Buckfastleigh

A small market town on the old route between Exeter and Plymouth, Buckfastleigh was a centre for the wool trade for most of its history. The mid 19th century was the town's most prosperous period, when there were seven mills active, supplemented by some coaching inns for travellers to and from Plymouth. The modern townscape is an attractive mix of Georgian to early 20th Century.

At Buckfast, about a mile to the north, is Buckfast Abbey. Founded in the 11th century by King Canute, the Abbey has a fascinating history and is now an active Benedictine Monastery - the only monastery in the UK open to the public.

From the station you can catch the South Devon Railway heritage train along the Dart Valley to Totnes or the Buckfast Heritage Bus to the Abbey and the town. Next to the station is Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otters for wildlife enthusiasts. For the ultimate hands-on animal farm you can't do much better than the award winning Pennywell Farm Centre about a mile east of the A38 at Buckfastleigh.

Back in the town itself try the Valiant Soldier pub in Fore Street - which hasn't sold a pint since 1965 when it closed, and was left forgotten for 30 years. A perfect time-capsule experience. The Tourist Information Centre can also be found here.

Buckfastleigh has local shopping for your everyday needs, and there's also a Farmers' Market every Thursday in the Town Hall.