THE UK isn’t short of pretty market towns, but while everyone else is fighting for parking in Cornwall or the Cotswolds, there’s a gorgeous alternative without the massive crowds.
Tavistock in Devon is a historic market town sat on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
And it has a rather big claim to fame…
The town is where the cream tea was invented, with the earliest recording of the tradition dated to 11th century at Tavistock Abbey.
And, to put the decades-long debate to an end, the monks that created the cream tea in fact did put the cream first and then the jam.
There are so many spots in the town to grab a cream tea but my personal favourite is Café Liaison, where you can sit with your cream tea overlooking the Churchyard and former Cloisters of the Abbey.
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The town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage town, due to the town’s medieval tin mining history as well as 19th century copper and metal production.
Wandering around the town, you’ll notice all the buildings are made of dark grey stone.
You might also spot some Dartmoor granite in the buildings as well.
One top building to spot is the Town Hall, which is in the heart of the town
Make sure to visit the ancient Pannier Market too, which was granted its Royal Charter in 1105.
Inside, you will find traders selling all sorts of different items, that change depending on the day of the week.
For example, on Tuesdays you will find antiques and collectables, whereas on Fridays you will find locally produced goods.
Across the town, you’ll also find a wealth of quaint independent shops.
Make sure to head into Book Stop to pick up a read and check out Inside Out which is the ideal place for gifts.
Depending on when you are visiting, you could also explore the Farmer’s Market which takes place each month on the second and fourth Saturdays.
For a tipple, drop into The Market Inn – inside you will find cosy fire places, maybe some pooches, a friendly atmosphere and delicious pub grub.
And of course, Dartmoor is on your doorstep – which, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated places to visit in the UK.
You can explore towering tors as well as meet numerous Dartmoor ponies.
Just outside of the main town, you can stay at Harford Bridge Park campsite and caravan park.
This is no usual campsite though…
Instead, you pitch your tent right next to the River Tavy – which runs through the holiday park and is gentle and shallow.
When I used to visit the campsite as a child along with my family, we would make sure to have a pitch right next to the river.
Then, in the blazing sun, my sister and I would put up our camping chairs directly in the river and sit with our feet in the water.
It is ideal for families who want to explore Dartmoor but want a few more facilities than wild camping.
On the site there is a heated toilet block as well as hot showers and a laundry room.
If you have forgotten anything, there is also a shop onsite, as well as a games, TV and book room, children’s play park with seesaws and climbing frames and a tennis court.
Dogs are welcome too, with a sprawling meadow for them to roam in.
Make sure to book a ‘grass riverside’ pitch, which costs £24 per night for two people without electricity, working out at just £12 per person.
If you are a family of four, the pitch will set you back £44 per night – working out at £11 per person, per night.