Chagford

Chagford, the nearest town to Gidleigh Park, is an historic stannary town located above the River Teign on the edge of Dartmoor.

Chagford is a unique place: a magnet that attracts visitors from all over the world throughout the year.  Man has lived here for thousands of years and Chagford was probably established in Saxon times.  The name means "The ford where the gorse grows".

In 1305, Chagford became a Stannary town, one of four in Devon.  Here, miners brought their tin for weighing and valuing.  The last tin mine in the area was closed in 1903. Though tin mining has now ceased, it remains a popular and thriving market town for the surrounding outlying communities, and serves as something of a gateway to the National Park for visitors and tourists.

Chagford has a comprehensive range of shops and facilities, including two noteworthy emporia that stand side by side: James Bowden & Son and Webber & Sons are both family-run shops in existence for more than a century, known locally as ‘the shops that have everything’. Bowdens also houses a small museum.  Chagford also boasts a number of pubs, restaurants and tea rooms, all within a few minutes of the Square.

Chagford is a good centre for walking, fishing and other outdoor pursuits. There is an annual Arts Festival in July.