Attractions and Places To See around Roborough - Top 18

Roborough is rich in history. You can visit Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey, a significant Norman fortification overlooking the Taw Valley. Another historical structure is the Beam Aqueduct, an impressive part of the Rolle Canal. Don't miss the Rolle Canal Roving Bridge, which once carried a driveway over the canal. Further afield, Crownhill Fort and Roborough Castle (an Iron Age settlement) offer more insights into the area's past.

The region boasts diverse natural landscapes. Explore Roborough Down, an expansive moorland within Dartmoor National Park, featuring gorse, bracken, and wildlife like semi-wild ponies. The Plym Valley offers beautiful woodland trails along the River Plym. For a unique experience, visit the Roborough Rewilders, a ten-acre site with ponds abundant in local biodiversity, including frogs, newts, and dragonflies.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The Puffing Billy Trading Co. cafe, located in an old station, offers ample outside space for families. Beyond the immediate village, attractions like Quince Honey Farm provide an opportunity to learn about bees, while The BIG Sheep is an amusement park offering various entertainment options for all ages.

Roborough is a great base for cycling. You can find various routes, including those that take you along the River Torridge or past the Puffing Billy Trading Co. cafe. For more detailed options, explore the Cycling around Roborough guide, which includes routes like the 'Beam Aqueduct – Puffing Billy Trading Co. loop from Great Torrington'.

Yes, there are several options for hikers. You can enjoy the Pathway to Kinsale, which offers pleasant walks through fields with views towards Dartmoor. For easy walks, consider routes like the 'Torrington Castle – Puffing Billy Trading Co. loop from Great Torrington' or the 'Rolle Canal Roving Bridge – Rolle Canal Stop Board loop from Great Torrington'. More hiking options can be found in the Easy hikes around Roborough guide.

The Puffing Billy Trading Co. is a popular cafe located in an old station on the NCN27, known for its ample outside space. It's a great spot for a snack or a meal, especially if you're cycling or walking in the area. Additionally, the Lopes Arms is a very old village pub on the main street of Roborough, offering a historical setting for refreshments.

Beyond historical structures, you can visit RHS Garden Rosemoor for a beautiful horticultural display. The Plough Arts Centre hosts themed exhibitions and cultural events. For military history enthusiasts, the Cobbaton Combat Collection offers themed exhibition halls. St Michael's Church, a Grade II-listed building with parts dating back to the 13th century, also holds significant historical and cultural value.

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical exploration and natural beauty. The historical sites, like Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey, are noted for their imposing presence even after 1000 years. The sound of rushing water at the Beam Aqueduct is often described as evocative and relaxing. The area's trails, such as the Pathway to Kinsale, are enjoyed for their scenic views and well-signposted routes.

Yes, the area has some less-known natural spots. Properties in the surrounding Bere Peninsula, near Roborough Common, can feature extensive natural environments including wildlife ponds connected by streams and orchards with old English heritage apple trees, appealing to nature enthusiasts. Roborough Rewilders, north of the village, is another unique site with two fields and a pond rich in local biodiversity.

Yes, the Roborough Library, located at the University of Exeter, is an academic building completed around 1939. It was named after the first Lord Roborough, an early benefactor of the college, and represents a significant educational landmark in the broader area. You can learn more about the university's history on Wikipedia.

For road cycling enthusiasts, Roborough offers several routes. You can find options ranging from moderate to difficult, such as the 'River Torridge – Mortehoe Hill Climb loop from Portsmouth Arms' or the 'Barnstaple Clock Tower – Barnstaple Long Bridge loop from Atherington'. Detailed routes are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Roborough guide.