercups. Everywhere tucked-away benches hide in flower-
filled nooks - soothing spots to drink in the fragrance and watch the bees buzz by. The
cafe
