Bovey Tracey hotels

Hotels in Bovey Tracey

Bovey Tracey is a lovely little market town in south Devon, in the southwest of England. The town itself is full of charming old buildings and plenty of stuff to do. It is also known as the ‘Gateway to Dartmoor' and is an excellent base from which to explore this ruggedly beautiful landscape.

Historic Bovey

Bovey Tracey is a relic of a bygone era. Largely built of cob and granite, it oozes quintessential Devon charm. The best way to get a heavy dose of this is to explore the town on foot. Just off the high street there is an old gateway known as Cromwell's Arch. It is the last remaining vestige of a monastery that stood here until 1822. English history buffs will be glad to hear that this was where the early skirmishes of what became known as the Battle of Bovey Heath took place during the English Civil War.

The Roundheads among you can then stroll down to the beautifully restored Riverside Mill in the centre of town. Though, don't be fooled by its name, it was never used as a conventional mill but was built as a stable. Equestrians will be glad to hear that the waterwheel was made to collect water from the river to give to the horses.

Pot of gold

Delve further in to Bovey's rich past by taking a look at the Bovey Tracey Potteries. The town's location near local clay mines meant its pottery industry thrived in the 18th century. At the height of its success, the potteries were by the far the main source of employment in the town.

Today, the history of this noble trade can be seen at the House of Marbles, located in the south of Bovey. Arts and crafts fans will be in heaven here. There are bottle kilns, wonderful examples of local pottery and a glass blowing centre. However, none of this compares to the exhibit that gives the museum its name. For Bovey Tracey is home to the world's largest collection of marbles. So whether you're in to cat's eyes or tigers, you won't lose your marbles here.

Dartmoor

A Bovey Tracey hotel is as good a base as any from which to explore the deep wooded valleys and babbling brooks of Dartmoor National Park. One such example of this awesome nature is found just north of the town. Canonteign Falls is England's highest waterfall situated in the stunning environs of the Teign Valley.

Dartmoor is the setting of Sherlock Holmes' famous encounter with the Hounds of the Baskervilles, and you will not find it hard to see why writers from Arthur Conan Doyle to Ted Hughes were inspired by this enchanting landscape. There are plenty of exciting activities to do on Dartmoor from breathtaking walks to pony treks, camping and climbing.

One of my favourites is to visit a local pub. There are plenty of lovely pubs in which to stop off for lunch. For a proper old-fashioned setting, head to The Tom Cobley Tavern in Creidton, which has an exceedingly cosy log fire and great ales. Or, if you want a more modern dining experience, The Rock Inn in Haytor has excellent food and a sumptuous wine list.

Really a holiday in Bovey Tracey has it all, from marbles to merlot. So don't think about what might have been, book one of our Bovey Tracey now.