Wonderful Westcountry: Dramatic Dartmoor

There’s no denying Dartmoor is one of the biggest and brightest gems in the South West’s crown. Thousands of people head there each year – so it’s easy to see why so many want to live there as well!

Our beautiful Broadleigh Park development is located on the doorstep of the National Park, just one mile from the bustling market town of Tavistock. This fascinating place is the only town in Devon to hold World Heritage  Status for its many historic buildings, and we love its vibrancy and character. You’ll find all the amenities you need here, including a local hospital, two doctor’s surgeries, a post office, primary and secondary schools, as well as several lovely hotels and pubs. Leisure facilities are plentiful too, with football, rugby, cricket, tennis clubs and a community sports centre. In the centre, you’ll find an array of independent shops as well as High Street stores, along with Tavistock’s ancient pannier market where you can pick up delicious local produce, arts, crafts and a range of products and services.

The River Tavy, which runs alongside the town, offers ample opportunities for kayaking, swimming, bird watching or fishing, depending on your mood. The remains of Tavistock Abbey also sit on the banks of the river. The abbey is thought to be where the iconic Cream tea originated – which raises the question, should it be cream or jam first?

Of course, one of our main reasons for loving this location so much is the breath-taking beauty of Dartmoor National Park. A few minutes’ drive from your front door will lead you to this gem of a landscape, which is nothing short of spectacular. We never tire of exploring the many granite tors, wild open moorlands and deep river valleys that spread across 368 square miles. The opportunities here are endless, whether you fancy a family picnic, a gentle walk or an ambitious hike.   

Venturing a little further into the national park, get back to nature with a trip to the Bellever Moor and Meadows nature reserve, which is just 14 miles from Broadleigh Park. This stunning 180-acre wildflower upland meadow recently featured in The Times’ list of the Top 20 meadows to visit in the UK. With a network of paths and trails and an abundance of plants and wildlife to spot, surrounded by ancient drystone walls, this makes for a great day out.

The impressive Lydford Gorge, the deepest river gorge in the South West, is also a must see. Easily reached in 15 minutes, its 30-metre high waterfall, wildlife, plants and trees make this a great choice for walkers and explorers of all abilities.

If taking to two wheels is your preferred mode of transport then you won’t be disappointed. Drake’s Trail is a 21 mile cycling and walking route which links Tavistock with Plymouth. It runs through some delightful countryside with some super scenery along the way, taking in some spots of historical and heritage interest.

For a little history and a day trip which will appeal to the whole family, head to Morwellham Quay, which is a 10 minute drive away. This working village, mine and craft centre invites you to step back in time and discover what life was like for miners 200 years ago. With plenty of interactive, hands on and educational activities, there’s something to keep everyone entertained.

It’s no secret that we are particularly fond of Dartmoor, our Palstone Meadow development in South Brent was also located on its doorstep, while our current development, Cavanna at Wolborough Hill in Newton Abbot, enjoys views across to the Moor.

While we can’t visit all of these fabulous places at the moment, in time they will be ready to welcome you. In the meantime, if you’re considering a move to this wonderful part of Devon, why not find out more about Broadleigh Park. Each of its 148 homes are beautifully finished, in a variety of red brick, crisp render or natural slate, to complement their historic town location.       

For more information on our new homes at Broadleigh Park in Tavistock, click here. 

We are pleased to be able to invite you to view one of our Show Homes or Marketing Suites, which at the moment are by appointment only. Please send us an email via [email protected] with your details and one of our friendly team will be in touch.