West Devon shines a spotlight on heritage for Tavistock’s milestone year

West Devon is set to shine a spotlight on its historic buildings and landmarks in the run-up to the 20th anniversary of Tavistock’s UNESCO World Heritage Site next year.

Over the coming months, the council will showcase the borough’s architectural gems, from the Tavistock Viaduct, known for its engineering and scenic views, to Okehampton Castle and other notable sites. 

The council has said it will publish regular articles highlighting these hidden treasures will be published regularly, giving residents and visitors a closer look at the area’s history.

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The initiative will coincide with Heritage Open Days, taking place from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 September. 

The annual event will give people the chance to explore historic buildings and sites for free.

This year’s theme, “Architecture - Buildings, Bridges and Beehives”, offers a mix of experiences for history enthusiasts, photographers, and families. 

Highlights include Okehampton Castle, a medieval motte and bailey site managed by English Heritage, and Buckland Abbey, the former Cistercian monastery turned home of Sir Francis Drake.

Events throughout the festival will feature guided tours, hands-on workshops, family activities, and exhibitions. 

Visitors can also explore Tavistock Guildhall, learning about the town’s role in the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.

The council is encouraging the community to share their own stories and photographs of West Devon’s historic sites on social media using the hashtag #WestDevonHeritage.

Full details of the participating sites, event timings, and booking information are available on the council’s website.