Buckfastleigh, Devon
This little town in Devon dates back to the 11th century, and is perhaps better known because of its proximity to Buckfast Abbey where a community of self-sufficient Benedictine monks still live. But it’s rather a sweet little town to visit, so stop off if you have time when you visit the abbey; stroll through the narrow streets, browse the shops, find somewhere for lunch or a slice of cake – the Singing Kettle is very good and the Abbey Inn beside the River Dart is a wonderful spot.
From the station you can catch a steam train on the South Devon Railway for a ride along the beautiful Dart Valley to Totnes; right next to the station is Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary.