Great Torrington, North Devon, The Cavalier Town

High on a cliff top above the River Torridge is the small town of Great Torrington in North Devon. On first approach to the town the visitor could be forgiven for thinking it dull and lacking attractions, but for a place of its size it has much to tempt the tourist.

Visitors to the town will find history, shopping, one of the best gardens in the country and excellent walking are all within a short distance of the centre.

It is a good idea to try to park close to the town square then spend time exploring from that point.

For the tourist interested in history a variety of architecture around the Square is a clue to the story of Torrington. The picturesque façade of The Black Horse Inn is the first clue to the link with the Civil War era and the town still prides itself on its Royalist loyalties.

From the south end of the Square a short walk of about one hundred metres up South Street is the visitor attraction Torrington 1746. Here can be seen a re-enactment of the battle which took place in Torrington during the Civil War. Characters dressed in costumes and using the local dialect give a realistic idea of how important an event this was in the history of this small town.

From there a logical next visit is to the parish church of St Michael and All Angels. Within the beautiful building are details of how it too was involved with the Civil War fighting between the Cavaliers and Roundheads and because it gave sanctuary to sympathisers of the King it was blown up with the loss of many lives.
The church has a particularly fine organ often used for recitals.

If more history is appealing, also in the Square is the Torrington Heritage Museum housed in the Town Hall. Admission is free.

Apart from the shops and cafes around the centre of the town there is a Pannier Market at the bottom of the Square which houses more shops, plus several workshops selling crafts and a café. On Thursdays and Saturdays this is supplemented by a general market.

No visit to North Devon is complete without going to The Dartington Crystal Factory. It is a short distance from the centre of town , in School Lane, and has plenty of free parking . Here it is possible to take a conducted tour to see how the glass is made and the factory shop has many fine goods to tempt the shopper. A café is sited here also.

Just out of Torrington on the road towards Exeter is RHS Rosemoor. These fine gardens of national importance are set in the valley of the River Torridge. Throughout the year there are numerous features to interest gardeners or give pleasure to visitors who want to walk in a beautiful setting. A continuous programme of lectures and events takes place at Rosemoor.

Surrounding Great Torrington are 365 acres of Commons. This is land owned by the people of the town and affords free access to walkers. The footpaths wind their way around the town on three sides and mostly look our over the river in the valley below. The beauty of the countryside is breathtaking whatever the season. After a good walk the delightful picnic area with a playground for children is a fine place to rest. This can be found at the top of Station Hill.

Great Torrington has much to attract visitors.

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