Dunsford

Dunsford combines impressive natural surroundings with a remarkable local history. Anyone looking for a holiday cottage for a varied holiday can choose between experiences on the River Teign, woodland paths and historic buildings. Particularly appealing is the combination of a distinctive landscape, architecture typical of the region and individual striking reminders of the past.

Nature and paths along the River Teign

In Dunsford Nature Reserve, you can walk along the River Teign through a steep-sided valley. Oak, ash and birch trees shape the woodland and give the landscape its own character. In spring, a spectacular display of wild daffodils turns the woodland floor of Dunsford Nature Reserve yellow. This seasonal impression is a particular reason to take the timing of your trip into account when planning.

Dunsford Woodland Reserve is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). There is also around 500 metres of easily accessible path suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. This means that a stay in Dunsford can be made varied even when not all travellers want to choose the same paths or daily plans. The car park at Steps Bridge is the starting point for the Dunsford Wild Walk. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether nature experiences and peaceful days in the woodland should be the focus of your trip.

Historic buildings and the village character

There is also plenty to discover in the village itself. The present Church of St Mary in Dunsford is predominantly built in the Perpendicular style of the 15th century. Exceptions are the south wall, dating from 1822, and the chancel, dating from 1846 and built in the Decorated style. The church forms the focal point at the heart of the settlement of Dunsford and stands in a prominent elevated position. Its impressive, dominant relationship with the rest of the village makes it an important landmark in the village scene. The Fulford standing monument in the Church of St Mary is of particular interest.

In the centre of Dunsford, there is an attractive collection of cross-passage houses in the regional Devon tradition. Court Cottage complements this picture as a late-17th-century house with whitewashed, rendered cob walls and a thatched roof. Anyone interested in architectural forms and local history will find specific details here that reveal Dunsford's distinctive character.

Iron Mills and choosing your accommodation

Another historic feature is the Mill Building at Iron Mills, a Grade II listed building. The tool industry at Iron Mills is believed to have been established around 1820. Together with the Church of St Mary and the cross-passage houses, it creates a diverse cultural profile, while the Nature Reserve provides a clear natural counterpoint.

For families and other travel groups, this combination can make it easier to choose the focus of their holiday: you can plan a stay centred on nature trails, woodland and river landscapes, or put cultural discoveries involving architecture and local history first. Above all, a suitable holiday cottage should match your preferred pace of travel and the activities you would like to enjoy in Dunsford.

If you would like to compare other places for your travel plans, here is a concise selection: Colebrooke, Lifton, Two Bridges, Woolacombe, Buckland Brewer, Holsworthy, Plymtree and Hennock.

For the higher-level travel overview: Devon.