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Historic Towns & Picturesque Villages

Durdle Door

West Lulworth

in the county of Dorset

A picture of Penmon

Penmon

in the county of Isle of Anglesey

Pictures of Lydford

in the county of 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.

Recommended towns & villages near Lydford

All Saints church, Okehampton, Devon

Okehampton (15 Pictures) in the county of Devon

(7.8 miles, 12.5 km, direction NE of Lydford)

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...

2nd Winter picture of Postbridge Clapper.

Postbridge (19 Pictures) in the county of Devon

(9.5 miles, 15.3 km, direction SE of Lydford)

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...

By the river!

Dartmeet (14 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon

(12.3 miles, 19.7 km, direction SE of Lydford)

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...

The Drew Arms

Drewsteignton (43 Pictures) a Picturesque Village in the county of Devon

(14.3 miles, 23.0 km, direction E of Lydford)

This attractive village is one of the most beautifully laid out of all Devon villages with pretty cottages set around a fine village square...

Village of Zeal Monachorum in Devon

Zeal Monachorum (4 Pictures) in the county of Devon

(17.2 miles, 27.6 km, direction NE of Lydford)

Set amid the rolling agricultural heartland of Devon, Zeal Monachorum is the very epitome of the perfect, tranquil Devonian village...

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Nearby attractions..

Bridge over the river at Lydford Gorge, Devon.

Lydford Gorge (49 Pictures)

(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.....

Lydford Castle, Lydford, Devon

Lydford Castle (1 Pictures)

(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.....

Merrivale rows also know has the Plague Market, - On Dartmoor

Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement (3 Pictures)

(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.....

The Barbican - Okehampton Castle

Okehampton Castle (19 Pictures)

(7.1 miles, 11.4 km, direction NE)

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Grey Wethers Stone Circle, near Okehampton, Devon

Grey Wethers Stone Circle (1 Pictures)

(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.....

Fernworthy Stone Circle, near Chagford, Devon

Fernworthy Stone Circle (1 Pictures)

(8.9 miles, 14.3 km, direction E)

Fernworthy Stone Circles are set against the majestic backdrop of some of Dartmoor's highest peaks, in a beautiful forest spot.....

Looking down the Okement, Dartmoor National Park, Devon

Dartmoor National Park (801 Pictures)

(9.9 miles, 15.9 km, direction SE)

An exploration of the hauntingly beautiful Dartmoor National Park cannot be under-taken in just one short visit. To truly explore.....


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