{{filter.label}}
Holidays in Bovey Tracey
Name & origins: The town dates back to Saxon times, named after the River Bovey. The “Tracey” part comes from the de Tracey family, Norman lords after 1066
Archbishop Becket link: William de Tracey, linked to the murder of Thomas?Becket, reputedly funded the rebuilding of the parish church in penance
Civil War skirmish: In January 1646, Cromwell's troops surprised Royalist cavalry at Bovey Heath, capturing horses and routing the enemy
Pottery heritage: From the mid-18th century, Bovey became a major clay and pottery centre, operating for around 200 years; today the House of Marbles keeps that legacy alive
Town Character
A classic Devon market town with picturesque granite and cob buildings, winding streets, and riverside green spaces .
About 8,000 residents reside close to the edge of Dartmoor—hence the motto: “The Gateway to the Moor”
Historic landmarks include the Grade?I parish church (14th century), the Town Hall (1866), and many listed buildings, including the Riverside Mill gallery
Food & Drink
Markets: Every Saturday, the vibrant farmers’ market features local produce—cheeses, breads, veg, baked goods—celebrating Devon’s culinary heritage
Cafés & tearooms: Try local dairies' ice cream, clotted cream teas with scones, and farm-to-table dining at spots like Home Farm Café (Parke) or Courtenay family’s former home
Historic pubs: Many date to the 16th–17th?centuries—such as The Cromwell Arms (named for the Civil War), Palk Arms, Claycutters, and The Cleave—offering local ales, wines, and seasonal menus
Festivals: The annual Nourish Food & Drink Festival in late August features artisan cheeses, meats, street food, wine, gin, and live music
Things to Do
Outdoor & Nature
Explore Dartmoor: Bovey Tracey is ideal for hiking, cycling, horse-riding, rock-climbing and canoeing amid dramatic tors like Haytor just a short distance away
Parke House & estate: Managed by the National Trust, it offers riverside walks, woodland trails, and a café on the former Riverside Mill site
Culture & Attractions
House of Marbles: A family-friendly museum of glass, marbles, potteries, and games, complete with glassblowing demos and a café
MAKE Southwest / Devon Guild of Craftsmen: Housed in Riverside Mill, showcases contemporary craft with gallery space, workshops, and dog-friendly atmosphere
Heritage Centre: Located in the former railway station, run by volunteers with exhibits chronicling Bovey’s past
Haytor Granite Tramway: A historic route you can walk or cycle, a fascinating piece of industrial archaeology once used to transport granite
Events & Community
Regular fairs and festivals: Contemporary Craft Festival (June), Green Man Festival of folk traditions (April), and Nourish (late August)
Dartmoor Devil Ride: Starting from Bovey Tracey, this annual 100?km cycling event attracts adventurous riders
Local sports clubs: Bovey Tracey A.F.C. (football) and the Devon Sharks rugby league at Bullands Field
In Summary
Bovey Tracey is a delightful blend of:
Rich history: From Saxon roots and Civil War moments to a pottery powerhouse.
Quintessential charm: Independent shops, tearooms, historic pubs, serene riverside and granite architecture.
Vibrant culture: Moonlighting as a hub for arts, crafts, and family-friendly attractions.
Outdoor gateway: Providing immediate access to Dartmoor’s natural majesty.
Whether you're drawn by scenic walks, delving into pottery history, indulging in local produce, or simply soaking in Devonshire village life, Bovey Tracey offers an authentic Dartmoor experience.
Archbishop Becket link: William de Tracey, linked to the murder of Thomas?Becket, reputedly funded the rebuilding of the parish church in penance
Civil War skirmish: In January 1646, Cromwell's troops surprised Royalist cavalry at Bovey Heath, capturing horses and routing the enemy
Pottery heritage: From the mid-18th century, Bovey became a major clay and pottery centre, operating for around 200 years; today the House of Marbles keeps that legacy alive
Town Character
A classic Devon market town with picturesque granite and cob buildings, winding streets, and riverside green spaces .
About 8,000 residents reside close to the edge of Dartmoor—hence the motto: “The Gateway to the Moor”
Historic landmarks include the Grade?I parish church (14th century), the Town Hall (1866), and many listed buildings, including the Riverside Mill gallery
Food & Drink
Markets: Every Saturday, the vibrant farmers’ market features local produce—cheeses, breads, veg, baked goods—celebrating Devon’s culinary heritage
Cafés & tearooms: Try local dairies' ice cream, clotted cream teas with scones, and farm-to-table dining at spots like Home Farm Café (Parke) or Courtenay family’s former home
Historic pubs: Many date to the 16th–17th?centuries—such as The Cromwell Arms (named for the Civil War), Palk Arms, Claycutters, and The Cleave—offering local ales, wines, and seasonal menus
Festivals: The annual Nourish Food & Drink Festival in late August features artisan cheeses, meats, street food, wine, gin, and live music
Things to Do
Outdoor & Nature
Explore Dartmoor: Bovey Tracey is ideal for hiking, cycling, horse-riding, rock-climbing and canoeing amid dramatic tors like Haytor just a short distance away
Parke House & estate: Managed by the National Trust, it offers riverside walks, woodland trails, and a café on the former Riverside Mill site
Culture & Attractions
House of Marbles: A family-friendly museum of glass, marbles, potteries, and games, complete with glassblowing demos and a café
MAKE Southwest / Devon Guild of Craftsmen: Housed in Riverside Mill, showcases contemporary craft with gallery space, workshops, and dog-friendly atmosphere
Heritage Centre: Located in the former railway station, run by volunteers with exhibits chronicling Bovey’s past
Haytor Granite Tramway: A historic route you can walk or cycle, a fascinating piece of industrial archaeology once used to transport granite
Events & Community
Regular fairs and festivals: Contemporary Craft Festival (June), Green Man Festival of folk traditions (April), and Nourish (late August)
Dartmoor Devil Ride: Starting from Bovey Tracey, this annual 100?km cycling event attracts adventurous riders
Local sports clubs: Bovey Tracey A.F.C. (football) and the Devon Sharks rugby league at Bullands Field
In Summary
Bovey Tracey is a delightful blend of:
Rich history: From Saxon roots and Civil War moments to a pottery powerhouse.
Quintessential charm: Independent shops, tearooms, historic pubs, serene riverside and granite architecture.
Vibrant culture: Moonlighting as a hub for arts, crafts, and family-friendly attractions.
Outdoor gateway: Providing immediate access to Dartmoor’s natural majesty.
Whether you're drawn by scenic walks, delving into pottery history, indulging in local produce, or simply soaking in Devonshire village life, Bovey Tracey offers an authentic Dartmoor experience.
Click to show the map