Bovey Tracey - Home

Bovey Tracey, also known as the Gateway to Dartmoor, is the ideal location for exploring Dartmoor with its wooded valleys and imposing granite tors, the most famous being Haytor. The town has an interesting history dating back to a Saxon settlement as early as the 5th Century.

The name Bovey is derived from the river which passes through the town. Tracey comes from the de Tracey family, who were a Norman family who settled in the area after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The most infamous member of the family was William de Tracey, who was one of the knights involved in the murder of Thomas a Becket in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. William is said to have rebuilt the town’s church of St.Peter, Paul and Thomas in penance for his part in the murder. However, some historians are less convinced about this tale! The present church has stone carvings showing scenes of the civil war. Cromwell's Arch, part of a former priory, can be found by the Baptist church.

Bovey Tracey is a friendly, charming little town with narrow streets, many shops, cafes and a farmer's market, held fortnightly. The restored Riverside Mill was built in 1850 as a stable and now is the home to the Devon Guild of Craftsmen providing a showcase for the arts and crafts produced by the guild members.

The town is renowned for its pottery and earthenware and to the south of the town you will find the House of Marbles, with probably the largest collection of marbles in the world; Teign Valley Glassworks where you can watch free demonstrations of glass-blowing; and Cardew Tea Pottery where you can see all the stages of the pottery being made: all these are worth a visit. Whatever your reason for coming to Bovey Tracey, a warm welcome will be given should you decide to join us.