Things To Do in Tiverton Devon

Sitting pretty in Tiverton in Devon, this charming market town is one of those don’t blink, or you’ll miss it gems in the south west – but you’ll want to stop, wander and stay a while. Packed with history, canalside calm, creative spaces and cracking places to eat and drink, this guide covers the very best things to do in mid Devon, whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend or using Tiverton as a base to explore further afield.

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Things To Do In Tiverton
Shopping in Tiverton
Restaurants in Tiverton
Pubs in Tiverton
Things To Do Near Tiverton
Exciting Places To Visit Nearby
Where To Stay

Tiverton may be a small town, but it offers a surprisingly wide range of things to do, from historic castles and museums to scenic canals, riverside walks and creative spaces. Set in the heart of Mid Devon and close to Exeter, North Devon’s beaches and Exmoor National Park, it’s easy to reach and ideal for both short visits and longer stays. With independent shops, welcoming pubs, family-friendly attractions and plenty of dog-friendly spots, Tiverton is a relaxed and characterful destination full of pleasant surprises.

Things To Do Tiverton

Tiverton may be a small town, but it offers plenty to see and do, from canals and castles to creative spaces and countryside. It’s close to Exeter and not far from North Devon’s beaches, making it easy to reach. Whether you’re stopping by briefly or staying longer, you’ll find lots of pleasant surprises here.

Tiverton Castle

Tiverton Castle is one of the town’s top attractions, with a history stretching back over 900 years. You can stroll through the gardens, explore the grand rooms, and learn about Civil War sieges and noble families, all in the centre of Tiverton.

Open Easter to the end of October.

🐾 Not dog-friendly

🚗 On-site car park for 20 cars.

Tiverton Museum of Mid-Devon Life

If you love discovering how places really worked back in the day, this museum is a must. Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life and Tiverton’s Visitor Information Centres have everything from agricultural tools to childhood toys, offering a fascinating snapshot of everyday home life in the region. You’ll be amazed by the size of the place and the variety of collections.

🎟️ 15% off for Blue Light Card Holders

🐾 Dog-friendly. Must be kept on a short lead. There is a water bowl in the yard.

🚗 Short stay pay and display car park outside.

Grand Western Canal Country Park

Perfect for an outdoor wander, the Grand Western Canal Country Park is ideal for walking, cycling or a peaceful picnic by the water. Stretching for several scenic miles, it’s one of Tiverton’s most relaxing spots and brilliant for families, couples and solo ramblers alike.

🐾 Dog-friendly.

🚗 Pay and display car park.

Tiverton Canal Horse Drawn Barge

One of the most unique experiences at the Grand Western Canal is the famous traditional drawn barges. Glide along the water behind a gentle horse and enjoy a wonderfully slow-paced slice of history. It’s as charming as it sounds.

Tiverton Community Arts Theatre

From live music and comedy to film screenings and community events, this independent theatre is a real cultural hub. The Tiverton Theatre has everything from live music to comedy, variety shows and touring productions. So, it’s always worth checking what’s on during your visit.

🐾 Not dog-friendly

🚗 Free car park next to the theatre

Tiverton Town Centre Circular Walk

This easy circular walk loops around the centre, combining riverside paths, historic streets and green spaces. It’s a brilliant way to get your bearings while ticking off some of the town’s prettiest views.

🐾 Dog-friendly.

Tiverton Merchant’s Trail

Follow this self-guided trail to uncover Tiverton’s trading past, linking key historic buildings and landmarks. It’s a great way to add a bit of purpose to your stroll while learning something new. The leisurely walk around the town centre, following the pavement medallions and information panels.

🐾 Dog-friendly.

Footwear That Keeps Up with Your Travel Plans

Legend Footwear is a go-to destination for quality footwear, offering a huge range of brands, from hiking boots to stylish everyday shoes. Whether you’re heading out on a countryside walk with your dog or exploring a new city on your travels, they have durable and comfortable options to suit all terrains.

Shopping in Tiverton

Tiverton’s independent shops create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, full of local character. You’ll find jewellers, fabric and hobby stores, health and wellbeing shops, wine specialists, bakers, and butchers. There are also sweet shops, bookstores, boutiques, and pottery shops.

Tiverton Pannier Market is a highlight, with regular markets offering crafts, gifts, local produce, and the occasional bargain. It’s a great place for a relaxed browse.

Restaurants Tiverton

Tiverton has a great food scene, whether you want classic comfort food or something more adventurous. You’ll find cosy cafes, family-run restaurants, and plenty of options for a quick meal.

Lost Kitchen – an informal restaurant celebrating local, seasonal food and wood-fired cooking.
Tiverton Steakhouse – An interactive dining experience using hot stone cooking, using ingredients from local farms.
Ponte Vecchio – Italian restaurant serving your favourite pizza and pasta dishes.
The Duck & Bean – local, fresh, and responsibly sourced food and drink serving brunch.
The Flying Pickle – a delicatessen and cafe serving cooked breakfasts, light lunches and delicious cakes.

Get 50% Off Food

If you love food and drink, do you have a Tastecard? It’s a membership card that offers 25% off the food bill or 2-for-1 meals for the price of one at over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a variety of dining experiences. Get a 60-day free trial here:

Pubs Tiverton

Tiverton’s pubs are friendly and inviting, making them perfect for a drink after a walk or for evening entertainment:

The Hickory Inn – serving American-style food from smash burgers to smoked meats, and Detroit-style pizza.
The Mitre Inn – a village pub with seasonal menus, real ale, ciders and lagers from across the world.
Rose & Crown Inn – country pub serving home-cooked food, including a fabulous Sunday Lunch.
Queens Head – Grade II listed lively pub with pool, darts, skittles and a packed entertainment calendar.
Bridge Troll Boardgame Cafe – a quirky spot where you can enjoy games, coffee and craft drinks in a relaxed setting.

Things To Do Near Tiverton

Just outside town, there’s no shortage of brilliant Tiverton things to discover, with historic houses, family attractions and wild countryside all within easy reach.

Knightshayes Court

If you love grand houses with a slightly dramatic flair, Knightshayes Court is a must. This National Trust gem is known for its richly decorated Gothic Revival interiors, packed with colour, detail and stories from the Heathcoat-Amory family. Outside, the gardens are just as impressive, with sweeping lawns, woodland walks and seasonal planting that changes throughout the year. It’s ideal for a relaxed half-day out where you can mix history, fresh air and a stop for tea and cake.

🐾 Dogs are welcome, but can’t go in the house, kitchen, garden or on the Douglas Fir Walk.

🚗 Pay and display car park. Free for National Trust Members.

Bickleigh Castle

Bickleigh Castle feels wonderfully hidden away, tucked beside the River Exe just a short drive from Tiverton. It’s a brilliant choice if you enjoy places with a sense of romance and atmosphere. Wander the grounds, or take a guided tour to soak up the medieval history. Keep an eye out for special events or dining experiences that pop up throughout the year.

Open April to October.

🚗 Free car park

🐾 Not dog-friendly

Devon Railway Centre

Perfect for families (and anyone who still loves trains), the Devon Railway Centre is all about old-school fun. You’ll find miniature railways to ride, classic steam engines to admire and plenty of interactive elements that keep children entertained for hours. It’s hands-on, nostalgic and refreshingly low-tech, making it a great option if you’re travelling with younger visitors or want a light-hearted day out.

Open April to October.

🚗 Free car park

🐾 Dog-friendly and they can ride the trains, though they can’t go in the model railways and indoor play areas.

Chevithorne Barton Gardens

For a slower pace, Chevithorne Barton Gardens is a true hidden gem. This beautifully maintained garden space is packed with seasonal colour, rare plants and peaceful corners where you can really switch off. It’s especially lovely in spring and summer when the gardens are in full bloom, and it’s a dream for keen gardeners or anyone craving a calm, unhurried wander away from the crowds.

🚗 Free car park

🐾 Dogs on short leads are welcome

Book a Tour

Booking a tour in the Devon with Viator is one of the easiest ways to explore this beautiful corner of England without the stress of planning every detail. These tours are crafted by locals and seasoned travellers, so you’ll discover more than just the postcard spots – think hidden viewpoints, quirky tales, and tucked-away tea rooms.

Exmoor National Park

If you’re craving big skies and wild landscapes, Exmoor National Park is right on Tiverton’s doorstep. Think rolling moorland, dramatic valleys, ancient woodlands and roaming wildlife, including Exmoor ponies and red deer. Whether you fancy hiking, cycling, stargazing, or simply taking in the views, Exmoor is perfect for outdoor lovers and anyone looking to add a sense of adventure to their Devon break.

🚗 Pay and display parking at visitor centre car parks.

🐾 Dog-friendly

Take a Picnic

Devon Hampers send the best of the South West to your front door. The cream tea and afternoon tea hampers include scones, clotted cream and jam. There are also cheese hampers, chocolate hampers, cider hampers, and BBQ hampers.

Get 5% off hampers or create your own. Order anything from a clotted cream tea for two or a large hamper full of goodies. There is no minimum order amount. Use DEVON5 at the checkout.

Exmoor Distillery

An excellent stop for gin enthusiasts, Exmoor Distillery offers a fascinating look at how small-batch spirits are made using botanicals inspired by the surrounding landscape. Visits often include tastings, giving you the chance to sample different flavours while learning about the distillation process. It’s an easy win for couples’ trips or grown-up group getaways.

🚗 Free car park

🐾 Dog-friendly, but not able to go into the production area.

Wellhayes Vineyard

Wellhayes Vineyard is a lovely surprise in the Devon countryside and a brilliant excuse to slow down. Producing award-winning English wines, it’s the kind of place where you can enjoy tastings, stroll through the vines and make the most of sunny afternoons. Ideal for relaxed days out, celebratory moments or anyone curious about English wine without the formality.

Guided tours, including wine tasting, are on Sundays and Wednesdays at 3pm, from May to September.

🚗 Free car park

🐾 Dog-friendly, but not in the winery.

Exciting Places To Visit Nearby

Tiverton is also a great base for exploring some of Devon’s most charming towns and villages – all within an easy one-hour drive. You’ll find traditional market towns, pretty villages and scenic rural spots that are perfect for day trips, whether you’re chasing sea views, historic streets or a leisurely lunch in a local pub.

Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe is a lively seaside town on the North Devon coast, best known for its working harbour, dramatic cliffs and coastal walks. There’s plenty to keep you busy, from exploring the tunnels beaches and harbourfront to visiting galleries, cafés and local shops. It’s an easy choice for a full day out by the sea, with a good mix of scenery, culture and places to eat and drink.

Clovelly

Clovelly feels like stepping into a postcard, with its famously steep cobbled street leading down to a small, picturesque harbour. The village is wonderfully traditional, with whitewashed cottages, donkeys still used to transport goods, and stunning coastal views at every turn. It’s perfect for a slower-paced visit, soaking up history, scenery and timeless Devon charm.

Lynton & Lynmouth

Often described as the “Little Switzerland of England”, Lynton and Lynmouth sit where Exmoor meets the sea and are linked by a historic cliff railway. Expect dramatic scenery, rushing rivers, coastal paths and access to the Valley of Rocks, making this a brilliant choice for walkers, photographers and anyone who loves wild landscapes paired with pretty villages.

Bideford

Bideford is a friendly riverside town with a strong maritime heritage and a relaxed pace of life. It’s a great base for exploring North Devon, with easy access to nearby beaches, the Tarka Trail and independent shops and cafés. Whether you’re strolling along the quay or stopping for lunch, Bideford makes for an easy and enjoyable day trip from Tiverton.

Tiverton Hotels

Whether you’re after cosy B&Bs, modern hotels, holiday parks or countryside stays offering dog friendly accommodation, Tiverton has plenty of options. If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible. Prices rise as you get closer to the travel date and are usually displayed per room rather than per person. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets, and keep an eye out for special offers.

Middle Coombe Farm is a quiet countryside retreat near Tiverton, offering wellness stays, creative workshops, and slow-living experiences. It’s an ideal place to relax, connect with nature, and take a real break from everyday life.

Tiverton Hotel Lounge & Venue

We stayed at Tiverton Hotel. It’s in a fantastic location. Only a 10-minute walk into the town centre, or easy to explore the surrounding area. The bedroom was large, clean and comfortable, albeit a little old-fashioned, and offered plenty of space to relax. All of the team were friendly and welcoming, and the breakfast buffet was top-notch!

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Things To Do in Tiverton Devon

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