Ashburton: A quiet town with plenty to do

Nestled on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon is the quiet town of Ashburton.

Those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life may want to consider property for sale in Ashburton as, although it is the largest town within the National Park, it only has a population of around 3,500.

People who like to head out in the evening will enjoy the town centre's six pubs and two restaurants.

There are a number of schools and colleges in and around Ashburton, including Sands School, South Dartmoor Community College, Ilsington C of E Primary School and Landscove C of E Primary School.

At South Dartmoor Community College, some 64 per cent of students who sat their GCSE's last year achieved five or more A* - C grades.

There are a number of things to see and do in Ashburton, including churches, a museum, St Lawrence Chapel, family attractions, short walks and clubs and societies.

The Ashburton museum is located in the centre of the town, next door to Lloyds Bank in a building which was once a brush factory.

Visitors can view a unique collection of items of local interest as well as North American Indian artefacts.

St Lawrence Chapel is one of the oldest buildings in the town. Originally, it was a private chapel for the Bishop of Exeter, but it was then given to the town in 1314.

The chapel is now used as a Heritage Centre throughout the summer season and many community events are held there.

Those who enjoy outdoor activities can head to River Dart Adventures, which is situated one mile from the centre of Ashburton.

Open from Easter to September, it is set in 90 acres of parkland and contains adventure playgrounds, canoeing lakes, an indoor climbing wall, a zip wire, tree houses and swings.

Animal lovers can head to the Buckfast Butterflies & Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary, which is just over three miles from the centre of Ashburton.