A Day Out In Tavistock

Have you explored all that Tavistock has to offer? From a historic abbey to gorgeous nature to delicious afternoon teas, the town is a cornucopia of things to do and see.

Tavistock is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the gateway to Dartmoor National Park, and combines fascinating history with gorgeous nature spots.

Being the gateway to Dartmoor, of course Tavistock has plenty of beautiful nature to offer - and as well as the national park, there are tons of sights elsewhere.

The meadowlands and Tavistock Canal provide the setting for a peaceful route through woodlands and meadows.

You could even canoe along the River Tamar from Cotehele Quay, a journey which will lead you past woodlands, quays and boatyards, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.

Tavistock is home to a vibrant history, a key part of which are the remains of the Benedictine Abbey which used to stand in the town. You can also find out more about Tavistock’s rich history with a visit to the Tavistock Museum.

But nature and history aren’t the only draws to the town – arts and culture play a big part in Tavistock’s charm, with art galleries, creative workshops, and lively performance spaces that rank among the best in the county.

Markets also thrive in the town, particularly at The Pannier Market, a historic venue dating back to the 1100s.

The town is known as the home of the Devonshire Cream Tea, a delicacy enjoyed around the world, so there are plenty of wonderful places in Tavistock to enjoy tea and scones.

So what are you waiting for? Visit Tavistock and find out what you’ve been missing.

Tavistock Pannier Market has been crowned “Best Large Indoor Market” 2025 by NABMA (National Association of British Market Authorities), marking a proud moment for this historic Devon institution. Renowned for its unique charm and vibrant mix of traders, the market has long served as a cornerstone of the local community and economy.

This prestigious award recognises the market’s enduring popularity, commitment to quality, and the exceptional experience it offers both shoppers and stallholders. Judges praised the market’s heritage, atmosphere, and its continued evolution in meeting modern retail demands while preserving tradition.

Market manager Duane Carruthers said, “This is a fantastic achievement for the team, traders, and the wider Tavistock community.”

The accolade places Tavistock Pannier Market firmly on the national map, celebrating its role as one of Britain’s finest and most beloved indoor markets. To find out more, visit https://www.facebook.com/tavistockpanniermarket or call 01822 611003.

Taylor’s Restaurant in Tavistock has entered a new era under the ownership of locals Lewis and Francesca (Fran) Mill, who have lived in the town for 16 years. Both are familiar faces at Taylor’s — Lewis was Head Chef for over five years, and Fran managed the restaurant in 2021 before the pair ran an inn in North Bovey.

Drawn by Taylor’s unique charm and community spirit, they took over on March 11 and have already welcomed regulars and new visitors. Changes include a refreshed downstairs layout and a seasonal menu focused on locally sourced ingredients.

Dishes currently feature slow-roast BBQ brisket, aubergine Milanese, prawn and chorizo linguine, and organic rump steak. Breakfast is served daily, and the popular Sunday roasts change weekly with two meat options. Gluten-free, vegan, and children’s menus are also available.

Looking ahead, Christmas Party bookings are now open, the festive menu will is now available to view, and Taylor’s will open on Christmas Day, with tables already filling up quickly.

“It feels amazing to be back in Tavistock doing what we love,” said Fran. “We’d love to see you — whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a coffee.”

Visit taylorstavistock.co.uk or call 01822 613045.

Langstone Manor Park sits on the fringes of Dartmoor with amazing views over the moor and surrounding countryside. Awarded gold in the David Bellamy pledge for nature scheme, the park has been offering holidays for generations of families.

The park has a great variety of accommodation, including cottages, an upstairs manor house apartment, static holiday homes, pitches for tents, tourers and motorhomes, camping pods and mega pods with their own patio and barbecue. The manor house has a restaurant and bar which serves evening meals. For visitors to the area, it is set in a perfect, peaceful location with a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Pet-friendly accommodation is also available.

Further information is available at www.langstonemanor.co.uk or email: jane@ langstonemanor.co.uk.

For over 40 years, our family-run jewellers has been a proud part of the town’s story, serving generations of customers with a friendly face, trusted advice, and beautiful craftsmanship. What began as a small shop has grown into a much-loved destination for those seeking fine silver and gold jewellery, quality watches, and unique giftware—each piece chosen with care and a personal touch you won’t find in high-street chains.

One of the things that makes us truly special is our very own workshop, located nearby. Here, our highly experienced goldsmith carries out intricate jewellery repairs, thoughtful alterations, and bespoke commissions. Whether it’s restoring a treasured heirloom, resizing a beloved ring, or creating a one-of-a-kind piece, every item is treated with skill, precision, and the respect it deserves.

We believe in honest, transparent service, which is why we offer free, no-obligation estimates on all repairs. And because we want your jewellery to sparkle as brightly as the day you first wore it, every repair comes with a complimentary professional clean and polish. It’s our way of saying thank you for trusting us with something so personal.

Being family-run means our reputation matters—it’s built on years of word-of-mouth, loyalty, and genuine care for our customers. We’ve watched couples choose engagement rings, families celebrate milestones, and children grow up to become customers themselves.

After four decades, our passion for jewellery and the people who wear it is stronger than ever. Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion, restoring a family treasure, or simply browsing, you’ll always find a warm welcome and craftsmanship you can count on.

We also offer competitive prices for those looking to sell silver or gold, providing a fair and transparent service that complements our commitment to quality and care in everything we do.

Find us at 17 Brook St, Tavistock PL19 0HE, or call 01822 618168.

The search comes as Fusion Lifestyle launch a brand-new Junior Gym membership, in a bid to help young people gain better access to affordable fitness facilities in West Devon.

NHS guidelines recommend young people do two types of activity each week, aerobic and strength – aiming for a total of at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous intensity physical activity spread across each day*. With 2022 statistics from the NHS indicating that 19 per cent of 10-15 year olds are obese** there is a real need to ensure future generations look after their health and wellbeing. UK Active CEO, Huw Edwards, has commented that without government intervention, the next generation will grow up with low activity levels, posing a serious threat to their future health and prospects so it’s imperative that leisure providers offer young people affordable access to facilities.

To help young people achieve these goals and build on their self-confidence, improve their fitness and health, Fusion Lifestyle’s new junior memberships offer a combination of gym access with a parent or guardian and supervised, instructor-led Gym Rebels sessions, overseen by a Fusion PT. The memberships will also give young people access to swimming and group exercise classes.

To help launch the memberships, Fusion is searching for a deserving young person from West Devon who will be given a one year Junior Gym membership and have their fitness journey followed and documented as they improve their health. To nominate simply fill in this form by Friday September 26.

Terms and conditions apply; the successful nominator’s parent or guardian will be contacted within five days of the closing date.

Visit https://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/meadowlands-leisure-pool/ or call 01822 617774.