Tavistock in Devon – a renowned world heritage designated site – is preparing for new generations of visitors as part of a special group travel audit project.

Commissioned by Tavistock Heritage Trust as part of the Devon Elevation Fund, UK travel trade specialist company Steve Reed Tourism Ltd is taking stock of local attractions, accommodation providers, venues and tourism services with a view to encouraging coach and group travellers.

Seen as part of a wider initiative to further develop the heritage focussed tourism offer of Tavistock, it is thought that the historic town on the edge of Dartmoor National Park would be well positioned to welcome the additional spending power of coach passengers coming into Devon from such local destinations as Cornwall, the English Riviera and Plymouth.

‘Tavistock is a remarkable place and has a great track record of attracting visitors many of whom are keen to sample the rich heritage of the historic town,’ says Steve Reed. ‘We’re so pleased to have been asked to be involved in such an important and sustainable project – Tavistock has a wonderful array of often free attractions with a central hub of visitor information right next to the popular Pannier Market area. It’s clear that the town is easily accessible for groups and that is facilitated by free coach parking nearby. An amazing variety of high-quality specialist shops and eateries along with plenty of toilets and a largely flat and easy townscape offering for visitors make for the potential for a top Devon coach-stop.’

The Group Travel audit report will be submitted after a series of inspection visits and it is hoped that it will act as the trigger for many more group visits. An ancient stannary town and home of the cream tea, Tavistock is the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status.

Photo: Steve and Judith Reed of Steve Reed Tourism Ltd at the Bedford Hotel in Tavistock