Ashburton Tourist Information

Ashburton is an ancient stannary town with Saxon roots nestling on the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park, easily reached via the M5 then just off the A38 (the Devon Expressway). The town is perfect for simply relaxing and a great base for accessing many outdoor activities in the surrounding area including walking, horse riding, fishing and canoeing. A plentiful choice of fine inns serving food including heritage coaching inns sit in the town centre, along with some beautiful wedding hotels, cosy B&Bs and on the outskirts self-catering country houses and cottages.

In the centre you’ll find a plentiful choice of welcoming tearooms, cafes and award-winning restaurants. Ashburton contains a selection of striking historic churches, one of which – the Chapel of St Lawrence – is a heritage centre today. Not to be missed is a tour of Ashburton Museum in the town centre, housed in a former brush factory. Joining items of local interest on display is an unusual collection of North American artefacts.

Nearby attractions include the Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies attraction at Buckfastleigh and Buckfast Abbey with its spectacular gardens, on-site restaurant, shops and conference centre. Take a ride on the South Devon Steam Railway from Buckfastleigh to Totnes along a seven mile route, or visit the River Dart Country Park only one mile from Ashburton with a variety of activities for all ages including play areas, zip wires and a rope course. The House of Marbles and Teign Valley Glass works is just to the north east at Bovey Tracey and just to the south on the edge of Buckfastleigh is Pennywell Farm, home to the world famous Pennywell Miniature Pigs.