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

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