Attractions and Places To See around Meavy - Top 20

Meavy is surrounded by diverse natural beauty. You can visit Foggintor Quarry Lake, a popular spot for swimming and climbing, or explore the picturesque Burrator Reservoir, which offers waterside walks and fishing. The River Meavy flows through the village, and the Plym Valley provides scenic exploration opportunities. Don't miss the striking crags of The Dewerstone or the panoramic views from tors like Sheeps Tor and Leather Tor.

Yes, Meavy and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the ancient St Peter's Church with Norman origins, or the historic Royal Oak Inn, dating back to the late 15th century. The village green features the ancient Meavy Oak, believed to be over 900 years old. Nearby, Buckland Abbey, a National Trust property, was once home to Sir Francis Drake. The area also boasts numerous ancient crosses and Bronze Age sites, particularly in the Upper Plym Valley, including the remarkable Down Tor Stone Row.

Meavy, nestled within Dartmoor National Park, offers extensive outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along sections of Drake's Trail, which includes the Plym Valley Trail, a traffic-free route through woodland. The area is also excellent for hiking and running, with routes around Burrator Reservoir and to various tors. For specific hiking routes, check out the hiking guide for Meavy, or for easier options, the easy hikes guide.

Absolutely. Families can enjoy cycling the Plym Valley Trail, which is noted as family-friendly. The Gem Bridge also offers a pleasant experience for all ages with its impressive views. For a fun day out, Dartmoor Zoo is a short drive away, and Cadover Bridge is ideal for a picnic and paddling in the River Plym.

Popular walking routes include the Burrator Reservoir Circular Walk, which offers scenic waterside paths. The Dewerstone Valley Circular Walk is particularly recommended in autumn for its vibrant colors. For more options, including easy and moderate trails, explore the easy hikes around Meavy guide or the general hiking guide.

Yes, the area features some interesting man-made structures. The Shaugh Tunnel and Grenofen Tunnel, both built by Brunel in the mid-1850s for the South Devon & Tavistock Railway, are now part of the Tavistock to Plymouth cycle route. The impressive Gem Bridge, towering over the River Walkham, is another notable structure that replaced an original Brunel viaduct.

While Meavy is beautiful year-round, autumn is particularly recommended for walks like the Dewerstone Valley Circular Walk, when the trees are painted red and offer stunning views. The Gem Bridge is also noted for being a wonderful experience to cycle over in autumn.

Yes, the Gem Bridge is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering a chance to enjoy the views over the River Walkham. The Plym Valley Trail, a traffic-free route, also offers sections that are generally accessible, though specific accessibility details for the entire 10-mile stretch should be verified.

The Royal Oak Inn, located by the village green and St Peter's Church, is a central and historic feature of Meavy. Dating back to the late 15th century, it was formerly a 'Church House' and is known for its traditional character, making it a great spot to visit after a walk.

The landscape around Meavy is dotted with granite tors offering spectacular views. Sheeps Tor dominates the eastern side of Burrator Reservoir, providing sensational 360-degree vistas. Leather Tor offers immense views of Burrator Reservoir and Dartmoor's south moor, while Sharpitor provides special views with minimal effort. The Dewerstone also offers expansive views from its crags.

Yes, the Dartmoor National Park, particularly the south plateau accessible from Meavy, is rich in archaeological finds. You'll find numerous ancient crosses that once marked monastic routes. The Upper Plym Valley, near Meavy, is especially notable for its approximately 300 Bronze Age and medieval sites, including the impressive Down Tor Stone Row.

Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic beauty and the variety of outdoor activities. The Plym Valley Trail is praised for its pretty stretch and views of industrial ruins and viaducts. The tunnels like Shaugh Tunnel and Grenofen Tunnel are considered fun additions to cycling routes. Foggintor Quarry Lake is loved for wild swimming and sunset views, and the Gem Bridge is appreciated for its wonderful views, especially in autumn.