Welcome to Hatherleigh
Hatherleigh
Hatherleigh is a charming market town in West Devon known for its friendly community, traditional high street, and scenic rural surroundings. The town offers a selection of independent shops, pubs, and cafés, along with a strong sense of local identity showcased through regular markets and annual events. Families benefit from a well-regarded primary school in the town and easy access to secondary education in nearby Okehampton. With its blend of countryside appeal and community spirit, Hatherleigh is an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.
History
A settlement at Hatherleigh was first recorded in 981 when it was confirmed as part of the endowment of Tavistock Abbey, however evidence of a Roman Tilery might point to civilization here dating back to around 70 AD. The town was granted license to hold a market by Henry III in 1220, and the current Tuesday market came into being in 1693. The 15th Century church of St. John the Baptist has a prominent position overlooking the town and came to unfortunate fame in 1990 when the medieval wooden spire was blown over in a storm, crashing through the nave roof and causing extensive damage. The church has now been restored to its former glory and continues to be the heart of the community. The town puts on a fantastic carnival in early November involving flamboyant crepe-paper floats and flaming tar barrels being dragged through the streets of the town. The carnival itself started in 1903 with the aim of raising money for the local hospital (a tradition which continues today), but the spectacle of the flaming tar barrels is thought to date back much further. Attending the carnival is a must for all residents and visitors!
Travel
Road: The town is located at the intersection of the A386 which connects Plymouth to Bideford and the A3072 connecting Hatherleigh to Bude on the north Cornish coast. Rail: A short drive to Okehampton enables you to catch the reinstated ‘Dartmoor Line’, with hourly service to Exeter from where you can connect on to London via the Penzance to Paddington Line.
Bus: Services connect to nearby local towns including Okehampton, Crediton, Holsworthy, Exeter and Bideford.
Community
Nestled in the heart of rural West Devon, Hatherleigh is a warm and welcoming community that retains a strong sense of tradition and local pride. The high street serves as the town’s social and commercial hub, lined with independent shops, cosy cafés, and traditional pubs that foster a friendly village atmosphere. The weekly market and annual festivals, such as the Hatherleigh Carnival and Ruby Run, further bring the community together, celebrating the area’s rich cultural heritage. Residents and visitors alike are drawn to the slower pace of life here, supported by local businesses that value personal service and community connection. Families are well-catered for, with Hatherleigh Community Primary School at the heart of the town, offering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. Secondary education is available in nearby Okehampton, with good transport links making the daily commute manageable. The surrounding countryside provides a stunning backdrop to everyday life, offering outdoor pursuits and a deep-rooted connection to nature. Whether you’re walking along the River Lew, enjoying local produce at the farmers’ market, or joining neighbours for a community event, Hatherleigh’s charm lies in its tight-knit, supportive, and proudly independent spirit.
Things to do in Hatherleigh
Outdoor pursuits: Hatherleigh has miles of public footpaths and ancient rights of way, including those across Hatherleigh Moor which offers spectacular views to the south over to the rugged tors of Dartmoor.
If your passion is cycling, just a few miles to the north of the town you can access the traffic-free section of the wonderful Tarka Trail, providing connection all the way to Braunton in North Devon. To the south of town, the Granite Way cycle route runs along a former train line around the shoulders of Dartmoor for 11 miles from Okehampton to Lydford.
Sport and recreation: The town has thriving football and cricket teams as well as an active bowls club. A recently updated play park and adjoining large skate park alongside the river provides a fantastic space for the younger members of the community to let off steam and get outdoors. The thriving community centre provides a base for many local groups and clubs including an amateur dramatics society, and is a popular social venue.
Attractions in the area include War Horse Valley Farm Park (the farm around which the book by Michael Morpurgo was set), Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve, the stunning RHS Rosemoor just to the north, and just for the grown-ups, the Gotland Gin distillery nearby in Highampton and in Sam’s Cider in Winkleigh. The wonderful Hatherleigh Visitor & Information Centre on the square can provide much more information!
