‘Magical’ cobbled town where beloved British tradition first took place 1,000 years ago

A magical cobbled town with direct access to Dartmoor National Park is home to the creation sit of a treat which is now renowned as a quintessentially British tradition

A thriving Devonshire town is the home of a tradition more British than drizzle which dates back a millennium.

Tavistock, which has direct access to Dartmoor National Park, is a historic market town and the only settlement in Devon to hold a world heritage status. It boasts an array of independent shops and eateries, as well as an award-winning farmer’s market. Tavistock sits on the Western Moor of Dartmoor and is a magical location for walking, cycling or even horse riding and offers several National Trust properties in close proximity, such as Lydford Gorge, Buckland Abbey and Cotehele.

But perhaps the most famous link Tavistock has, is to the Devonshire cream tea. Researchers claim to have discovered ancient manuscripts that show how Tavistock’s monks, from the Benedictine Abbey, created the cream tea. The Abbey, which was originally established in the 10th Century, unfortunately became badly damaged by Vikings in 997AD. When it was restored by Ordulf, Earl of Devon, he would reward his workers with bread, clotted cream and strawberry preserves made by the monks.

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It would come to be known as a Devon cream tea.

Ever since then, cream teas have been much-loved and served in the town, to the extent that over 13 venues plate up the traditional treat in the small town. Tavistock even hosts its own cream tea week in June of each year. Unfortunately, the Abbey did not get the same happy ending, thanks to King Henry VIII and his ‘Dissolution of the Monasteries’ order in 1539. The centre of the town now sits on the former site of the Abbey and some of the remains can still be seen.

Cream teas aren’t the only special thing about Tavistock. This picturesque town features was also home to Sir Francis Drake — whilst the original farmhouse he lived in was dismantled, the current farmhouse does have a blue plaque in his memory. The town is also loved for its annual Goose Fair dating back to the early 12th Century. The small fair held each September provided the opportunity for businesses and animal traders to meet, as well as offering a social event for wives and daughters.

The more traditional side of Goose Fair can still be found at the Tavistock Livestock Centre, where there is an open day where visitors can see cattle, sheep and Dartmoor ponies, and enjoy the auction of live geese and poultry. If in the town, make sure to also check out the ancient Pannier Market. The Market was granted its Royal Charter in 1105 and has survived without a break for over 900 years. Today, the indoor market attracts customers from far and wide to see the selection of day traders. The market runs Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9am to 4pm.