The pretty town is loved by locals and popular with holiday makers for several reasons including its market being crowned ‘Britain’s best’
A Devon ‘rebel’ town lined with independent shops is a place I visit often – and tourists flock there too.
It’s a picturesque place offering a true taste of local life with cream teas served along with lots of other delicious food to try.
Tavistock in Devon is closer to Cornwall than you may think – and being inland there are numerous other places to visit around the charming town, reports the Express.
Fringed by Dartmoor and within driving distance to the beach, staying a while in Tavistock offers a retreat from the crowds that typically end up in seaside spots.
The town has much to see, museums, independent shops and a fantastic pannier market with an array of stalls selling all sorts of things.
For ramblers it’s great, as there are so many short or long walks to set off upon from here with many trails taking you along the riverside.
Tavistock’s Pannier Market dates back hundreds of years to the year 1105, stall holders are friendly and chatty and will talk you through their wares.
I love to visit the market which was crowned Britain’s best this year in the Great British Market Awards 2025 – one of my favourite stalls is a quirky one called Talking Rubbish.
Richard Westacott-Jones runs this business which sells numerous beautiful old bottles, many of which he has dug from the earth himself.
Brimming with unique shops, the town really offers an ‘experience’ when it comes to shopping and Richard from Talking Rubbish, believes retail has become ‘soulless’ in cities, which is why so many people visit Tavistock to shop.
If you’re in a nearby seaside spot and it’s a rainy day in Devon (or nearby Cornwall) a little escape to Tavistock could be a good tip.
Even if the sun shines, it’s a nice place to come for some relaxation, with Lydford Gorge nearby too with its stunning waterfall – you can even walk here from the town if you’re keen on a ‘moderate’ one hour ramble.
Running through Tavistock town is the beautiful River Tavy, where kingfishers and much other wildlife can be spotted – and other walking routes will lead you to many other delightful spots.
The Tavistock Canal Towpath winds through woodlands, leading you to the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Tavistock is known as a ‘rebel town’ for famously shunning fast food outlet McDonald’s, although one briefly opened, no-one used it, locals didn’t want it there, so it closed down (in 2006).
Now it’s these kinds of actions that make me proud to be Devonian – and it’s this kind of stronghold local action that has enabled the town to keep its charming character.
Tavistock is a bit different – and what’s more you can shop for something a bit different too, this gives the place a nice relaxing vibe and a feeling of escape (from the norm of other towns and cities) for a while.