Top 10 things to do near Lewtrenchard Manor

Our favourite places to visit in Devon and Cornwall

If you can tear yourself away from our idyllic country manor, there’s no shortage of other diversions on our doorstep.

The craggy tors and wide open expanse of Dartmoor National Park is almost within walking distance, and the stunning coastlines of both north and south Devon, as well as Cornwall can be reached in under an hour by car. Exeter, Plymouth and Torquay - the ‘English Riviera’ - are easy to reach, too.

Here we’ve shared our top 10 things to do during your stay at Lewtrenchard Manor. If you want more recommendations, the enthusiastic team at our hotel have a wealth of local knowledge and will be delighted to help you plan your visit.

The Eden Project

The Eden Project is home to the world’s largest greenhouse. Inside its artificial biomes is a showcase of exotic plants from around the world, and it has an intriguing outdoor garden, too. It hosts a series of events throughout the year and tickets can be bought in advance on its website.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissey in Cornwall, are one of the most popular botanic gardens in the UK. The garden design is typical of the 19th century gardenesque style and boasts a fabulous collection of rhododendrons and camellias, a series of lakes, flower and vegetable gardens, an Italian garden, and a stunning wild area called “The Jungle” filled with primeval-looking sub-tropical tree ferns. The gardens also have Europe’s only remaining pineapple pit.

Lydford Gorge

This National Trust property is only five miles from Lewtrenchard Manor. About three-miles long, the enchanting riverside walk to the spectacular 90ft White Lady waterfall is one of our favourites in the area. However, it’s not suitable for people with heart complaints or walking disabilities, and walking shoes or boots are recommended.

Tintagel Castle

For the atmosphere, Tintagel is hard to beat. The 13th century castle is a romantic ruin constructed on a windswept rock, with waves crashing all around. It's surrounded by remains from the Roman and Dark Ages and is linked to the legends of King Arthur, who is said to have been born here. Other legends claim that Tintagel is the site of Camelot, Arthur’s court, though that honour is also claimed by a dozen or so places throughout the British Isles! Interested in visiting more historic sites, read Historic Gems Near the Manor.

Tate Modern in St Ives

Tate Modern St Ives is undoubtedly Cornwall’s best known art gallery, situated in a glorious location overlooking the stunning Porthmeor Beach. The Tate has the best collection of 20th century art in the area, as well as regularly changing exhibitions to showcase the best of contemporary Cornish art.

The Tarka Trail

The Tarka Trail is more than 180 miles long and forms a figure of eight loop through north and mid-Devon, taking in the rugged Atlantic coast, both Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks, and the UK’s longest, traffic-free cycle path which links Braunton in the north with Meeth in the south. Lewtrenchard Manor sits on the south loop near Okehampton and is the perfect starting point for a walk or cycle.

Padstow

Still a working harbour, Padstow is a bustling coastal town popular for its beaches and famous food scene. When you’ve had your fill of coastal walks and sandy beaches, Padstow Sea Safaris offers boat trips to see some of the region’s marine wildlife, and there’s plenty of cycling to be had along the Camel Trail. Don’t leave the town without trying Rick Stein’s fish and chips! 

Port Isaac

One of Cornwall’s famous fishing villages, the pretty harbour of Port Isaac gained TV fame with the series Doc Martin, starring Martin Clunes. It’s also the home of Fisherman’s Friends, the popular shanty singing band. It’s a place that’s deeply connected to the sea, and as you walk around its narrow streets and past the whitewashed cottages, it can feel like you've taken a step back in time. Port Isaac also has a number of excellent seafood restaurants, including Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen.

Dartmoor National Park

Once a high altitude woodland, Dartmoor is now a dramatic moorland with rolling hills peppered with craggy tors, bogs, wetlands, waterfalls and neolithic monuments. With its ancient history and heritage, the folklore linked to Dartmoor is legendary and its mysterious landscape has inspired the likes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie. In fact Sabine Baring-Gould, once Squarson of Lewtrenchard Manor, was inspired to write many books, both fiction and non-fiction, about the moor. Read our guide to Dartmoor National Park.

Bodmin Jail

Once a formidable prison, Bodmin Jail is now a popular visitor attraction offering guided tours, ghost experiences and unique events. Built in 1779 on the edge of Bodmin Moor, Bodmin has a dark history filled with stories of crime and punishment during the Georgian and Victorian eras. It has a café and a gift shop, and tickets can be bought in advance from its website.

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