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Pictures of Lydford

in the county of Devon

Bridge over the river at Lydford Gorge, Devon.

About Lydford

This delightful town lies on the fringes of Dartmoor. It was fortified by the Anglo-Saxons against the Danes, and it was one of four places in the county of Devon to mint coins. Lydford in the Middle-Ages was perhaps best known as the headquarters of the tin-miners who virtually ruled Dartmoor.

One of the town's most fascinating features is the strong fragment of a castle of the late 12th century. The castle was built on the orders of King John and given to William Bruere, later it passed to King Henry III who gave it to his brother Richard, Earl of Cornwall in 1337. The fortunes of the castle fluctuated and in 1512 it was described as "one of the most heinous and detestable buildings in the realm" at this time it was being used as a prison. Amongst it inmates was Richard Strode MP, thrown in by the tinners through the introduction of a bill not to their liking. The ruin is now in the care of English Heritage and is open to public view.

The stunning countryside surrounding Lydford is mostly lovely pastoral countryside which hides a wealth of historic farms and cottages. Its leafy lanes offer peaceful walks, but the main attraction continues to be magnificent Lydford Gorge and the relic of Lydford Castle. The church though is worth more than a second glance, this has a wonderful screen from 1904, carved bench-ends and a graveyard covered with graves and tombs of centuries.

Lydford makes a pleasant place to stay whilst exploring the wonderful landscape of the Dartmoor National Park.

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History of Lydford

Recommended towns & villages near Lydford

	Okehampton (7.8 miles, 12.5 km, direction NE) There has been a settlement at Okehampton since the Bronze-Age, later it became a prosperous Saxon town with the Saxon Lords being overthrown at the time of the Conquest... Information \| Pictures (13) \| Hotels \| Holiday Cottages
	Postbridge (9.5 miles, 15.3 km, direction SE) Postbridge is a tiny hamlet, yet this richly wooded area, at the heart of the moor has become a natural starting point for the thousands of visitors who annually come to explore the splendour and wonders of the moor... Information \| Pictures (14) \| Hotels \| Holiday Cottages
	Dartmeet (12.3 miles, 19.7 km, direction SE) A popular tourist and beauty spot on Dartmoor. It is the meeting point of the two major tributaries of the River Dart: the East Dart and West Dart. Dartmeet to Chagford: Information \| Pictures (14) \| Hotels \| Holiday Cottages
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Recommended attractions near Lydford

	Lydford Gorge (0.2 miles, 0.4 km) A picturesque stone bridge crosses the River Lyd just south of the village of Lydford. At this point the river often falls fast..... Information \| Pictures (31) \| Hotels
	Lydford Castle (0.4 miles, 0.7 km) A simple square keep is all that remains of Lydford Castle. The castle, standing on a small mound in the shadow of the church..... Information \| Pictures (1) \| Hotels
	Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement (7.0 miles, 11.3 km, direction SE) Set in a dark, brooding corner of Dartmoor, the Merrivale Rows show a vast variety of shape and formation. The site is also..... Information \| Pictures (3) \| Hotels
	Okehampton Castle (7.1 miles, 11.4 km, direction NE) .. Information \| Pictures (12) \| Hotels
	Grey Wethers Stone Circle (7.9 miles, 12.7 km, direction E) This unique double ringed circle is less dramatic than most and is interesting for the fact that the circles lie side by side..... Information \| Pictures (1) \| Hotels

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Hotels & Accommodation in Lydford

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Lydford Hotels Lydford Cottages Lydford Bed & Breakfast

	Lydford Country House Okehampton, Devon, England (0.4 miles, 0.6 km) Set amongst 8 acres of grounds within Dartmoor National Park, the 4-star Lydford Country House features a candlelit restaurant and leafy terrace. Lydford Gorge is a 15-minute walk away.... More info and book online.. Price from £70.00
	Fox & Hounds Hotel Lydford, Devon, England (1.3 miles, 2.1 km, direction NE) Situated on the edge of North Dartmoor between Tavistock and Okehampton, this family-run hotel with à la carte restaurant is open all year round.... More info and book online.. Price from £40.00
	Holdstrong Farmhouse Lydford, Devon, England (1.7 miles, 2.8 km, direction W) On the doorstep of the Dartmoor National Park, 17th-century Holdstrong Farmhouse is set in 16 acres of farmland, surrounded by woodland. Its food is local or home-grown and early morning tea is brough... More info and book online.. Price from £78.00
	Bearslake Inn Okehampton, Devon, England (2.5 miles, 4.0 km, direction NE) Set in a charming Devon longhouse dating back to the 13th century, this inn is located between Dartmoor’s Okehampton and Tavistock in the hamlet of Lake. It offers cosy accommodation and traditional... More info and book online.. Price from £68.00
	Collaven Manor Hotel Okehampton, Devon, England (3.1 miles, 5.0 km, direction NE) Well linked to the M5, this 15th-century manor house stands in 4 acres of gardens, with glorious countryside views and a rich history. Collaven Manor is in the North West of Dartmoor.... More info and book online.. Price from £75.00

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Nearby travel help

Gunnislake Station	(10.4 miles, 16.7 km, direction SW)
Calstock Station	(11.1 miles, 17.9 km, direction SW)
Plymouth City Airport	(15.4 miles, 24.8 km, direction S)
M5 Junction 31	(26.1 miles, 42.0 km, direction E)
M5 Junction 30	(28.6 miles, 46.0 km, direction E)
Exeter Airport	(30.7 miles, 49.4 km, direction E)
Lydford to London	(183.2 miles, 294.8 km, direction E)