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Great Torrington (or Torrington), the town on the River Torridge, is an ancient settlement sited on a cliff top with steep drops down to the River Torridge below. This impressive  situation was valued for its strategic importance during the Middle Ages and in later years the town was an important market town, serving a large surrounding area and being situated on the intersection of main routes to Exeter, Plymouth and Barnstaple. Glove making was also an important industry once employing 600 people, which developed amid the prosperous woollen trade and dates back to the 17th Century. Today the craft of glove making still continues amidst a range of modern industry.
Torrington today is a vibrant community, encircled on three sides by common land which was given to the town in the 12th Century and subsequently protected by an Act of Parliament in 1889. These 365 acres of Torrington Commons are the natural habitat for a rich variety of flora and fauna. Twenty miles of footpaths are described in a series of leaflets, which are available locally. A Town Trail leads the visitor through the history of the town detailing buildings, events and people of particular interest.
The 1646 Visitor Centre is a highly entertaining way to learn about 17th century life in the town with live re-enactors guiding you through the trials and tribulations of England during its only civil war.
Torrington is also the home of the famous Dartington Crystal, creators of hand made fine glassware. A Visitor Centre re-tells the history of glass making and guided tours of the factory enable the visitor to watch the highly skilled craftsmen blowing and shaping the crystal into beautiful designs, which are available to buy in the Factory Shop.
RHS Rosemoor is 40 stunning acres including woodland walks,herbaceous borders, a Winter Garden, three recently completed Model Gardens and an arboretum which houses an 18th century garden gazebo. Most spectacular are the 2000 roses, where 200 varieties create a magnificent display over the summer.
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