This page gives further information about the activities and attractions featured on the "Things to do" page.
Houses, castles and abbeys
History, heritage and more
Activities
Gardens
Eden Project - only a 50 minute drive from Stowford. This living theatre of plants and people is a vibrant reminder of our place in nature and is a living demonstration of regeneration. In the humid Tropics biome, you can experience the sights, smells and sheer scale of the rainforest in the world's largest greenhouse. In the warm temperate biome you can travel to South Africa and California and walk amongst orange and lemon trees, olive groves and gnarled vines. Eden is a symbol of the strength of people working with nature to repair damaged places and to make our environment rich and healthy. www.edenproject.com
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
The Lost Gardens of Heligan - The award winning Lost Gardens of Heligan extend to some 80 acres of grounds with a magnificent complex of walled gardens and a large productive vegetable garden all having been restored to their former glory. Lost for many years under mountains of bramble, ivy and rampant laurel, this restored 'Sleeping Beauty' is an extraordinary collection of plants, together with a range of exotic greenhouses, working buildings and romantic structures and designed landscapes. Near St Austell/Mevagissey. 01726 845100. www.heligan.com
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
RHS Garden Rosemoor - Great Torrington. Rosemoor garden is situated in the beautiful setting of the Torridge valley, surrounded by extensive woodland. Whatever the season, the Garden is a unique and enchanting place that people return to time and again for ideas and inspiration. 01805 624067. www.rhs.org.uk
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
The Garden House - Buckland Monachorum. This is an enchanting walled garden around the romantic ruins of a medieval vicarage. 01822 854769. www.thegardenhouse.org.uk
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Trelissick - One of Cornwall's finest woodland gardens overlooking the Fal estuary. It is set amid more than 500 acres of park and farmland with glorious views down Carrick Roads and on to Falmouth and the open sea.
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Houses, castles and abbeys
Buckland Abbey, Yelverton - Holds the secrets to over 700 years of history. Medieval monks created a Cistercian monastery, and later where Sir Francis Drake lived during the turbulent period of the Armada. 01822 853607.
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton - An extraordinary granite and oak castle which combines the comforts of the 20th century with the grandeur of a baronial castle. Wonderful terraced gardens with panoramic views over Dartmoor and walks above the 300 feet gorge and down into the woods along the River Teign. 01647 432629
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Cotehele - Mediaeval home of the Edgcumbes with original furniture, armour, rich hangings and tapestries. There is also a working watermill, gardens, estate and quay all set in woodland by the River Tamar. 01579 351346.
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Lanhydrock House - The great house of Cornwall, this magnificent late Victorian country house has 50 rooms to wander through. A real 'Upstairs Downstairs' brought to life. You can also wander through the lovely gardens, parkland and walk beside the River Fowey. Forty minutes' drive from Stowford. 01208 265950.
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Tintagel Castle - With its spectacular location on Cornwall's dramatic Atlantic coastline, Tintagel is a place of myths and magic. It is where the legend of King Arthur was born. Watch the waves crash against the cliffs and through Merlin's cave as you climb the path to Tintagel Island. Enjoy the breathtaking views and revel in the magic. (01840 770328). www.english-heritage.org.uk
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Buckfast Abbey - Buckfast Abbey was founded nearly a thousand years ago and stood for five hundred years before it was closed by Henry Vlll. The present community of monks returned in 1822 and rebuilt the present Abbey on its medieval foundations, finishing the church in 1938. Today it is home to a community of Benedictine monks and true to the Benedictine Rule, visitors are always welcomed guests. 01364 645500 www.buckfast.org.uk
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Saltram House - near Plymouth. This Palladian mansion starred as Norland Park in the, the Dashwoods' home in 'Sense and Sensibility'. Centuries of extravagance and sophistication shaped its beautiful interior. Visit the gardens and park as well. 01752 333500.
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
History, heritage and more
Morwellham Quay - near Tavistock. In the heart of the spectacular unspoilt Tamar Valley amidst towering cliffs and peaceful meadows, a lost world lives again. Discover the story of a great Victorian riverside village, once the centre of an extraordinary copper mining boom. 01822 833808. www.morwellham-quay.co.uk
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Dingles Steam Village - 3 miles from Stowford. Dingles offers a unique opportunity to view our Industrial heritage in a beautiful rural location. Working and static exhibits of steam engines and vintage machinery offers a fun and informative day out. 01566 783425. www.dinglesteam.co.uk
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Finch Foundry - a fascinating early 19th century forge powered by three water wheels. The forge is situated in the centre of the picturesque village of Sticklepath, near Okehampton, and has attractive countryside and river walks nearby.
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Lydford Gorge - 5 miles from Stowford, at Lydford. The mile and a half long gorge provides a woodland walk high above the river, dropping down to the 90 foot White lady Waterfall. The tranquil riverside walk then follows the river upstream through a steep-sided wooded ravine reaching the Devil's Cauldron. Here the River Lyd cascades down into a series of thrilling whirlpools. 01822 820441
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
The Tamar Otter Sanctuary - near Launceston, towards Bude. The Tamar Otter Sanctuary is the only place in the West Country breeding the British otter and re-introducing young otters into the wild. Visit the sanctuary to watch the otters playing in large natural enclosures. There are woodland walks and waterfowl lakes too. 01566 785646
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Minions Village and Heritage Centre, Bodmin Moor - Minions Village existed to serve the miners working in the nearby 19th century tin and copper mines. Today there area range of attractions for you to visit. There are good views all the way to the South coast of Cornwall, and to the east to Dartmoor. For those interested in history and ancient monument, the nearby moor offers some of the best preserved archaeological sites in the country - ancient villages, stone circles and standing stones. 01579 341000.
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
National Maritime Museum, Falmouth - slightly further afield, this world-class landmark on Falmouth's harbour front is a gateway to the maritime world, offering unique and interactive displays of boats and their place in people's lives. 01326 313388. www.nmmc.co.uk
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Activities
There are numerous local village trails to follow. Maps and walking instructions available.
Two Castles Trail - Stowford House is on the route of the Two Castles Trail, a 30 mile walking trail linking Okehampton and Launceston.
Dartmoor - known as the last great wilderness in England, Dartmoor has over 500 miles of paths and 200 square miles of open moorland offering an abundance of walks catering for all levels of experience.
Other good walking areas are around Roadford Lake (4 miles away) and Meldon Reservoir (10 miles away).
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
We have secure facilities to store bicycles, or there are bicycles for hire nearby:
Okehampton Cycle Hire - 01837 53248
Bideford Cycle Hire - 01237 424123
Bridge Bike Hire, Wadebridge, Camel Cycle Trail - 01208 813050
Torridge cycle hire (Torrington) - 01805 622633
Cycle trails nearby:
The Granite Way from Okehampton to Lydford
Tarka Cycle Trail is accessed at Great Torrington
Camel Cycle Trail, Wadebridge
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Both Roadford Lake and Meldon Reservoir offer facilities for sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. Contact South West Lakes Trust 01837 871565 or visit their web site www.swlakestrust.org.uk We have secure facilities to store wetsuits and other equipment.
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Alder Lake, Lewdown (2 miles away) - 01566 783444
Roadford Lake (4 miles away). 700 acres of water, 8 miles of bank - 01409 211507
Meldon Reservoir (10 miles away) 57 acres
Burrator (near Yelverton) 150 acres
Colliford Lake (near Bodmin) - 01579 342366
Contact South West Lakes Trust - 01837 871565
Fishing permits can also be arranged at the Homeleigh Angling Centre, near Launceston - 01566 773147
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
Nearby riding stables/facilities:
Cholwell - ten miles from Stowford - 01822 810526
St. Leonards - Equestrian Centre, Polson, Launceston - 01566 775543
Skaigh, Belstone - 01837 840917
Eastlake, Belstone - 01837 52513
Back to "Things to do" page Back to top
The nearest golf courses are:
Launceston - 01566 773442
Hurdwick - (Tavistock) 01822 612746
Tavistock - 01822 612344
Okehampton - 01837 53541