Tavistock Top 10
1. The Pannier Market
Established by Charter in 1105, a market has been held continuously in Tavistock for over 900 years. The Pannier Market was built when the Duke of Bedford remodelled the town centre, financed by the mid-19th Century mining boom. Today it is home to themed markets five days a week, offering everything from unusual gifts and crafts to hammers and nails – and its pedestrianised perimeter is filled with cafés and shops.
From The Bedford Hotel, the Pannier Market is just a short stroll across the neighbouring Bedford Square, and is open from Tuesday to Saturday (with occasional special events on Sundays).
2. St Eustachius’ Church
The beautiful parish church of Tavistock was consecrated in 1318. It has grown over the centuries, including an additional fourth aisle, completed in 1447 and funded by wool merchants. Remains of the cloister of Tavistock Abbey, destroyed during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, can be seen in the churchyard.
St Eustachius’ Church is directly across the road from The Bedford Hotel. Some of our rooms have lovely views over the church and its well-kept grounds.
3. Tavistock Museum
Housed around Grade I listed Court Gate – one of the original entrances to Tavistock’s Abbey – the Museum displays a wide range of fascinating exhibits. Run by volunteers and open from Easter to October, it provides an insight into Tavistock life across the centuries.
You’ll find Tavistock Museum tucked away next to the historic archway to the right of the Town Hall, approximately 100 metres from The Bedford. Ask us the way!
4. Riverside Walk and the Canal
Take a walk alongside the tumbling River Tavy, past the old Abbey Walls and into The Meadows. With a well-equipped playground for the children, it is the perfect spot for an ice cream or a picnic on the grass. Follow the canal – built in the early 1800’s as a link to Morwellham Quay on the River Tamar.
Leaving The Bedford via the front entrance, turn right, then right again at the mini roundabout. Just before the river bridge you’ll find a footpath to the right which runs alongside the River Tavy and into The Meadows.
5. Home of the Cream Tea
Tavistock, and specifically The Bedford Hotel, is where the Cream Tea was invented! The site that is now The Bedford Hotel was home to Tavistock’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. In 997AD, the Abbey was attacked by an army of Vikings. After the Vikings retreated, monks and local workers rallied around to restore the Abbey, and were fed on bread, clotted cream and strawberry preserves. And so the Cream Tea was born.
Cream Teas are served all day, every day at The Bedford Hotel. Enjoy warm home-made scones, Hogs Bottom strawberry jam, Langage Farm clotted cream, and your choice of tea or coffee.
6. Independent Shops
Tavistock town centre is a magnet for shopaholics, boasting a wide range of independent businesses. Everything from clothes, crafts, artwork, traditional butchers, delicatessens and bakers to bookshops, florists, cafés and tearooms. Few towns of a similar size can compare with their number – complemented by a few national retailers.
Ask any of our team at The Bedford for their top tips on favourite places to browse and shop in Tavistock.
7. Heritage Walks
Discover the 28 “blue plaques” on places of note throughout the town – a booklet about them is available from the town’s museum. Alternatively, pick up a copy of the Heritage Trail leaflet from the Visitor Information Centre and learn about the story of Tavistock as you stroll between the town’s historic sites.
The Visitor Information Centre can be found in Bedford Square, a few minutes stroll from The Bedford Hotel. Manned by knowledgeable volunteers, the information centre is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30am until 4pm.
8. Farmers Market
Tavistock’s popular Farmers’ Market is is a must for discovering fantastic meats, vegetables, cheeses, drinks, flowers and fruits, all produced locally by passionate growers and farmers.
The Farmers’ Market takes place in Bedford Square, a 2 minute stroll from The Bedford Hotel, on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Saturday of the month, from 9am until 3pm.
9. The Town Hall
This impressive building dominates the centre of Tavistock. Owned and managed by the Town Council, its lofty ceilings, tall windows and collection of grand oil paintings provide an atmospheric backdrop to the many town events held here.
You can’t miss the Town Hall – directly across the town square from The Bedford Hotel.
10. Meadowlands and The Wharf
Set by the historic Tavistock Canal, you can go swimming at Meadowlands, use the gym or try an exercise class. If that seems a little too energetic, catch a movie at The Wharf or see one of the many live music events staged at this popular music venue.
The Wharf and Meadlowlands are a 5 minute walk from The Bedford Hotel. Leaving via the front entrance, turn left along Plymouth Road, and then left into Canal Road. The Wharf and Meadlowlands will be on your right, alongside the canal.
For more information to help you plan your visit to Tavistock and the local area, visit www.visit-tavistock.co.uk, or chat with The Bedford Hotel team on 01822 613221 – we are all local experts!