Country
Ottery St Mary
Set in the beautiful Otter Valley, Ottery St Mary is one of the south west’s oldest towns with many historical buildings and traditions. St Mary’s Parish Church was built in 1337, and is a magnificent scaled-down version of Exeter Cathedral. The town is world-famous for its Tar Barrels event in November, where flaming tar barrels are carried through the streets. On the outskirts of the town, discover acres of historical gardens and fantasy woodland at Escot Park. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside ideal for a day’s walk. There are superb views from East Hill, which overlooks the Otter Valley. www.heartofdevon.com/otterystmary
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Tiverton
Occupying a strategic position on two rivers brought Tiverton wealth as a flourishing textile town. Follow the self-guided Merchant’s Trail around the town to find out more about Tiverton’s rich heritage, or visit the award-winning Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life. The town’s most famous building is Tiverton Castle, a royal fortress with a turbulent history, commissioned in 1106 by Henry I. Take a horse-drawn barge trip with the Tiverton Canal Co. on the Grand Western Canal, or visit one of the finest surviving Gothic Revival houses at nearby National Trust Knightshayes. www.heartofdevon.com/tiverton