Iconic Dartmoor Village known for its annual fair
Widecombe in the Moor is a small village set within a large parish in Southern Dartmoor and best known for its annual fair celebrated in the well known song about "Old Uncle Tom Cobley and All". It was also one of the filming locations for the 2010 Spielberg movie "War Horse".
History
Widecombe has a rich history embodied in its ancient rural buildings, longhouses and farmsteads some of which have been inhabited for over 1000 years. The name is a derivation of the Anglo-Saxon "withy" (meaning willow) and "combe" (meaning valley). Widecombe has a very active history group documenting significant aspects of the village's past as well as being involved in restoration and educational projects.
Things to See & Do
St Pancras Church, is a 14th century church that was further developed over the centuries thanks to the wealth from the tin mining industry. The spire, which gave rise to its local name "The Cathedral of the Moor", is thought to date from the 16th century. Nearby Shilstone Rocks Riding Centre offers visitors of all abilities the chance to explore Dartmoor on horseback.
Places to Eat
The Café on the Green was Dartmoor's first purpose built tea rooms and is now a café serving breakfast, light lunches and afternoon and cream teas. The Old Inn is pub with a varied menu, spacious restaurant area and a beer garden in the centre of Widecombe. About a third of a mile from the village centre, The Rugglestone is a cosy rural pub serving local ales, ciders and spirits and locally sourced, home-cooked food.
Shopping
There are two small gift shops, where you can pick up some essentials in addition to postcards and souvenirs, and a National Trust gift shop.
What's On
Widecombe is known for its annual fair which takes place on the second Tuesday of September each year and is celebrated in the song "Widecombe Fair", also known as "Tom Pearce".
More Information
Widecombe in the Moor page: www.widecombe-in-the-moor.com
Visit Dartmoor: www.visitdartmoor.co.uk
Getting There
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