Formerly a stannary town where tin was sold, Ashburton dates back 5,000 years. Situated on the west side of Dartmoor, it has a thriving selection of antique shops and various arts and craft galleries. You’ll also find little specialist shops, cafes to try, a museum, swimming pool and for sporting facilities, Ashmoor Recreation Centre.
Situated just off the A38 it is an ideal touring centre for Dartmoor and the coast. A pannier market is held every Tuesday in the Town Hall and there is a monthly cattle market. And there's a museum and swimming pool.
The town has maintained many traditional events. On the first Saturday in July there is Devon's oldest Carnival Procession, and on the third Saturday in July there is an ale tasting and bread weighing ceremony which has been carried out since the 13th Century.
Must see and do
- River Dart Country Park, Holne Park, Ashburton
- Ale Tasting and Bread Weighing Ceremony and Medieval Fayre, Jul, Ashburton
- Ashburton Carnival Week, Jul, Ashburton
- Dartmoor Artists Exhibition, Aug, Ashburton
- Ashburton Winter Carnival, Nov, Ashburton
- Court & Law Day Ceremony, Nov, Ashburton