Torrington: Culture, Commons and the Tarka Trail

Torrington combines experiences in the countryside with a remarkable cultural history. Around Great Torrington, possibilities range from freely accessible commons and a trail over 52 kilometres long to museums, market traditions and historic sites. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between active days outdoors, cultural discoveries and events with a local character.

Countryside and trails around Great Torrington

The Commons cover 365 acres and surround Great Torrington on all sides except the east. They are freely accessible and offer 20 miles of footpaths. This landscape includes an ancient woodland, a wildflower meadow and access down to the valley of the River Torridge. If walks and open countryside are important to you when choosing accommodation, you can consider Torrington as a base for days outdoors of varying lengths, without having to commit to just one type of trail.

An important route through the region is the Tarka Trail, which is over 52 kilometres long. It runs from Braunton via Barnstaple, Instow, Bideford and Great Torrington to Meeth. The trail is shared by pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, users of electric vehicles and mobility scooters, dog walkers and horse riders. These different forms of use can help with your trip planning when your group has varied interests in exercise and the countryside. Buses serve Braunton, Barnstaple, Instow, Bideford, Great Torrington and Meeth.

History, markets and vibrant culture

The town’s history can be explored at several specific sites. Torrington Castle began as a manor house complex before a Norman motte-and-bailey castle was built around 1090 at the highest point of the hill. Parts of St Michael and All Angels Church in Torrington date from 1259. The Heritage Trail is designed as a centre for the community’s cultural heritage and for visitors.

The Torrington Pannier Market also combines history with contemporary market life. It opened in 1842 and is located in a Grade II* listed Market House. It is home to many independent traders and market stalls. At Torrington Museum beside the entrance to the Pannier Market, you will find a free museum run entirely by volunteers. The 1646 Civil War Street recreates the night of the last major battle of the English Civil War on 16 February 1646. The museum also reconstructs Vaughan Tapscott’s factory with its original machinery and artefacts. The Battle of Torrington was the last major battle of the Civil War, which lasted from 1642 to 1646.

Gardens, glass and events

RHS Garden Rosemoor in Great Torrington is located in a valley in Devon and combines formal and informal planting. The Dartington Crystal Visitor Experience features a timeline exhibition with products from 1967 to the present day. Demonstrations of glassmaking are presented in a studio area with a melting furnace. For a varied day during your holiday, The Plough Arts Centre offers films, live performances, exhibitions and workshops.

A special tradition is Great Torrington’s Mayfair. The festival takes place every year on the first Thursday in May and includes the crowning of the May Queen, maypole dancing, a carnival and a fair. If you plan your trip around this date, you will have a clear cultural occasion in the calendar; outside this period, the museum, market, history, garden and countryside remain independent reasons to stay.

Getting there and choosing your accommodation

Great Torrington is close to the A361. Regular bus services connect the town with nearby places; the nearest railway station is in Barnstaple. When searching for holiday accommodation in Torrington, you can first decide whether your days should be shaped mainly by the Commons and the Tarka Trail, by the market and museum, or by cultural attractions and historical themes.

Other places for planning your trip

If you would like to compare other destinations as well as Torrington, here are the direct places for your research: Buckland Brewer, Washfield, Rockbeare, Braunton, Westward Ho, Otterton, Honiton, South Molton.

For the overarching travel overview: Devon.