Ivybridge
If you’re looking for something a little more laid back and off the beaten track then the town of Ivybridge gives you a great alternative to the usual seaside holiday destinations. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and moorland, Ivybridge has a magnificent natural setting and a rich heritage of traditional South Devon industries such as milling and cloth making. The town’s name comes from the bridge over the fast flowing River Erme, which powered Ivybridge’s mills.
History
The first recorded reference to Ivybridge was in 1280 as a place to cross the River Erme, and by the 1700s the town was thriving as a coaching station on the Exeter to Plymouth road, with a hotel and other facilities for travellers. The bridge was widened to allow heavier traffic and then in 1819 a new bridge was built.
Things to do
The original Ivy Bridge – the medieval packhorse bridge – still stands and is well worth a visit. You can also follow in the footsteps of famous artists including Turner, who was inspired to immortalise the bridge on canvas. As a gateway to Dartmoor National Park, there are plenty of trails leading you out of Ivybridge and into the surrounding countryside. Once you’ve had enough of exploring, the town centre has some characterful pubs to relax in, and small independent retailers selling quality local produce and arts and crafts.
Food and drink
If supporting local businesses and sustainable farming is important to you, you’ll fit right in here. The Sportsman’s Inn offers pub grub in the authentic British style and its specials menu focuses on the more exotic. All the pubs in Ivybridge offer speciality ales from local producers and fresh local produce is promoted extensively both in the restaurants and retail outlets.
Something a little different
For the truly intrepid, Ivybridge is the starting point of the Two Moors Way - a long distance walking route to Lynmouth on the North Coast of Exmoor. The route goes across Dartmoor and Exmoor linking the two National Parks, and much of the 102-mile route is way marked with information boards on places of interest along the way – ideal if you’re looking for a week’s walking holiday.
What's Nearby
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Mothecombe Beach
Wide sand and rocky beaches on either side of the estuary of the river Erme. Privately owned but...
5.59 miles away -
Challaborough Beach
A sheltered cove with a fine sandy beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Great for...
7.22 miles away -
Bigbury on Sea Beach
A stunning sandy beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) joined by causeway to Burgh...
7.58 miles away
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Burgh Island
Burgh Island is an iconic landmark on the South Devon coast and it is separated from the mainland...
7.8 miles away -
Pennywell Farm
Hands on activities, shows and displays. The biggest farm activity park in the South West. Fun for...
7.92 miles away -
Bantham Beach
A beautiful large sandy beach ideal for watersports, especially surfing. Swimming is safe if you...
8 miles away -
South Milton Sands
Thurlestone/South Milton Sands is owned by the National Trust and is within an Area of Outstanding...
8.73 miles away -
Wembury Beach
Owned by the National Trust with its own Marine Conservation Centre and guided rock pool rambles,...
8.77 miles away -
Venford
Venford is one of the smaller reservoirs of Dartmoor, but also one of the prettiest. It has the...
8.79 miles away -
Thurlestone Beach
Are the usual summer crowds driving you crazy when all you want to do is chill out and relax? If...
8.94 miles away -
South Devon Railway
The South Devon Railway is a seven mile steam railway running between Buckfastleigh and Totnes...
9.11 miles away -
Buckfast Abbey
Large Benedictine monastery rebuilt on medieval foundations. Many art treasures in the Abbey church...
9.42 miles away








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