Lifton – Heritage Sites, Buildings and Landscape

Lifton brings together listed buildings and local remembrance in a rural setting. When planning your trip, you can therefore focus on different aspects: the town’s architectural history, the Lifton War Memorial, or paths and activities in the surrounding area. Which of these you explore depends on whether you are particularly interested in historic sites or in the landscape and outdoor activities.

Heritage and local remembrance

The Church of St Mary in Lifton is a Grade I listed building. Wortham is also Grade I listed. The manor house is in Lifton, dates from the 15th century and was remodelled for the Dinham family in the early 16th century. Wortham therefore brings together two historic periods: its origins in the 15th century and its later remodelling for the Dinham family. The church and manor house each highlight a different aspect of Lifton’s architectural history.

The Lifton War Memorial commemorates 15 members of the local community who died in the First World War. The granite cross was unveiled in 1920; later additions refer to the Second World War. Its design is also precisely defined: it is about 5 m high, in the form of a Latin cross, with an octagonal plan and a four-tiered octagonal base. Here, remembrance and architecture go hand in hand: alongside the names and the act of commemoration, the material, shape and structure give the memorial its distinctive character.

The history of the Fairground Heritage Trust is also part of Lifton’s past. From 2003, it was based in Lifton, first under the name Dingles Steam Village and later as Dingles Fairground Museum. Dingles Fairground Museum closed at the end of the 2024 season. This former institution is therefore part of the town’s history, but it is not a museum that is currently open.

Rural surroundings and paths

Rolling farmland, wooded valleys and peaceful river landscapes characterise the area around Lifton. Lifton also provides access to the Tamar Valley and Dartmoor National Park. This gives your trip a focus on the landscape alongside the buildings and memorial sites. These regions broaden the view beyond local architectural history, without requiring a particular excursion or route.

Roadford Lake is in Broadwoodwidger, Lifton. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing are available at the lake in the Lifton area. There are also nature trails and footpaths for walking or cycling. Roadford Lake therefore offers water activities alongside paths for exploring on foot or by bike. If you would like to plan your trip around these options, you can weigh them against the town’s historical attractions.

Another option is the eastern Section 2 of the Two Castles Trail, from Lifton to Lewdown. Parts of it run along roads, paths and across fields. The route section is characterised by its two place names and the types of terrain mentioned; by contrast, the paths around Roadford Lake are associated with walking and cycling. These differences can help you choose between a named route and the paths around the lake. As conditions on the route may change, check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Abbotsham, Two Bridges, Wick, Teignmouth, Meavy, Bideford, Braunton, Beaworthy.

For the main travel overview: Devon.