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This is the Headquarters of the Dartmoor National Park Authority. It is located just down the road from the Hotel, and has some lovely parkland and riverside walks. The walk up beside the river on the track of where the old Railway line used to go is quite protected in windy or inclement weather. There is also a beautiful Woodland Walk - signed from the main house - which is great if you are trying to avoid the sun. If you go into the offices themselves there is a wealth of information about Dartmoor, with lots of leaflets and maps . The people who work there are helpful, including the National Park Rangers, but the office is not open weekends.
Tel : (01626) 832093
The old Bovey Pottery site has been sympathetically restored to create a working glass and games factory where you can watch glass-blowing and pottery work. Some of the glass on display is stunning. There is a shop which is wonderful for presents, museums, and an interesting licenced restaurant/bistro (complete with animated gorilla!). The unusual range of games and toys includes probably the largest selection of Marbles in the world. They have a fascinating marble run on one of the walls. Leaflets available in reception. Turn left out of hotel, drive towards Bovey- at first roundabout turn right - at second roundabout take last exit and it is signposted.
Tel : (01626) 835358.
This is a pottery that makes the most incredible, and sometimes really quite weird teapots. We are told they are highly collectable in Japan. Certainly worth a look, you cannot miss it - it is near the House of Marbles (see directions above).
Tel : (01626) 832172
H oused in the Riverside Mill just over the bridge into Bovey Tracey, the Devon Guild of Craftsmen is one of the most prestigious craft organisations in the Country. They have exhibitions and displays of ceramics, textiles, woodwork, jewellery, etc. by highly skilled westcountry craftsmen. Most things are very unusual, so hence quite pricey. Park in the bottom car park near Tourist Information Hut and walk over bridge. Tea and Light Lunches are also available.
Tel : (01626) 832223
This is ancient woodland cared for by the Nature Conservancy Council. There is car parking available, and signed walks and information boards about the flora and fauna along the way. There is now a new visitor centre and hides from which you can watch the birds. Everything has been done in an environmentally friendly way - even the loos! Dogs have to be kept on a lead. Turn right along the side of the hotel, then left at end of road and Yarner Wood is about half a mile on the left.
Waterfalls - Nature Trails - Pets Gardens - 50 acres of woodland - restaurant and tea rooms etc. Best to go when there has been a lot of rain to see the Waterfall at its best.
Open weekends (weather permitting) just for walking then open fully for half-term week (restaurant etc) then open only for walking until end March. Opens fully from beginning April. To find it carry on past Yarner Wood for a couple of miles.
Tel : (01647) 221259
This is a beautiful Devon village of thatched cottages and narrow lanes. Parking can be a bit of a problem in summer. There is a good walk up Lustleigh Cleave above the River Bovey. There is a tea-shop (Primrose Cottage), a pub, and a " Town Orchard" instead of a local playing field. Very picturesque. The May-Day celebrations there are quite famous.
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