Widecombe in the Moor Information, History, Listings and more

In a valley carved out by the East Webbern river at the heart of Dartmoor lays the village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor. It is a hamlet of considerable charm, embraced by the ambling green hills of Devon but framed by craggy vistas of moorland and granite toors.
It is very popular with tourists and has several gift shops and both car and coach parks. The traveler has the choice of several cafes and tea rooms and may take a drop of the harder stuff in the village’s two excellent pubs: The Rugglestone and The Old Inn.

The local church St Pancras has a 120 foot spire which earns it the title of "Cathedral of the Moors" The church was built in the late gothic perpendicular style and dates from the 14th century. Proceeds from local tin mining allowed the Church to be extended over the years and inside one can find this commemorated by attractive roof bosses of the tinner’s emblem of a circle of three hares. There is a building next to the church that in times past was used by religious order of the day to brew church ales. Alas one can not find a tipple there these days but instead can discover much information about the local area as it is now a National Trust and Dartmoor National Park Information Centre and shop.

You can stop in the village green and sit on the many benches and admire the breathtaking views of the church outlined against the moorland panorama.

On the second Tuesday of each September the village holds the well renowned Widecombe Fair. This has evolved from a modest market into the highlight on everyone’s calendar celebrated by the well-loved folk song 'Old Uncle Tom Cobley and All'.

If you are fortunate to attend the fair your senses will be stimulated and uplifted by the villages total commitment to the cause of having a great time and spoilt for choice by all the fairs activities and events. There are pony shows and gymkhanas, local farmers showing off their livestock, numerous competitions and demonstrations and countless other attractions and distractions. A truly fantastic day for one and all.