Charming little village tucked inside a breathtaking national park that’s perfect for autumn adventures

This hidden gem is a beautiful little village that many people have never heard of, unless they live in South Devon.

This hidden treasure is the perfect place to visit in autumn, with its thatched cottages, winding lanes and peaceful charm making it feel like a step back in time.

Found within Dartmoor National Park, it is full of “timeless charm and natural beauty,” according to Visit South Devon.

It’s no surprise that the village often appears on lists of the prettiest places in the UK.

The area has been settled for thousands of years, with archaeologists finding remains of ancient stone huts showing that people lived here during the Stone Age.

Some historians believe Lustleigh was mentioned in the will of Alfred the Great under the name Suðeswyrðe, when he left the land to his youngest son, Æthelweard. It later appeared in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Sutreworde.

However, others think that Sutreworde might have been a different settlement nearby. Whatever the truth, there’s no doubt that Lustleigh’s history stretches back many centuries.

In the 1800s, the nearby village of Wrayland became part of Lustleigh, and the beautiful Grade II listed Wreyland Manor has remained an important landmark in the area ever since.

Visitors who want to explore Lustleigh’s rich history should stop by the charming church of St John the Baptist and the famous Primrose Tea Rooms.

The tea rooms sit inside one of the village’s old thatched buildings and are a favourite among visitors.

One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “Beautiful place to visit. Excellent food and service. Everything is of such high quality and so delicious. I can’t wait to come back again. The afternoon tea is fantastic!”

Another added: “It was my first visit and I was very impressed by the amazing service and the wonderful cream tea. The tea room was bright, welcoming and beautifully decorated.”

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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