A Day Out to…Chagford
Chagford, in the heart of Devon, lies toward the Northern edge of the Dartmoor National Park, close to the beautiful River Teign. Described as the “gateway to Dartmoor” this Stannary town is an endearing mix of funky and traditional, exceptionally popular with visitors for its wealth of fascinating independent shops, large range of eateries, galleries, famous festivals and the undisputed warmth of its welcome. It is an exceptionally good place to discover history and legend at its best, with many well preserved 15th and 16th century buildings. From Yelverton it is a leisurely forty five minutes drive through beautiful wide open moorland with big skies and dramatic views.
Shopping
Family businesses abound and you can enjoy the slow and unhurried pace whilst browsing the wealth of independent, quirky and traditional shops that cluster around Chagford’s famous octagonal market house. There are boutiques, florists, leatherworkers, iconic hardware stores, delis, arts and crafts emporia and food stores all to be found within just a few minutes stroll.
At 30 The Square antique country furniture, lighting and jewellery sits side by side with contemporary gift ideas, and a collection of organic children's wear and inspiring toys. Artisan is a bespoke leather studio and gallery selling the work of over 40 local artisans including unique jewellery, pottery, turned wood, forged iron, feltwork, original artwork, prints and photographs alongside leather goods made to order. Two hardware shops, Webber and Sons and Bowdens both established in the 19th century are warrens of Aladdin’s cave delight. You can quite literally find everything here with departments in cookware, DIY, ironmongery and many more.
Food
Chagford is sheer bliss for lovers of food and drink with some seriously top-class restaurants, a range of superb hostelries, cafes and restaurants to suit all budgets.
Blacks Delicatessen offers a wide range of delicious home cooked food, cheeses and Chagford Ice Cream. A magnet for foodies, it has beautiful displays of carefully chosen fare from local producers. Best Cellars offers a wide range of wines from around the world, interesting spirits and liqueurs and local beers, ales and ciders. The Courtyard is an organic whole food cafe, offering breakfast, lunch and tea. Whilst The Birdcage offers tapas and cocktails. Whiddons Eatery is run from a thatched building, parts of which date back to the 16th century and much of its olde worlde charm has been retained.
Places to stay
Chagford is a fabulous place for an idyllic stopover or a longer visit, with a choice of excellent hotels, a wonderful range of B&Bs plus delightful farm stays and camping sites.
Sitting in the heart of this vibrant stannary town, The Three Crowns Hotel is a delightful thatched 5 star Devon Inn. It is warmly elegant with stone walls, inglenook fireplaces and beamed ceilings. Cyprian’s Cot is an early 16th century cottage located in the heart of Chagford. Just outside Chagford, visitors could try The Mill End Hotel, a beautiful country house hotel on the banks of the river Teign, or Gidleigh Park one of the most highly rated small luxury country house hotels in the world or even further afield, Bovey Castle overlooks beautiful Edwardian gardens and a meandering championship golf course set in the valley of the River Bovey.
Art
Always a hub for talented artists, Chagford has a lively art scene and has been the inspiration for musicians, artists and writers for centuries. It is host to many festivals of art, music, literature and film, with galleries and studios open throughout the year.
Things to do
Chagford is always buzzing and there are lots of events taking place throughout the year including open mic and comedy evenings. There are regular jazz nights, a flower festival and summer fair as well as the Chagstock music festival this year on the 22nd and 23rd of July. The river Teign runs through Chagford and Fingle Bridge is a favourite beauty spot. For the more active, The Two Hills Race in May is a must.
Opened in 1934, Chagford Swimming Pool was dug by hand by local residents on land entrusted to the village by the Hayter-Hames family. It is the largest freshwater swimming pool in the south west of England and is a very special spot to visit. Chagford is also a great base for cycling with a number of excellent cycle routes to suit all abilities across spectacular Dartmoor. Fernworthy Lake is a great place to visit with enchanting waymarked walks including a 3-mile circular waterside walk plus a walk suitable for less able visitors with seats, restful viewpoints and information around the route. You can picnic or enjoy fishing or bird watching and there is a Special Protection Zone managed in partnership with Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society.
For more information on events and places to see visit www.visitchagford.com or www.chagford-parish.co.uk