USEFUL NUMBERS

Chagford Dental Practice: 01647 432224
Chagford Health Centre:  01647 433320
Doctors out of hours service: 0845 6710 270
Chemist:  01647 433486
Vets:  01647 432488

CHAGFORD LIST: https://www.chagfordlist.org/

BUS SERVICES – It is currently possible to get to the following places from Chagford – Bovey Tracey, Cheriton Bishop, Crockernwell, Drewsteignton, Dunsford, Easton Cross, Exeter(City Centre), Longdown, Lustleigh, Manaton, Merrivale, Moretonhampstead, Newton Abbot(Town Centre), North Bovey, Okehampton, Postbridge, Princetown, South Tawton, South Zeal, Sticklepath, Tavistock(Town Centre), Tedburn St Mary, Two Bridges, Whiddon Down, Whitestone, Widecombe.

However, some of these services run only during the summer months, once a week or even alternate weeks so the best advice is to use the following to plan a journey:
Carl Berrys web site – lists all the services to and from Chagford with detailed routes and contact details for the operators. Only the frequency of service is listed – there are no actual timetables.

The Traveline web site – Includes a journey planner that will return route details and times.

The regular routes are as follows:
173 – Chagford to Exeter via Drewsteignton, Crockernwell and Tedburn St Mary
178 – Chagford to Okehampton via Drewsteignton, Whiddon Down, South Zeal, South Tawton and Sticklepath
671 – Chagford to Newton Abbot via Moretonhampstead, North Bovey, Manaton and Bovey Tracey

Stagecoach   https://bustimes.org/services/173-moretonhampstead-sidwell-street-stop-40

https://bustimes.org/localities/chagford 

https://www.traveldevon.info/

Traveline phone 0871200 2233

For timetables, use the Traveline South West website. Search using location (Chagford) and / or enter one of the route numbers above to get the latest information.

Traveline: 0870 6082608
Dartline: 173 to Exeter: 01392 872900
Country Bus: 178 to Okehampton: 01626 833664
Carmel Coaches: 671 to Newton Abbot: 01409 221237

TRAINLINE:  https://www.thetrainline.com/   

CHAGFORD is a unique place: a magnet that attracts visitors from all over the world throughout the year. This gem of a town is small but perfect. Nestled into the hills on the north eastern side of Dartmoor it is easily accessed from the A30.

Although people have lived here for thousands of years, 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 only four in Devon. Here, miners brought their tin for weighing and valuing. The last tin mine in the area closed in 1904. The eight-sided Market House, a focal point in Chagford, is on the site of the old Stannary Court.

WANDER AROUND and you’ll see old thatched granite buildings, many dating back from the 16th century. St Michael’s Parish Church dates back to the 15th century, although originally dedicated in 1261. Inside the church is the tomb of Mary Whiddon who was shot there on her wedding day in 1641 by a jealous lover; this is thought to have been the inspiration for RD Blackmore’s book Lorna Doone. The roof has several fine carved bosses, the most famous of which is the ‘Tinners Rabbits’, a symbol featuring three rabbits – or hares, to be more precise – chasing each other in a circle, with each ear shared by two hares, so that only three ears are shown.

DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK is one of the few truly wild and natural areas left in Britain. Over 200 square miles of beautiful moorland peppered with historical sites, such as Grimspound dating from about 1500 BC, and dramatic tors, presenting challenging terrain for the adventurous. A myriad of footpaths through spectacular scenery can also be explored by those simply wanting an enjoyable ramble.

THE RIVER TEIGN runs through Chagford. Fingle Bridge, a local beauty spot, can be reached by an enchanting riverside walk where, if you’re lucky, you will see salmon leaping.

YOU CAN FISH for trout in a moorland stream, the River Teign, or enjoy the tranquillity of Fernworthy Reservoir, a vast stretch of water high on Dartmoor. Nature has a wonderful way of replenishing the spirit and relaxing the body and Chagford is at the heart of it all. Chagford is the perfect base for the horse rider, cyclist, photographer, walker, naturalist, historian, fisherman or golfer. There are tennis courts and a bowling green.

Chagford also boasts the largest fresh water, open air swimming pool in the south west. Opened in 1933, the pool has benefitted from a recent refurbishment. A superb sports field provides both football and county quality cricket pitches, set against the spectacular backdrop of Meldon Hill.

CASTLE DROGO, owned by the National Trust, and the last castle to be built in England, is nearby. Set high above the Teign Gorge where there is an abundance of wildlife; you can see wild deer and have buzzards circling overhead while you walk.

SHOPPING in Chagford mirrors the vitality of the town with all you will need in the way of food and everyday requirements. Plus an exciting mixture of unique independent shops all in easy walking distance around the market square making it an ideal place to come for something “special”. You can browse amongst shops selling clothes, art, crafts and gifts. Bowdens, the famous hardware store which has been running since 1862 is known as “the shop that has everything”.

EATING OUT. Whether you want a relaxing breakfast, a quick lunch or a special dinner, you can find them all within a few minutes of the Square. Home cooked, organic, and locally grown fare are available. Enjoy coffee and croissants in the open air and watch the world go by.

PUBS AND HOTELS. Chagford boasts superb pubs and hotels, each with its own particular character. They offer excellent food and accommodation and visitors are assured a warm welcome from staff and locals who can provide that extra special angle on the town’s history and its characters.

ARTS AND CRAFTS. There are several art and craft galleries around the town. Many artists and crafts people choose to live in the area and pride is taken in using local materials from sustainable sources. There is a strong, ecologically sensitive community within Chagford which is an important influence on the character of the town.