Discover Postbridge – Heart of Dartmoor’s Wild Beauty

Tucked away on the eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park, Lustleigh is often called one of the most beautiful villages in England. With its thatched cottages, colourful gardens, and timeless tranquillity, Lustleigh offers visitors a true taste of rural Devon charm.

A Village Steeped in History

Lustleigh’s roots stretch back to Saxon times, and evidence of its long history can be seen in the Lustleigh Cleave and the ancient Lustleigh May Day Stone, inscribed with the names of May Queens dating back to 1905. Wandering through the village reveals granite cottages, medieval lanes, and the striking Church of St John the Baptist, which stands at the heart of the community.

People dance joyfully around a maypole with colourful ribbons on a sunny day. A crowd watches, surrounded by lush greenery and clear skies.

The Famous Lustleigh May Day Festival

Every spring, Lustleigh bursts into colour for its May Day Festival, one of Devon’s best-loved village traditions. The celebration features maypole dancing, live music, and the crowning of the May Queen in the orchard. This lively event attracts visitors from across the region, offering an authentic glimpse of Dartmoor’s community spirit.

Food, Drink and Local Delights

Lustleigh’s tea rooms and traditional pub, the Cleaves, serve hearty local dishes and fresh Devon cream teas. The village orchard is the perfect place to relax after a walk, especially in apple blossom season.

Plan Your Visit to Lustleigh

Easily reached from Bovey Tracey or Moretonhampstead, Lustleigh is an ideal day trip or peaceful holiday base for those exploring East Dartmoor. Whether you come for the history, the walking trails, or the seasonal festivities, Lustleigh captures the very essence of Devon’s countryside charm.

Lustleigh Cleave and Riverside Walks

The surrounding countryside offers some of Dartmoor’s most scenic walking routes. The Lustleigh Cleave, a steep wooded valley carved by the River Bovey, is a haven for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. Trails lead past moss-covered boulders, hidden waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints that overlook Dartmoor’s rolling hills.

Ancient woodland with large, moss-covered trees casting shadows over a winding stone wall. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a serene, mystical atmosphere.

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