Intro to Plym Bridge

Plym Bridge is on the north side of Plymouth and is an area of woodland and river which is really popular with the public. There is so much to do and enjoy at this National Trust Property.

Between March and July we run the Plym Peregrine project - this aims to protect the breeding peregrine falcons and also show them to thousands of people. For further details visit our special web site.

In addition route 27 of the National Cycle Network runs through the property. You can park in our car park to begin your cycle which can take you right up into the heart of Dartmoor. For more details of the cycle route press here - you can also download a special cycle map here.

The area is also full of lots of industrial archaeology which gives you an insight into the history of the place.

There are lots of projects and events you can get involved with - contact us if you want more details - telephone 01752341377 0r email us here.

Intro to the Parke Estate

Parke is located on the edge of Bovey Tracey. There are lots of great walks including some through the parkland and some alongside the river Bovey. We have a free walks leaflet you can pick up the National Trust office (follow the signs from the main car park).

You can download a walk at Parke - here.

Parke is also home to the Dartmoor National Park Authority to occupy the Georgian House.

There are a number of really exciting projects currently running at Parke including the creation of a community garden in the historic Walled Garden. This is a project we are running in partnership with Bovey Climate Action.

We have also recently planted a new orchard and we are always looking for volunteers to help with tending the trees and harvesting the apples.

If you want to get involved with either of these great projects contact us on 01626 834748, email us or send us a 'comment' at the bottom of this page.

NT Dartmoor holiday cottages

The Trust has three great holiday cottages on Dartmoor which you can rent. They are all in great locations and give good access to the moor and other parts of Devon. Click on the cottage name to get more details.

Warcleave Cottage - on the banks of the River Teign near Chagford - very secluded cottage in a fabulous wooded setting.

The Lodge at Parke - a 2 person holiday cottage in the grounds of Parke in Bovey Tracey - great views of the Parkland and very close to the high moor at Haytor.

Trinity Cottage in Drewsteignton - a 2 person cottage in the village, adjacent to a great pub and very close to Castle Drogo and handy for the rest of north Dartmoor.

The Trust in Devon and Cornwall have over 125 holidays available in great locations - visit the National Trust holiday cottage web site for full details and special offers.

Intro to The Widecombe Shop

Widecombe in the Moor is the quintessential Dartmoor village - it is a must visit place! The National Trust has a great shop right in the heart of the village. It is located in a lovely historic building - Sexton's Cottage and is adjacent to the Church House - another Grade 2* listed building which you can visit when not in use by the village (it is also used as the Village Hall and is often used for markets, pre-schools groups and talks etc).

The Widecombe shop stocks a variety of products including many Devon items such as honey and fudge and a large selection of local books.

You can get more details of the shop and the Church House here.

Intro to Finch Foundry

Finch Foundry is the last working water powered forge in England, located in the picturesque village of Sticklepath on the edge of Dartmoor close to Okehampton and the A30. There are three large working water wheels, huge tilt hammers and grindstone. Visit this unique survival of old England and experience a Victorian working environment, where you will be able to see the machinery in action at one of the regular demonstrations.

One of our visitors took this video - it gives you a flavour of the place.

In addition to the water wheels and machinery there is a display of the tools formerly made in the foundry. There is also a shop and a tearoom. Throughout the year we run a variety of events. There are lots of opportunities for volunteering if you would like to get involved.

School Visits: Are you interested in trying a different way of covering Victorian history for KS1 and 2? At Finch Foundry, we can help children experience what life was like for a working class family in the late 1800's by taking part in our 'Apprentice Day'. The children will be in costume and will learn what Finch Foundry was used for and how it was powered, about rates of pay and hours of work and will untertake some 'apprentice' tasks in the foundry workshop under the watchful eyes of the foundry owners 'Mr & Mrs Finch'. If you would like to know more, please contact Finch Foundry.

For full details of location and opening times visit the National Trust web site here.

Intorduction to Lydford Gorge

Lydford Gorge is a fantastic National Trust Property between Okehampton and Tavistock on the edge of Dartmoor. There is a wonderful riverside walk which you will never forget. It is one of Dartmoor's wonders.

Click on the link here to watch a video of Lydford Gorge taken by one of our visitors in 2007.

In addition to the walks there is a shop and two tearoom. We also organise a number of special events throughout the year.

Walking in the gorge is strenuous. It is extremely rugged, with uneven surfaces, slippery paths and vertical drops. Walking boots are essential. It is vital that children are supervised at all times. Unsuitable for visitors with heart complaints or walking difficulties and very young children.

Check out the NT website for ticket prices and opening times