Discover Yelverton: Trails, Nature and History

Yelverton combines accessible walking experiences with natural and cultural attractions that allow for a variety of day plans. Drake's Trail (NCN 27) takes pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists from Tavistock via Yelverton and Clearbrook to the east of Plymouth. There is also the wildlife trail in Burrator Arboretum, the history of St Paul's Church and the gardens of The Garden House in Buckland Monachorum. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or other accommodation, it is therefore worth first deciding on your preferred pace of travel: Would you like to join a trail directly, discover nature or combine historic gardens and architecture?

Walking Trails with Clear Signposting

For a longer walk, Drake's Trail Walking Spur 1 is a good option. The section runs from Yelverton to Clearbrook and is 5 miles long. Its starting point is in the centre of Yelverton, at the Drake's Trail information board next to the bus stop. The route follows Drake's Leat, built in 1591. It is generally considered easy and is predominantly flat, although it includes some gradual ascents and descents.

The wider Drake's Trail connection also opens up another travel idea: you can view Yelverton as one section of a tour between Tavistock, Clearbrook and the east of Plymouth. Those travelling with varied interests can combine a longer stretch of trail with a shorter nature experience on another day.

Burrator Arboretum and Discovery Centre

Burrator Reservoir is located near Yelverton; the postcode is PL20 6PE. Burrator Arboretum has an accessible 1.5 km wildlife trail that is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. This provides a specific alternative to the 5-mile section of Drake's Trail Walking Spur 1. At the Burrator Discovery Centre, you will also find exhibitions, oral history and short films. This means that a visit can be planned not only around physical activity, but also around learning about nature and local stories.

Church and Gardens

St Paul's Church in Yelverton was built between 1910 and 1912 and is a Grade II listed building. For travellers who like to organise their days around different themes, the church provides an architectural and historical point of reference alongside the trails and landscape attractions.

Another aspect is presented by The Garden House in Buckland Monachorum. The Jubilee Arboretum contains more than 100 selected specimen trees. The Walled Garden covers 2 acres and surrounds the remains of a 16th-century vicarage. The Garden House itself was the former residence of the vicars of Buckland Monachorum and was built in the early 19th century. The garden area therefore brings together dendrological diversity, older architectural structures and the history of the former vicarage.

Aligning Your Accommodation Search with Your Travel Plans

You can use the focus of your trip as a guide when choosing your accommodation. If Drake's Trail Walking Spur 1 is the main focus, the start in the centre of Yelverton provides a clear reference point for planning. If, on the other hand, you would like to include the wildlife trail, the Discovery Centre or Burrator Reservoir, you should include the place name Yelverton and the postcode PL20 6PE in your search and day planning. For culture-focused trips, St Paul's Church and the gardens of The Garden House add historic themes to the selection.

For a broader search, you can also look at Stokeinteignhead, Westward Ho, Ashburton, Virginstowe, Rockbeare, Abbotsham, Lapford and Halberton.

For the higher-level travel overview: Devon.