With the help of donations and grant awards, the Council established a small skate park in Calf St next to the children’s play area. The facilities are well used by skaters and BMX bikers.
Also situated within the play area is a graffiti wall where artists may add their contribution.
This friendly, welcoming town, set in the heart of rolling, unspoilt green countryside, has become recognised as an important heritage centre for the history of the 17th century. Great Torrington had a significant role in the English Civil War, specifically, the Battle of Great Torrington in 1646 which marked the end of the Royalist resistance in the West Country. This led to the eventual defeat and execution of King Charles 1.
Great Torrington today is a vibrant community and people in the town, proud of their heritage, can often be seen dressed in 17th century costume for re-enactments, festivals and celebrations. Great Torrington, the town on the River Torridge, is an ancient settlement extraordinarily sited on a cliff top with steep drops down to the River Torridge below. This impressive situation has always been valued for its strategic importance; now it is valued for its spectacular views. The Torridge Valley lies in the very heart of Tarka Country. This wonderful landscape has remained practically unchanged since Henry Williamson found inspiration here to write his classic novel ‘Tarka the Otter’ in the 1920’s.
On the first Thursday in May the annual May Fair celebration takes place, first held in 1554, complete with the crowning of the May Queen plus Maypole and Floral dancing in the Town Square (see video below). The Fair culminates with the Carnival procession on the following Saturday night. Later in the year there is a week of entertainment by the town’s own Silver Band. Every few years during August Bank Holiday Weekend there is a charity bonfire event that is second to none and then as Christmas approaches, a candlelit “Big Sing”.
Please click here to visit the One Great Torrington website for more information about things to do and places to stay in Great Torrington
Great Torrington has superb hilltop location, giving extensive views up and down the Torridge valley.
There is a network of paths over the various parts of Torrington Common toward the town, providing many safe and enjoyable walking trails in and around the town.
Residents and visitors can walk 20 miles of footpaths, ranging from the golf course in the north; ancient wood and wild flower meadow in the west; and down to the river Torridge valley to the south of the town.
There is access from the Tarka trail for walkers. This part of the Tarka trail for cyclists is least well known but is the most peaceful and scenic stretch up to East Yarde and Meeth.
Please see the useful links below for information regarding the Tarka Trail, Torrington Commons and Cycle Hire.
http://www.tarkatrailguide.co.uk/
https://www.torringtoncommons.org/the-commons/walks-and-maps/