Tamar Valley AONB, Dartmoor National Park

Tamar Valley AONB, Dartmoor National Park
  • The Tamar Valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that borders the west side of Dartmoor National Park. The AONB is located on either side of the River Tamar where Devon meets Cornwall. Stunning landscape. One of the most under-visited areas of beauty in the UK. Away from the crowds and highly recommended
  • Enjoy the huge range of visitor attractions from National Trust properties to outdoor activity suppliers
  • Discover why the Tamar Valley is part of a rare UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Walk, cycle and make the most of the watersports on offer in the area
  • Relax in great pubs and cafes in awesome locations
  • Main photo: Calstock Viaduct spanning the River Tamar at Calstock in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

 

Where is the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in relation to Dartmoor?

The Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is located on the Devon/Cornwall border next to the west side of Dartmoor National Park. Roughly speaking, it's the land around the River Tamar, River Tavy and the Tamar Estuary where it connects with the Hamoaze and Plymouth Sound. Launceston is to the north and Plymouth/Torpoint to the south. Tavistock is to the east and Callington to the west.

The Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty isn't particularly well known but it's an exceptional place.

 

Why visit the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty?

We've listed destinations and things to do in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to help you choose where to go on a visit. 

 

Buckland Monachorum in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Buckland Monachorum is a pretty village in the Tamar Valley east of the River Tavy and River Tamar. Dartmoor National Park is nearby. There's a great pub called the Drake Manor Inn in the centre of the village.

Buckland Abbey (National Trust) is south of Buckland Monachorum. This building houses fascinating displays and information boards that tell the story of the abbey, its dissolution and its most famous owner, Sir Francis Drake. The display and information boards are split across three floors. On the ground floor is a display dedicated to a painting by Rembrandt. On the second floor you'll find lots of display cabinets and period rooms. On the top floor, beyond the giant sculpture of Drake, is plenty of information relating to Drake's boat and his circumnavigation of the world. Children can dress up. Information boards then cover the history of the abbey before its dissolution. A winding flight of stairs takes you past other rooms to the exit and walled garden.

Lopwell Dam is a little further south west of Buckland Abbey (National Trust).

 

Tavistock on the edge of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Dartmoor National Park

Gateway town to both the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Dartmoor National Park.

Tavistock is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site which is split into sections. Tavistock sits within the Tamar Valley Mining District with Tavistock section. See our Tamar Valley & Tavistock UNESCO World Heritage Site listing for more information.

Discover the story of Tavistock Abbey. Mining shaped modern Tavistock. Moving back in time, Tavistock Abbey once dominated the town. Whilst the abbey was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, you can explore the remains of Tavistock Abbey (Ruin) in the centre of town. Visit Tavistock Museum to learn more. There's an excellent model of the abbey that will help you visualise its size. Note that Tavistock Abbey was one of many abbeys and priories in the local area. Visit Buckland Abbey (National Trust) in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Beauty just west of Dartmoor and Buckfast Abbey on the eastern border of Dartmoor National Park. There's also the brilliant Torre Abbey in Torquay in The English Riviera in South Devon. If you're a keen walker, follow the Abbot's Way across Dartmoor!

Cycle Drake's Trail.

 

Bere Ferrers and Bere Alston in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 

The Bere Peninsula sits between the River Tavy and River Tamar. It's a super place.

Bere Alston is the major destination in the heart of the peninsula.

Bere Ferrers sits by the west bank of the River Tavy close to where it meets the River Tamar.

Calstock and Cotehele (National Trust) are located on the Cornwall side of the River Tamar north west of the peninsula.

Walk the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail to experience the Bere Peninsula.

Enjoy extraordinary views of Calstock Viaduct in the north of the peninsula.

 

Calstock in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Calstock is a pretty village on the Devon/Cornwall border by the River Tamar.

The village is known for its viaduct. Calstock Viaduct straddles the River Tamar with Cotehele (National Trust) upriver.

Calstock in on the Tamar Valley Discovery Trail. Walk alongside the River Tamar.

Nearby Morwellham Quay UNESCO World Heritage Site is a major Westcountry visitor attraction.

Cotehele (National Trust) is one of the finest National Trust properties in South West England.

 

Gunnislake in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Head further north and you come to Gunnislake on the Devon/Cornwall border. It's part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tamar Trails Centre is a brilliant outdoor activities centre. Follow mountain biking trails down to Morwellham Quay UNESCO World Heritage SiteTamar Trails Canoe Tamar is a superb experience.