North Tawton: Cultural History and the Tarka Trail

North Tawton combines architectural and literary history with the Tarka Trail and local leisure facilities. This gives you different ways to plan your stay, focusing on historic sites, paths along the River Taw or activities in town.

Exploring the Tarka Trail

The Tarka Trail is 180 miles long and passes through North Tawton. More than a mile of the route runs along the banks of the River Taw here. The 180 miles refers to the entire trail; the local riverside section is a distinct part of it.

The section near North Tawton includes a footbridge over Bailey's Ford and close-up views of the River Taw. The route surfaces range from asphalt and country roads to muddy footpaths and grassy areas; conditions can vary seasonally. Check local conditions before setting out.

Architectural and literary history

St Peter's Church is a Grade I listed parish church. Its tower is the oldest part and dates from the 13th century. The church preserves late-medieval carved bench ends, including one bearing the Champernowne family coat of arms. The only surviving medieval glass is in the upper part of the central north window and depicts angels with coats of arms. The oak-shingle roof covering has also been preserved.

The gatehouse at the entrance to St Peter's Church was built in the late 19th century and is Grade II listed. It retains chamfered and stopped timber beams, as well as trefoil motifs on the gable finials. The gatehouse details add a later chapter of architectural history to the church's older features.

The scheduled Roman monument near North Tawton comprises two forts and two marching camps on the east bank of the River Taw. Within the monument, a Roman road runs east–west immediately north of the fort. The military installations and the route of the road give this part of town a different historical character from its ecclesiastical and later urban buildings.

North Tawton Town Hall is a Grade II listed building dating from 1849. The granite obelisk of the North Tawton War Memorial is also Grade II listed. It was unveiled in 1921 and moved to the cemetery on Exeter Street in 1948. The memorial's creation and its later relocation are both part of its history.

Ted Hughes moved to North Tawton in 1961, and the town remained his home until his death. A plaque commemorating his life in North Tawton was unveiled on the wall of the Town Council Office in April 2011. The town's textile history is also notable: serge has been manufactured at a woollen mill in North Tawton since very early times.

Leisure and local amenities

Frank Henson Gibbings Memorial Park has play equipment for different age groups, a MUGA (multi-use games area), a pump track for bicycles and scooters, and an area for playing football. Facilities may change; check the latest information before visiting.

North Tawton Bowling Club offers outdoor lawn bowls and indoor short mat bowls. If you are considering taking part, check the current options in advance. Ruth Smith Gallery is an art gallery in North Tawton and offers art classes. As class availability may vary, check the latest dates if you are planning to attend a class.

Barzotelli Gelato offers freshly made, handmade gelato produced using dairy from local farms; the specific selection may change. North Tawton is also home to a cheese shop at Arla Foods Taw Valley Creamery. Check current opening hours before visiting.

Food festivals and markets featuring local produce are among the types of events listed in North Tawton's events calendar. If you want to plan your trip around a market or festival, check your dates against the relevant event date.

Getting there and practical information

North Tawton is just off the A3072 and can be reached by public transport on local bus services. Check current bus routes and timetables before travelling. There is free parking in North Tawton, including a car park at Memorial Park and a larger car park opposite the historic Town Hall. As parking regulations may change, check the latest information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Kingsteignton, Culmstock, Outer Hope, Parkham, Umberleigh, Woodleigh, Westleigh, Kenton

For the main travel guide: Devon.