Best attractions and places to see around Bradstone, a village in Devon, England, offer insights into its historical and natural landscape. The area features a distinctive 16th-century gatehouse and a 12th-century church, both Grade I listed buildings. Bradstone is also known for a prehistoric standing stone, believed to be the origin of its name. These Bradstone village attractions provide a glimpse into the region's past and natural features.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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Wheal Anna Maria – a copper and arsenic mine – covered 3.2 hectares and had over 6,850 cubic metres of arsenic flues! It was named after the Duchess of Bedford! Her main workings were on the ‘Main Lode‘ (the largest sulphide deposit in southwest England). When its rich copper waned, Devon Great Consols became the largest arsenic mine in the world because the margins of the copper-rich lode were dominated by arsenopyrite. In 1860 the copper lode at Anna Maria was up to 45 feet wide and yielding up to 80 tons per fathom, but by around 1880 the copper boom was over. Thankfully, arsenic production sustained the mine into the 1900s, until the company folded. Arsenic ore, unlike copper ore, was refined on site using the ‘calcination’ process – and at Wheal Anna Maria they yielded over 72,000 tons of refined arsenic! – Whoop!
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A fantastic view point which can be admired from the bike or you can take a short detour onto a trail to visit more closely.
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Proper stop on loops out to Brent Tor or Lydford. The nobbly top of this tor is visible across south Dartmoor, and the church on top is open from Easter Sunday for services.
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Kit Hill sits high above the Tamar Valley, overlooking the river and the valley it formed. The hill boasts a wide array of history, including 18 burial mounds, neolithic and bronze-age barrows, as well as pointers towards Cornwall's more contemporary mining history.
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Maintained as part ofvthe Viaduct Path. Good views out over Tavistock. You can see the Tors of Dartmoor from here, on a clearer day!
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Wheal Anna Maria was originally a copper and later an arsenic mine. The biggest arsenic mine in the world. The ruins you can see are from the arsenic calcining complex where the arsenic-ore was crushed then roasted (calcinated). The white powder of arsenic would coat the walls of the flues and be scraped off by men and children. They were protected from the extremely toxic poison only by cotton wool in their ears and noses and rags covering their mouths! They even had to scrape the white powder off their boots before going home.
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The Tamar River marks the boundary between Devon & Cornwall and this medieval bridge spanning the two counties was reportedly built by Benedictine Monks from local stone. Horsebridge is the middle of three ancient river crossings, Gunnislake and Greystone comprising the other two.
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Bradstone village itself offers a rich history. You can visit the Bradstone Manor Farm and Gatehouse, featuring a Grade II listed manor house and a distinctive 16th-century gatehouse. The Church of St Nonna, a Grade I listed building with parts dating back to the 12th century, is also a significant site. Additionally, look out for the 'Broad Stone', a large prehistoric standing stone believed to be the origin of the village's name.
For breathtaking views, head to Kit Hill Trig Point, which offers expansive vistas over the Tamar Valley. Another excellent viewpoint is St Michael's Church, Brent Tor, perched on a summit with views across south Dartmoor. The Tavistock Viaduct also provides good views over the town and western Dartmoor.
Yes, the Wheal Anna Maria Calciner Complex is a notable industrial heritage site. This former copper and arsenic mine features the ruins of an arsenic calcining complex, which was once part of the largest arsenic mine globally. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Cornwall's mining history.
The area around Bradstone is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous cycling routes, including challenging road cycling tours and more leisurely touring bicycle paths. There are also several running trails available. For more details on routes, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Bradstone, Running Trails around Bradstone, and Cycling around Bradstone guides.
While specific 'family-friendly' highlights are not explicitly listed, many of the natural and historical sites can be enjoyed by families. The Tavistock Viaduct, now converted into a foot and cycle way, is suitable for family walks or bike rides. Exploring the historical village of Bradstone and its landmarks like the Church of St Nonna can also be an educational outing for older children.
The best time to visit Bradstone and its surrounding attractions is generally during the spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) months. The weather is typically milder and drier, making it ideal for exploring historical sites, enjoying scenic viewpoints, and engaging in outdoor activities like cycling and running. Autumn (September-October) can also be pleasant with beautiful foliage.
Many of the outdoor areas and trails around Bradstone are suitable for dog walking. While specific rules may vary by location, public footpaths and bridleways are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially near livestock. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions.
Beyond the village itself, the area boasts unique historical features such as the 15th-century Horsebridge over the River Tamar, which marks the border between Devon and Cornwall. This well-preserved medieval bridge was built in 1437. Additionally, Kit Hill Trig Point features 18 burial mounds, including Neolithic and Bronze Age barrows, offering a glimpse into ancient history.
Absolutely! Bradstone is a great base for cycling. You can find a variety of routes, from moderate to difficult, covering different distances. For detailed options, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Bradstone and Cycling around Bradstone guides, which include routes like the 'River Tamar loop via St Michael's Church and Tavistock'.
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical depth and the stunning panoramic views. The sense of history at sites like the Wheal Anna Maria Calciner Complex and the ancient Horsebridge is highly valued. The impressive vistas from Kit Hill Trig Point and the unique setting of St Michael's Church, Brent Tor, are also frequently praised.
Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity of Bradstone. These routes vary in length and difficulty, offering options for different fitness levels. You can find more information and specific routes in the Running Trails around Bradstone guide, including loops starting from Lifton, Kelly, and Bradstone itself.


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