Local Places of Interest

The Dartmoor National Park

The Dartmoor National Park covers an area of 365 square miles, and is considered by many to be England's last great wilderness. Ancient stone clapper bridges, sparkling clear rivers and heather clad hills contrast with the dramatic granite outcrops known as Tors. Dartmoor is a place of mystery and legend. Stone circles, ancient dwelling places and strip farming are evidence of mankind's influences over the last 5000 years of inhabitance. Exploring the Moors is a must. Walking varies from simple strolls along made up paths to complex orienteering. There are many organised walks during the season. Pony trekking is available from two centres within easy reach of Gages Mill.

Visit the Dartmoor web site at www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk.

The Ancient Stannary Town of Ashburton

Gages Mill is situated one mile from the Stannary (Latin stannum-tin) town of Ashburton, with its many first story slate hung buildings. Ashburton has the only museum within the National Park. St Lawrence Chapel is one of the oldest buildings in the town. It started its life as a private chapel to the Bishop of Exeter. In 1314 the Chapel was given to the town on the condition that a Chantry School was maintained there. This evolved into a Grammar School which closed in 1938. Nowadays it is used as a Visitors Centre throughout the summer season, and is used by the ancient Courts Leet and Baron to elect town dignitaries such as the Portreeve. Ashburton boasts a number of interesting shops including Antique shops, an Antiquarian book shop and a well stocked Delicatessen selling a wide selection of local cheeses and wines.

Ashburton web sites: www.ashburton.org, www.ashlp.dabsol.co.uk and www.ourdevon.org.uk.

Buckfast Abbey

 The Abbey is under 3 miles from Gages Mill. The original Abbey dates back to 1018. In 1539 the Cistercian Monks were forced to leave when Henry V111 dissolved the monasteries of England. The building fell into decline until a small group of Benedictine monks started rebuilding the Abbey in January 1907. Buckfast now houses a working community of Benedictine monks, and local produce including honey, tonic wine, carpets and wool products are available in the many shops within its grounds.

Visit the Buckfast Abbey web site at www.buckfast.org.

Buckfast Butterflies & Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary

Here you can enter the "tropical rain forest" environment complete with waterfalls and ponds to see butterflies from all over the world in a kaleidoscope of colours. Or you can step out into the world of Otters, with its many water features and play areas. There is even a clever mirror arrangements that allows you to see into their holts without them seeing you.

www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk

South Devon Railway - The Primrose Line

Adjacent to the Butterflies and Otters is the South Devon Railway. This is all that remains of the Totnes to Ashburton line. The nostalgic steam trains run from Buckfastleigh to Totnes via Staverton, following the river Dart, and passing through stunning scenery.

www.southdevonrailway.org

Totnes to Dartmouth by River Boat.

From Totnes there are two cruise lines, River Link and Red Cruises, that take you down the river Dart to Dartmouth. The journey takes around 75 minutes taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in Devon. The Captain will give a live commentary on places of interest and the varied wild life. The river is tidal so it important to check the boat times when planning a trip. Dartmouth itself is rich in nautical history and has been used as the backdrop to many nautical films, including The Onedin Line.

www.riverlink.co.uk

Lakes, Water Parks and Waterfalls

There are many lakes and reservoirs within the National Park and some spectacular falls. Canonteign Falls are the highest in England, while the 90ft White Lady falls at Lydford Gorge form part of a dramatic walk through the Gorge, with its many smaller falls and awesome "Devils Cauldron."

www.swlakestrust.org.uk

Crafts

Ancient and modern crafts abound within the National Park. The Devon Guild of Craftsmen, The House of Marbles & Teign Valley Glass and the Cardew Teapot Centre are all at Bovey Tracey. Only five miles from Gages Mill. There is a craft centre at Dartington and Buckland-in-the-Moor, and practically every town has its own local crafts.

Morwellham Quay

You can escape for a whole day here at Morwellham Quay which was once an important port, shipping copper around the world. In recent years it has been reconstructed from the ruins as a "theme museum". You can travel into the copper mines on the miners train where wax work cameos depict the conditions of life in the mines during the Victorian era. You can hear stories from the past and see demonstrations of forgotten skills and crafts, or walk around the old port and see the renovated ships and waterwheels. There is a fine museum as well.

www.devon-online.com/morwellham/welcome.html

The National Trust

The National Trust has many properties and sites in South Devon. Saltram House (One of the locations from the recent film "Sense and Sensibility") , Castle Drogo (designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens). Buckland Abbey (Home of Sir Francis Drake).Coleton Fishacre Gardens, Lydford Gorge and Finch Foundry are but a few.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Coast

The South Devon Coast Path runs most of the length of the coast and is well marked. There are dramatic vantage points such as Bolt Head, Wembury Cliffs and Prawle Point. There are large beaches such as Blackpool Sands and many small beaches and quaint little fishing villages. Burgh Island, just off Bigbury, can be reached when the tide is in, by an extraordinary contraption that drives through the sea!