In and Around Lustleigh
As you would imagine, Lustleigh has many beautiful thatched cottages with flower filled gardens and a fine old Church. It is also one of the few villages on Dartmoor that still benefits from having a village shop, an outstanding pub, a quaint tea room as well as a weekly visit from a mobile fish & chip shop.
In addition to the wide and varied walks straight from the holiday cottage – thanks to the famous Lustleigh Cleave – a gentle stroll around the village gives plenty of interest although you may need to allow a little more time as the welcoming “locals” are likely to entertain you with friendly chit chat – it’s just how life should be.
Things to see and do whilst staying in Lustleigh
Lustleigh’s Inn – The Cleave
Just 100 yards from our holiday cottage, the village pub dates back to the 15th century and offers a warm welcome, fine ales and fantastic food. The Cleave is very popular with an excellent reputation so if you want to enjoy a delicious meal it’s advisable to book.
The Cleave is also the village hub and hosts a regular pub quiz which provides great entertainment – all are welcome.
The Church of St John the Baptist
The church is well worth visiting. It was built in the 12th century on a Celtic site and inside you will find a raised Celtic stone and beautiful rood screen. In the wall of the south transept there is an effigy of Sir William le Prous who died in 1316. In his Will, he had asked to be buried at Lustleigh, however he was originally buried at Holbeton. It was 13 years later when the Bishop of Exeter gave permission for Sir William to be reinterred.
The Old Vestry
Within the church grounds, lies The Old Vestry. Originally the village school founded by Rev. William Davy. Today it is used for Parish Council meetings and, more interestingly, by the Lustleigh Society to house the Community Archives – It’s easy to while away an hour or two finding out about the history of Lustleigh and looking at old photographs.
Lustleigh Orchard
A perfect playground for children of all ages is just a few minutes’ walk from the holiday cottage’s front door. There is a safe enclosed play park for younger children and at the far end is a little wooden bridge which will take you into an enchanted woodlands great for exploring, den building and searching for the elusive Dartmoor pixies.
The Orchard also plays host to the annual May Day fair where the May Queen is crowned amongst May Pole dancing and Morris dancing. The May Queen’s rock and the May Queen’s throne gives the Orchard a magical feel and sparks the imagination. In the autumn the villagers come together to harvest the orchard to make cider, the proceeds from which help pay for the Orchard’s upkeep.
Wreyland
Probably one of Dartmoor’s best kept secrets – take a left turn immediately outside of the front door and follow the footpath under the old railway bridge and past the cricket field. Wreyland is a hidden gem of amazing thatched properties dating back many centuries. The thatched cottage, known as Wreyland Manor was built in the 14th Century and was where early manorial courts were held. Cecil Torr’s family owned properties here, including Yonder Wreyland where “Small Talk at Wreyland” was written.
Parson’s Brown Loaf
A short walk from the holiday home up Mapstone Hill will take you to a large panstone called the Parson’s Brown Loaf. Panstones have naturally formed basins which collect water. There are several on Dartmoor, and it is thought they were used by Druids, possibly as a receptacle for blood sacrifice.
The Tudor Cross
On the village green, standing in front of the holiday cottage, is a tall granite cross. It is made of stone with a Maltese Cross head and a chamfered shaft on a double octagonal base. The lower base provides a lovely resting spot to absorb the picturesque surroundings.
This fine Dartmoor cross was erected as a memorial to Henry Tudor – the Reverend of Lustleigh not King Henry VII. He was reverend of Lustleigh from 1888 to 1904 and died in 1907.
The Bishop’s Stone
On the outskirts of Lustleigh near the railway, you will find a large granite stone about 4 feet high and 3 feet round built into a roadside wall. The top 8 inches of the stone has been cut into an octagonal shape, the section immediately below is square with the bottom part remaining rough suggesting the stone is unfinished. However a coat of arms has been carved into its front face.
Although there are a number of theories about the stone, no-one really knows it’s purpose. Some believe it was a mustering point whilst others think it was going to be the base of a cross. The coat of arms lead to other thoughts. There is a story that in the early 14th century the Bishop of Exeter dined upon the stone whilst visiting Lustleigh – hence it’s name.
Lustleigh Cleave
A lovely area of 133 hectares, lies just North West of the village, and has been designated a Special Area of Conservation. It is well worth the effort of walking up onto the Cleave (which means “cliff”) and along to Hunter’s Tor, from where one can gaze over to Manaton and further to the spectacular views of the moor beyond. Alternatively the woodlands and River Bovey below provide enchanting riverside walks.
Kelly Mine
An original Devon iron ore mine dating back to the 18th Century being restored by volunteers, is just outside the village. A visit to the mine is both fascinating and educational showing the machinery, working methods and conditions as it was in its heyday. The mine is open to visitors most Wednesdays and Sundays and it’s free to enter.
There is plenty on offer close by, whether you are looking to do some walking, touring, climbing, horse-riding or bird watching. Later sections detail some Dartmoor must see’s, nearby towns and villages and some great local Dartmoor walks.
Now explore the Dartmoor Must See’s and our Top 10 things to do whilst staying at our Dartmoor Holiday Cottage
