Lydford Attractions
There is a walk through the lovely Cowsic valley to the ancient village of Lydford, founded in Saxon times and a place of considerable standing in the Middle Ages on account of its tin mines. At one time the Keep of Lydford's now ruined 12th century castle was used as a prison, the first of Dartmoor's prisons but no less notorious than the later one at Princetown.
Lydford is a popular tourist destination for the local history and scenic countryside.
Lydford is a popular tourist destination for the local history and scenic countryside.
Buckland Abbey
Eight mi/13km southwest of Lydford, beyond Yelverton, stands Buckland Abbey, a former Cistercian house, founded 1278, and gifted in 1541 to Sir Richard Grenville, whose grandson made it into a country house. In 1581 it was bought by Sir Francis Drake (died 1596). It is now a museum housing an exhibition about the abbey and items of naval history, with memorabilia of Drake, including Drake's Drum.
All values are in local currency
Hours
February 16 to March 9
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 14:00 | 14:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 |
March 15 to November 2
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | Closed | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 |
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
November 8 to December 21
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Always closed on:
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
| Family | 19.50 |
| Adult | 7.09 |
| Grounds / gardens only around attraction | 3.63 |
| Child | 3.54 |
Last admission 45 minutes before closing.
November to March - reduced admission.
Dogs allowed in car-park only.
Parking
Pay
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Audio-visual presentations available.
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Lydford Castle and Saxon Town
Lydford Castle dates back to the 12th C and was a notorious prison. The earthworks of the original Norman fort lie to the south.
