Tavistock > Reviews (2)

If you are visiting South Devon, I would strongly advise a visit to Tavistock. Lying on the edge of Dartmoor, and an easy at picturesqe drive over the moors (approx. 15 miles), this ancient market town is great for shopping, or just taking in some of it´s fascinating history. Boardering the River Tavy, once home of the famous Sir Francis Drake, it is filled with ancient architecture and an easy to follow main street which houses shops selling a fascinating variety of goods.

Perhap´s Tavistock´s most famous shopping area is the Pannier Market – a definate must if you are visiting. The bustling covered market sells a host of wares from home made jams and cakes to fresh fish, cheeses, local crafts and clothing. It even has it´s own café if you find it to tiring! The main street houses a lot of modern shops, but also many family run, traditional shops. My favorite is Crebers – once you step through the door you feel like you are stepping back to victorian times, and values. On the rug just inside the door you may see a local labrador patiently waiting for his owner to finish their shopping, and the smell of freshly ground coffee which is sold in a bewildering range of flavours, pervades the whole shop. I think of Creber´s as a “mini Harrods”, selling as it does high class delicatessen items, unusual canned and bottled goods, SUPERB clotted cream and local pies and pasties as well as a great range of off licence items and sweet treats. The staff too, seem to have been on a Victorian training course. They are polite, helpful and nothing is too much trouble.

If you are luck enough to visit during the “Goosey” fair (usually 2nd Wednesday in October for three days), you will enjoy the extra attractions such as a local fair – and although people no longer buy their geese there for fattening for Christmas, most of the pubs offer an excellent goose dinner, or, if you are on a budget, try a goose roll.

Once you have finished your shopping, pervail yourself of one of the many traditional tea houses and treat yourself to a cream tea – with real clotted cream, and watch the world go by! It is no wonder that Tavistock has been voted the Best Market Town and Best Food town – I could never resist buying some delicious morsel (or three) whilst I was there.