Beacon Villages
Belstone - South Tawton - South Zeal - Sticklepath
Under Cosdon Beacon Dartmoor Devon UK
Under Cosdon Beacon Dartmoor Devon UK
Belstone Village |
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| Belstone is the village with the closest ties to Dartmoor, situated as it is on the very edge of the open moor. Wild ponies and inquisitive sheep are frequently seen on the village green and wandering around the local lanes. It is the most exposed of the villages but in many ways it is also the most spectacular, with it's dramatic outlook. |
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| Look for the church hidden behind the buildings and walk to it along the lane behind the Tors public house. The present pub is one hundred years old - the original building was destroyed by fire. The pub is said to be haunted by a previous landlady, who turns off the gas taps and then knocks on doors - she is friendly though (but don't tell the landlord)! Next to the pub, the village church of St Mary the Virgin is one of the highest moorland churches in Devon,and dates back to 1260. The Belstone Cricket Club also has the highest cricket pitch in England - http://freespace.virgin.net/a.paterson/ | ||
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| The village still boasts its own genuine stocks and also the former village pound which was once a shelter for stray animals. It would now appear the animals might use the chapel if things turn rough. |
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Belstone has a very active amateur dramatic group, whose annual pantomimes, in particular, draw crowds from far and wide. The old telegraph office (below with the red phone box) used to be the nicest Post Office around, with a glorious 'muppet' dog who would stand up behind the counter to greet you. Alas, this is no more, but the Post Office has moved to the village hall. Doesn't the seat, located in the church graveyard, look really inviting? |
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