Tavistock, United Kingdom

Tavistock, United Kingdom

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Tavistock United Kingdom

Tavistock is an ancient stannary and market town within West Devon, England. It is situated on the River Tavy from which its name derives. At the 2011 census the three electoral wards (North, South and South West) had a population of 13,028. It traces its recorded history back to at least 961 when Tavistock Abbey, whose ruins lie in the centre of the town, was founded. Its most famous son is Sir Francis Drake. The biggest event in the town's calendar is the annual Tavistock Goose Fair (known locally as "Goosey Fair") which has existed since 1116. It occurs on the second Wednesday of October, and takes over much of the town for several days either side, drawing crowds which far outnumber the resident population. Traditionally, the Fair was an opportunity to buy a Christmas goose, with plenty of time to fatten the bird before Christmas; nowadays, along with a multitude of gypsy street vendors selling a vast range of wares, there are all the rides and games associated with funfairs, such as fortune tellers. There is an annual two-day garden festival held on the Spring Bank Holiday weekend and a carnival with a two-day Balloon Fiesta each August bank holiday weekend. In May there is an annual "Tavistock Music & Arts Festival" In 2010, the town was chosen to be a stage depart town in the Tour of Britain cycle race. On the first Sunday in October, the annual Abbots Way Walk finishes in Tavistock. Started in 1962, this challenge walk starts at Buckfast Abbey and participants walk 24 miles (39 km) across Southern Dartmoor to finish at Tavistock. It is now organised by Tavistock & District Outdoor Education Forum. In 2020 this event will be on Sunday 4 October and will be the 58th year the event has been organized.
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Recommended airport
Plymouth (PLH)
Nearby destinations
  • Devon a 29.50 km
  • Plymouth a 19.85 km
  • Torquay a 44.41 km