Bovey Tracey, Dartmoor National Park

Bovey Tracey, Dartmoor National Park
  • Gateway town to the most popular area of Dartmoor in the eastern section of the National Park. Also provides easy access to Exeter and the Exe Estuary, Plymouth, South Devon and The English Riviera
  • Visit some of Dartmoor's most famous tors including Haytor Rocks and Hound Tor. Great for walks
  • Discover East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve which was England's first National Nature Reserve. The spectacular Lustleigh Cleave is also nearby. Both provide superb woodland walking and top views
  • Enjoy Devon visitor attractions from the House of Marbles to Becky Falls, The Devon Guild of Craftsmen to Canonteign Falls
  • Explore many of Dartmoor National Park's most beautiful villages. Visit Lustleigh, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Buckland-in-the-Moor and Dartmeet
  • Main photo: the centre of Bovey Tracey

 

Where is Bovey Tracey in Dartmoor National Park?

Located just off the A38 that skirts the eastern border of the National Park between Exeter and Plymouth, Bovey Tracey sits below Dartmoor's most iconic tors and famous moorland villages. It's a great base from which to walk and experience the moors around Haytor Rocks, Hound Tor (East Dartmoor) and Widecombe-in-the-Moor.

Bovey Tracey is also situated by the A382 that leads to The English Riviera and South Devon so you can enjoy a holiday that combines moor and sea.

Last, if you fancy a few days in the city, Exeter is a short drive to the north east and Plymouth to the south west.

 

Directions to Bovey Tracey

The A38 skirts the eastern border of Dartmoor National Park between Exeter and Plymouth. Take the Bovey Tracey exit and follow the A382 to this Dartmoor gateway town. At the second mini roundabout, turn right and drive down Station Road into the centre of town.

We've positioned Bovey Tracey on Google maps. Zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.

 

Parking in Bovey Tracey

The main car park is on Station Road by the River Bovey and The Devon Guild of Craftsmen. It's a very short walk into the centre of town.

 

Why holiday or weekend break around Bovey Tracey?

To help you choose Bovey Tracey, we've listed some of the local attractions below.

 

The Devon Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey

Visit MAKE Southwest which is located in the centre of town by the River Bovey.

As the name suggests, it's an exhibition space for arts and crafts but there's also a craft shop and cafe. There's parking available at the visitor attraction.

 

The Cromwell Arms in Bovey Tracey

If you fancy a pub lunch whilst visiting Bovey Tracey then head for The Cromwell Arms which is just up the road from The Devon Guild of Craftsmen.

An English Civil War battle was fought in the local area, hence the name of the pub. See our Battle of Bovey Heath Battlefield for more information.

 

Bovey Tracey Parish Church of SS Peter, Paul & Thomas of Canterbury

If history is of interest, wander up to  Bovey Tracey Parish Church of SS Peter, Paul & Thomas of Canterbury.

Discover its connection with the famous murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket on 29th December 1170.

 

House of Marbles and Teign Valley Glass on the outskirts of Bovey Tracey

The House of Marbles and Teign Valley Glass is a super popular visitor attraction on the outskirts of town.

There's a big shop on two levels, museum exhibitions, a glass blowing area and a great cafe. Again, there's parking on site.

 

Parke Estate on the outskirts of Bovey Tracey

Explore the National Trust's Parke Estate (National Trust) then relax at its Home Farm Cafe. 

Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust Education and Visitor Centre is also located on the estate. It provides a great introduction to the famous ponies on Dartmoor.

The Wray Valley Trail in Dartmoor passes through its grounds. The bike ride or walk from Bovey Tracey to the pretty village Lustleigh is great.

 

Haytor Rocks above Bovey Tracey

Walk to Haytor Rocks having learnt about the area in the Haytor National Park Visitor Centre. Enjoy huge views across the eastern section of Dartmoor National Park and down to the South Devon coast.

A little further away, explore Hound Tor (East Dartmoor).

The views from the quirky The Ten Commandments Stones are also stunning.

 

Widecombe-in-the-Moor and moorland pubs above Bovey Tracey

Visit Widecombe-in-the-Moor and grab lunch in The Old Inn.

Other pubs in the local area include The Rugglestone Inn and The Rock Inn.

 

Outdoor activities near Bovey Tracey

Enjoy Dartmoor's fantastic outdoor activities.

Go bouldering at Hound Tor (East Dartmoor) or climbing at Haytor Rocks.

Ride a horse across the moors with Shilstone Rocks Horse Riding.

Wild swim the National Park's rivers. Spitchwick (Deeper Marsh/Spitchwick Common) is the most popular spot on Dartmoor but it gets very crowded in the holiday season and on hot weekends.

Road cycling and mountain biking are exceptionally popular. Just outside the National Park, try mountain biking or treesurfing at Haldon Forest Park. The Wray Valley Trail in Dartmoor is great between Bovey Tracey and the pretty village Lustleigh.

In season, try canoeing as well.

Follow the Templer Way from moor to sea.

 

Becky Falls and Canonteign Falls near Bovey Tracey

Head out to Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park and Canonteign Falls.

 

Dartmoor's prehistory near Bovey Tracey

Discover Dartmoor National Park's internationally important prehistory.

English Heritage's Grimspound (English Heritage) is essential visiting.

Hurston Ridge/Chagford Common Stone Row is an impressive stone row.

 

Tottiford, Trenchford and Kennick Reservoirs above Bovey Tracey

Walk around the stunning Tottiford Reservoir, Trenchford Reservoir and Kennick Reservoir.

 

East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve above Bovey Tracey

Experience Yarner Wood which is within the East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve.

Walk to the top of Lustleigh Cleave for amazing views of the National Park.

 

The English Riviera, South Devon, Exeter and Plymouth from Bovey Tracey

Take day trips to The English Riviera, South Devon, Exeter and Plymouth. See one of our sister sites, Love South Devon, for more detail.

 

Local towns and villages near Bovey Tracey

For other 'gateway towns' try Moretonhampstead, Chagford and Ashburton.

For moorland villages we'd recommend Lustleigh, Manaton and Widecombe-in-the-Moor.