Local area
Furzeleigh Mill is situated close to the ancient Stannary towns of Ashburton and Buckfastleigh and the medieval town of Totnes, midway between the city of Exeter with its magnificent Cathedral and the modern city of Plymouth with the Hoe and its historic maritime associations. There is a brand new Electric Car Charging Point just 1 minute away from us.
Furzeleigh Mill is within the Dartmoor National Park with unrivalled scenery, a paradise for those who wish to ride, walk, fish or admire the many picturesque beauty spots ... Dartmeet, Widecombe in the Moor, Becky Falls, Fingle Bridge, Hexworthy, Haytor Rocks, Lustleigh Cleave, Postbridge and many others.
Easy walking distance to the popular Buckfast Abbey, a living Benedictine Monastery on the banks of the river dart, with a magnificent Abbey Church with tranquil gardens and three unusual shops with produce from Buckfast and other European Abbeys, famous for honey and Buckfast tonic wine, open daily, free admission, also the Butterfly & Otter Sanctuary and South Devon Railway, which runs from Buckfastleigh to Totnes with links to River Trips from to Dartmouth, is only a 15 minute walk or 2 minute drive from us. We are also just a 6 minute drive from Penny Well Farm.
It's All on our Door Step
Furzeleigh Mill is on the Dartmoor Way Cycling Route and Bike Hire can be arranged for you.
Sitting in the Dart Valley, Furzeleigh Mill offers a great location to enjoy the Dart River and all its activities, canoeing, kayaking and fishing.
A brief walk from the hotel takes you to beautiful walks and just slightly further afield you find the High Moor with its incredible walks and vistas, not to mention the Dartmoor Ponies roaming freely.
Other places of interest for which Furzeleigh is perfectly placed include the South Hams, an area of immense natural beauty with its dramatic coastline, whitewashed cottages, lovely sandy coves and beaches, together with historic towns such as Kingsbridge, Modbury and Totnes with its medieval pagentry, Rare Breeds Farm the yachting havens of Salcombe and Dartmouth and the fishing harbour of Brixham. All this and an abundance of wildlife provide endless inspiration for artists and daydreamers.
Things to do in Dartmoor
There are so many things to do in Dartmoor. From all-day hiking adventures, outdoor activities, and family excursions. We have listed some places to look at if you are eager to get out there and experience all the things to do in Dartmoor during your stay with us at Furzeleigh Mill.
Experience the Walking Trails of Dartmoor National Park. Dartmoor National Park is filled with rugged moors and rocky tors, making it a perfect destination for a wild walking excursion in the scenic south of England.
Local Links
www.rambleco.co.uk/dartmoor
www.10adventures.com/hikes/dartmoor-national-park
www.dartmoorway.co.uk
www.bigpeaks.com
www.traveldevon.info/cycle/cycle-routes/cycle-trails
www.southdevonrailway.co.uk
www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk
www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/moor-otters
www.dartrock.co.uk
www.canoeadventures.co.uk
Buckfastleigh Town
The historic mill town of Buckfastleigh and the neighbouring abbey village of Buckfast, can be found nestling on the southern edge of eastern Dartmoor in Devon just off the A38, midway between the cities of Exeter and Plymouth.
The name "Buckfast" means "stronghold" – traditionally a place where deer and buck were held, and "Leigh" would have been the pasture belonging to Buckfast – hence the meaning deer held in a pasture (buck-fast-leigh). Buckfast probably existed before Buckfastleigh as it is mentioned in the Domesday Book and in 1018 a Benedictine Abbey was founded and endorsed by King Canute at Buckfast.
The historic mill town of Buckfastleigh and the neighbouring abbey village of Buckfast can be found nestling on the southern edge of eastern Dartmoor in Devon just off the A38, midway between the cities of Exeter and Plymouth.
The name “Buckfast” means “stronghold” – traditionally a place where deer and buck were held, and “Leigh” would have been the pasture belonging to Buckfast – hence the meaning: deer held in a pasture (buck-fast-leigh). Buckfast probably existed before Buckfastleigh as it is mentioned in the Domesday Book and in 1018 a Benedictine Abbey was founded and endorsed by King Canute at Buckfast.
More on Buckfastleigh
Historically Buckfastleigh has grown as a mill town known for its woollen mills, corn, and paper mills and a tannery supported by the rivers Dart, Mardle and the Dean Burn – water being an essential natural resource used in the manufacturing of wool and other products. Buckfastleigh is undoubtedly medieval in origin which is still evident in the original layout of the town. By the seventeenth century however, most of the properties had been rebuilt, but the medieval layout particularly in Fore Street is still visible today. Buckfastleigh town centre is now an area of mostly late eighteenth to early twentieth century buildings with an interesting collection of private dwellings, commercial and retail properties and public houses which retain many, if not all, of their original features, styles and character. The town centre during the first half of the twentieth century was a lively almost self-sufficient community with locally based employment and a large building programme of local authority housing initiated by Buckfastleigh Urban and District Council which commenced in the 1920′s and extended the town to the South West and the North West.
The most prominent benefactors of the town were the Hamlyn family who were the original owners of the woollen mills up until 1920 and, together with other philanthropists in the town, erected new cottages. In 1887 they were instrumental in the building of a new Town Hall and community building to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Land was also made available at this time for further public facilities which included Victoria Park, the tennis courts and the swimming pool.
The new primary school was built in 1875 and the railway line from Buckfastleigh and Ashburton to Totnes was opened in 1872. Today the town still retains much of its character and charm despite periods of hardship, and the popularity of a variety of local attractions and events has ensured that the communities of Buckfastleigh and Buckfast stay firmly on the map and attract visitors from far and wide.
