Did you know that Tavistock is the only town in Devon to hold UNESCO World Heritage status? More importantly, it’s also reputed to be the birthplace of the cream tea… Either way, this pretty town is definitely worth a visit.
If shopping is your thing, you’ll be pleased to hear that Tavistock has numerous independent and specialist shops, many of which support the Fairtrade and Totally Locally schemes. You’ll find handmade pottery and locally designed gifts, as well as antiques and toy shops. There’s even a jeweller with a Royal connection. Be sure to visit the Pannier Market, which was established by charter in 1105 and has held a market pretty much continuously since then. Themed markets take place Tuesday–Saturday.
Lovers of food and drink won’t be disappointed either. The town is full of great places to eat and drink, and you’ll find award-winning cheese and local sausages (with a Royal seal of approval) for sale, as well as an award-winning Farmer’s Market, held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. (top-50 gastropub) The cream tea is said to have originated in Tavistock, when it was served by the abbey monks to workers repairing the Abbey after a Viking attack. It became so popular that even after the repairs were finished, the monks continued to serve cream teas to passing travellers. You’ll find cream teas on offer in many cafes and restaurants throughout the town, but if you want to sample one in its true birthplace, go to the Bedford Hotel, which was formerly part of the Abbey.
If you want to walk off all that delicious food, you can follow the town’s Heritage Trail. Tavistock lies within the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site; the town was transformed during the 19th century following the discovery of rich veins of copper and other valuable metals nearby. Investment by the Dukes of Bedford led to the creation of new public buildings and model cottages for mineral workers. Many of the elegant villas built during this time can still be seen as you walk around the town. Transport networks associated with the mining activities are also well-preserved, including the Tavistock Canal, the mineral river quays at Morwellham, and railway lines serving the mines. The Devon Great Consuls, where much of the mining activity took place, can be reached by bicycle on the Tamar Trails.
Arguably the highlight of the year in Tavistock is the annual Goosey Fair, held each year on the second Wednesday in October. The fair dates back to the 12th century and was originally a Michaelmas fair. As well as providing an opportunity for business and trading, it was an important social event. Farmers would bring their geese to the fair, to be sold and fattened for the family Christmas dinner, and this is probably how the event got its name. When the new calendar was adopted in 1752, the ‘lost’ 11 days pushed the event into October, and the new date stuck. Today, the event attracts traders from all over the country, as well as members of the Showman’s Guild and local community groups. Over 250 stalls, sideshows and fairground rides are set up in the centre of the town and Bedford car park. This year’s event takes place on Wednesday 11th October, 2023 and entry is free.
