Hatherleigh lies 13 miles south of Great Torrington on the A386, an important market for agricultural produce and livestock, standing as it does on a major crossroads. The weekly influx of farming folk is well catered for by the nearby hostelries. The George Inn dates from the 15th century: it was originally a monk's residence, then converted to a coaching inn; the stone courtyard bears the traces of tracks left by the coaches as they rumbled under the archway; the place is well known for its good food advertised by a sign outside:

This statue is one of the loveliest pieces of modern sculpture I have seen. It is so true, not romanticised and yet realistic and honest. It stands at the entrance to the market area and has been vandalised more than once. This somehow epitomises the crime scene here in our part of the country, Whilst such moronic behaviour is to be deplored and it perpetrators to be pitied, it is somehow quite refreshing that, for the most part, the worst it gets, is a few hormone troubled individuals getting drunk and smashing windows or painting statues.

The cottages are pink and white under thatched roofs, with walls askew and small paned windows; the handful of shops in Market Street supply all the daily needs; on Bridge Street and Market Street are also a good selection of craft, antique and farm produce shops.

A ceramic plaque at the junction of Bridge Street and High Street commemorates Hatherleigh's 1,000 year anniversary, 981-1981; it illustrates the stepping stones of the town's progress: the bridge, the church, the market, industry and motor car. Named by the Saxons 'Haegporn Leah' meaning Hawthorn Glade, the town climbs the south-facing hillside above the River Lew, a tributary of the Torrldge, surrounded by unspoiled vistas of pastoral north-Devon countryside.