Heart of Devon near Tiverton in Devon

East Devon is where you meet the real Devon, that has been mainly unspoilt by tourism. The East Devon is between Exmoor and Dartmoor, and away from the sea. Proper markets still take place on market days, whitewashed cob cottages, narrow lanes and patch works of small fields. Bickleigh with a population of just 200, whitewashed Devon cob cottages, an old stone bridge over the River Exe, Bickleigh is just what you expect a Devon village to look like. It also has a restored water mill craft centre (Bickleigh Mill), and the ruins of a 14th century castle, Bickleigh Castle.

Crediton used to be one of the largest towns in the south west. The church has the proportions of a cathedral - indeed it once was the seat of a Bishop of Devon. The wide main street has tall houses, built to give lofts for weaving, when the town was known for its woollen serge.

Hatherleigh, a quiet market town located off the main holiday routes. It is a good angling centre for the nearby Torridge, Okement and Lew rivers. The George on the main street is a 14th century inn. Outside the town, on the moor, there is a memorial to a Colonel Morris, who survived the Charge of the Light Brigade.

Great Torrington occupies a splendid site on the top of a hill with wonderful views. The heart of the town is a classic town square - here you will find a Georgian Town Hall, a Victorian Market Place and a twin gabled inn, the Black Horse. Dartington Crystal had their factory in the town, which can be visited. And just south of the town are the Royal Horticultural Society's Rosemoor Gardens.

Killerton is a fine country house built in 1778 by the Acland family, and now owned by the National Trust. It also houses the National Trust's costume collection.

Okehampton lies in a beautiful setting above the River Okement, it calls itself "the capital of northern Dartmoor" Originally settled by the Saxons, abandoned, settled by the Normans, prospered on the medieval wool trade, hit by the Civil War. There is a lot of history there.

Sheepwash got its name from farmer's washing their sheep in the River Torridge. It is a picturesque little village, with whitewashed cob cottages and a fine pub. Time has stood still there, and the village is virtually as it was two hundred years ago.

South Moulton is a delightful small market town. It has an imposing 18th century Guildhall, a 19th century Market House and intricate architectural features on the houses and shops. All around are views across rolling Devon countryside.

Tiverton grew as a wool town in the 17th and 18th centuries, Tiverton has always been at a communications hub. The River Exe flows through the town, and the Normans built a castle here (Tiverton Castle). The canal (where the Grand Western Horseboat Company resides) and the railway (Tiverton Parkway Station) came along in their time. Just outside the town is the National Trust property of Knightshayes, an ornate 19th century mansion.

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