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The English Civil War and Great Torrington 1646, Devon UK
Great Torrington's links with the English Civil War and all things Roundheads and Caveliers is not by accident. There was a horrendously brutal battle here at Great Torrington in 1646, with the Roundheads victorious and Royalists slaughtered by the infamous New Model Army under the charge of Sir Thomas Fairfax.
Great Torrington's attractions are centred around it's links with the English Civil war, and there are English Civil War trails, costumed characters everywhere, a main exhibition centre and lots to see from how musket balls were made to trying on some 17th century armour. Kids will love this come-alive English Civil War journey around Torrington. Great Torrington is also a great stopping off point from the Tarka Trail, which runs 180 miles through both North and Central Devon.
The English Civil War & Torrington 1646
Wots to do then on the English Civil War in Great Torrington. Lots of interactive stuff going on here, with American style costumed 17th century characters like Master Jacobus Pinney, the Apothecary and leech breeder, eek or Mistress Marth the waspish shrew looking for her husband Henry! There's a selection of 'colourful characters' from the 17th century, all tongue in check and storyboard style.
Start at the Torrington 1646 English Civil War Museum, with exhibitions on the great Civil war battle of 1646. There are recreations of Torrington in the 17th century, plus guides talking about the night before the battle and so forth. Move on the the Linhay and watch musket balls being made as they were made 350 years ago, with acompanying story of a soldier's view on battle. Check out the Physic Garden where an array of popular 17th century hers are grown and expect commentary from Master Pinney. There are also Weaponary Displays if the weather is good in the Rose Garden, and a costumes and armour centre where kids can do some trying on as well. A superb family friendly exhibition, involving interactive learning.
Torrington 1646 Museum, Castle Hill, South Street, Great Torrington EX38 8AA. Tel: 01805 626146.Opening Times are from March - September, Monday - Saturday 10.30am - 5.00pm (last entrance 3pm). From October - February, Monday - Friday 11.00am - 4.30pm (last entrance 3pm) , Saturday 11.00am - 2.00pm (last entrance 1pm). Check the Torrington 1646 English Civil War web link to the right for more details!). Watch out for the costumed characters!
Great Torrington Tourist Information
Great Torrington has a famous and very old pub called the Black Horse Inn, which is jon High Street, and dates back to the 15th century. Expect some delightful real ale and good hearty inn food here, with an atmosphere of old oak beams and panels. It won the North Devon Good Food Award in 2004.
Great Torrington is a super central Devon base, with easy access to Dartmoor National Park, in close proximity to the Tarka Trail and with so many attractions in and around this ancient market town. A Victorian Pannier Market takes place in Great Torrington from Thursdays to Saturdays and there are a selection of appealing shops in the town. Great Torrington also has a most informative local heritage museum which is free to enter, and looks at notables from the town as well as further civil war links and local life past and present!
Check out also the superb Plough Arts Centre in Great Torrington (web link to the right) offering a programme of films, workshops, events and theatre. Films are a mix of international and mainstream Hollywood cinema. Other attractions in and around Great Torrington, central Devon are it's Secret Garden (open 9am-5pm, Tel: 01805 626100), a delightful spot in which to relax, or stop of at the Dartington Crystal Visitors Centre and see how it's made. Just to the west of Great Torrington in West Putford is the charming Gnome Reserve and Museum attraction. It's a fun family attraction, with a little museum holding some very interesting old garden gnomes, well worth a look with a wild flower garden as well.
The Plough Arts Centre, 9-11 Fore Street, Great Torrington, Devon. Tel: 01805 624624. Dartington Crystal, Torrington, Devon, EX38 7AN. Tel: 01805 626262
RHS Rosemoor Gardens, Great Torrington
Devon has many public gardens, and Rosemoor Garden near Great Torrington is fast becoming one of the most popular. You can see why - a Shrub Rose Garden, Spiral Features, a large square and foliage, a restaurant on-site with delicious home-cooked food, and check out The Rosemoor Shop crammed with quirky and attractive gifts.
There are a lot of roses at Rosemoor, aptly named, approximately 200 varieties in all. Also for viewing is a Herb Garden, extensive herbaceous borders, a cottage garden, a lake, and woodland walks as well.
Rosemoor Garden is run by the Royal Horticultural Society, and many of the plants you can see in the garden are available for sale. Devon Gardens are great places for both enthusiastic gardeners, or simply lovers of the outdoors and nature.
RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon. EX38 8PH. Tel: 01805 624067.
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