Bucket List Alert: Dive into the Storybook Village of Lustleigh, England

① A Village Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

Lustleigh in England is hailed as one of the most beautiful villages in Dartmoor. Most of Dartmoor is designated as a national park, boasting a pristine natural environment.

Lustleigh is a small village in the Wray Valley within Dartmoor National Park in Devon, England. Lustleigh enchants visitors with its array of traditional houses and the gentle River Bovey flows. To the village’s west lies Lustleigh Cleave, a ridge offering fantastic views of Dartmoor’s sprawling landscape.

Visitors can take in the grandeur of the strangely steep valleys and gorges all at once. The view from the top is truly breathtaking.

Hunter’s Tor stands at the northern end of Lustleigh Cleave, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Just walking down the narrow alleyways is a charming experience in itself.

Once a 15th-century farmhouse, the Cleave Public House is a great place to enjoy a refreshing drink or coffee. Meanwhile, the Primrose Tea Room, nestled amidst lush lawns, is also a wonderful place to relax with a cup of tea.

② A Popular Tourist Spot in England

Near the village is a public park called “Orchard.” This public park houses a massive Mayday Rock engraved with the names of all May Queens selected during the annual Lustleigh May Day festival.

Since 1905, a traditional festival that has been held almost every year. When the festival begins, Lustleigh transforms into a miniature fairground, teeming with games, delectable food stalls, and lively dancing.

The event’s highlight is the crowning of the year’s May Queen, adding to the festive fervor.

The annual Lustleigh Village Show is held on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Despite its modest population of 600 residents, the village experiences a remarkable visitor surge, swelling to 4,500—an eightfold increase from its usual numbers. Hundreds of visitors flock to the town.

Like many idyllic places across the UK, Lustleigh first started attracting outbound tourists when the railway began operating in 1886. At its peak, the village boasted two operational train stations, but both have closed. The fact that such a small village had two train stations is quite surprising.

When the railway closed in 1964, part of the track became a walking trail. This has become a special walking trail known among travelers. The steep, forested valley surrounding the trail is considered one of Dartmoor’s premier hiking destinations.

③ Adding to the Atmosphere: Quaint Cottages

The fairy-tale-like atmosphere of Lustleigh is due in part to the many cottages built dating back to the pre-16th century era. These hard-to-find cottages feel as if they were specially designed for enchanting tourist experiences.

The nearest train station to Lustleigh is Newton Abbot, a 2-hour and 50-minute train ride from London Paddington. Upon arrival, a short 30-minute bus ride is required to reach the village. If traveling by car, Lustleigh is conveniently accessible via a scenic 2-hour drive from Bristol.

There are many guesthouses in and around the village, offering a range of accommodation options.
Among these are opportunities to experience a day’s stay in a traditional cottage. A stay in one of these historic cottages following a tour of Lustleigh promises a truly memorable and enchanting experience in England.