Tiverton Town

Welcome to Tiverton:

Tiverton is the largest town in Mid Devon and a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike. Its excellent transport links — close to the M5 and served by Tiverton Parkway Railway Station — make it a convenient base for exploring Devon and beyond. Frequent trains run to Bristol, London, the Midlands, the North of England, as well as to Exeter, Plymouth and Cornwall.

Local Experiences:

Tiverton offers a rich blend of shopping, heritage, culture and scenic outdoor experiences. The town centre features four distinct retail quarters, each with something unique to enjoy:

• Riverside Quarter – independent shops, wellbeing outlets, craft stores, bakeries and eateries, plus a scenic walk beside the River Exe.
• Gateway Quarter – Tiverton’s busiest retail area with department stores, clothing shops, banks, pharmacies, and a mix of independent traders.
• Independent Quarter – boutique shopping at its finest, with art, pottery, books, fashion, photography specialists, cafés and lifestyle stores.
• Market Quarter – home to the historic Tiverton Pannier Market, offering weekly general markets, monthly farmers’ markets, and a vibrant mix of independent stalls and shops.

The Grand Western Canal Country Park is one of Tiverton’s standout attractions. This award‑winning, 11.5‑mile canal stretch is one of the last in the UK where you can experience a traditional horse‑drawn barge ride. It’s also a spectacular place for walking, cycling and wildlife spotting, with boats available to hire in summer.

History lovers won’t want to miss Tiverton Castle, originally built in the 11th century and later adapted in the 13th and 14th centuries. Damaged in the Civil War by a lucky cannon shot, the castle became a fortified manor house in the 17th century. Its gardens, armour displays and richly storied architecture can be explored on selected open days.

Walking in and around Tiverton is a joy, with several routes beginning right in the town centre. The Tiverton Merchants’ Trail guides visitors past historic buildings using pavement medallions and information panels. The Town Centre Circular Walk (2.5 miles, mostly level) links many of Tiverton’s historic and retail areas. For a longer adventure, the Grand Western Canal Towpath offers 11¾ miles of easy, scenic walking, with plenty of places to stop for refreshments along the way.

The town also celebrates arts, food and community spirit through annual events, including the Tiverton Medieval Charter Fayre, Two Rivers Arts Festival, street food markets and seasonal festivities. Visitors can also enjoy the local cinema, theatre performances, and summer brass band concerts at the Westexe bandstand.

History & Places of Interest:

• Grand Western Canal Country Park: One of the few places in the UK offering horse‑drawn barge trips.
• Tiverton Castle: A medieval fortress and later fortified manor, once home to Earls of Devon and a Plantagenet princess.
• Historic Market Town: Tiverton’s long trading heritage is visible throughout its retail quarters and Pannier Market.

Additional attractions include:

• Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life, home to the famous Tivvy Bumper steam engine exhibit.
• The Pannier Market, hosting general markets and themed street‑food nights.
• Mid Devon Leisure Centre, with swimming pool, gym and tennis courts.
• Knightshayes Court (National Trust) – a Victorian Gothic Revival house with formal gardens, woodland walks and a children’s play area.

Events in Tiverton:

Tiverton hosts a varied programme of events each year, including:

• Tiverton Medieval Charter Fayre
• Two Rivers Arts Festival
• Food Festivals & Seasonal Events
• Summer Brass Band concerts at Westexe bandstand
• Cinema and Theatre performances