Tiverton Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Tiverton Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Tiverton packs plenty of attractions into a compact area. Knightshayes Court (EX16 7RQ) is the standout with its Gothic Revival architecture and 50 acres of gardens. Open daily 10am-5pm, it scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor from over 1,400 reviews. The gardens are particularly impressive with woodland walks and walled kitchen gardens.

The Grand Western Canal Country Park runs for 11 miles with flat, accessible towpaths. You can walk sections or hire bikes from Tiverton Canal Co (EX16 4HX). Their horse-drawn barge trips run April-October and get 5/5 on TripAdvisor. Pack your camera for the limestone aqueduct at Halberton.

Tiverton Castle (EX16 6RP) opens Sunday-Thursday afternoons between Easter and October. This 900-year-old fortress has Civil War muskets, medieval armour and beautiful walled gardens. It's small but fascinating and scores 4.5/5 from visitors.

Bickleigh Mill (EX16 8RG) combines shopping, eating and river walks just 4 miles from town. The 18th century watermill houses craft shops, a restaurant and lovely riverside gardens. Open daily 10am-5pm with free parking.

Pet Friendly

Many Tiverton cottages welcome dogs, often with enclosed gardens where they can play safely while you enjoy your hot tub. The Grand Western Canal towpath offers 11 miles of off-lead walking with several dog-friendly pubs en route including The Globe Inn (EX16 4LB) which provides water bowls and treats.

Knightshayes welcomes dogs in the gardens and woodland but not inside the house. Their on-site café has outdoor seating where dogs can join you. Tiverton Pannier Market (EX16 6LU) runs Tuesday-Saturday and most stallholders are happy to meet four-legged visitors.

For off-lead fun, try Amory Park (EX16 5AJ) which has a dedicated dog exercise area. The Fisherman's Cot pub (EX16 7RH) beside Bickleigh Bridge not only welcomes dogs but has spectacular riverside gardens where they can join you for meals.

Pack towels for muddy paws after walks - Devon's red soil stains easily! The Tiverton Veterinary Practice (EX16 6LU) handles emergencies if needed.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Tiverton

The Grand Western Canal horse-drawn barge trip is Tiverton's most unique experience. The 2.5-hour journey aboard a 75-foot-long traditional canal boat pulled by a heavy horse is genuinely special. The pace is wonderfully slow and the skipper shares fascinating canal history throughout. One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "Watching our beautiful horse Taffy pull us along while ducks and swans followed was magical - even our teenagers put their phones down!"

Knightshayes Court shouldn't be missed. This extraordinary Victorian Gothic Revival mansion was designed by William Burges and feels like something from a Tim Burton film. The interiors are packed with quirky details including carved animal faces hiding in the woodwork. The kitchen garden supplies the excellent café and the woodland has some of Britain's tallest trees. A recent visitor noted: "We spent 4 hours here and could have stayed longer - the gardens alone are worth the trip."

Tiverton's Pannier Market dates back to 1609 and still runs five days weekly. Unlike many modernised markets, this maintains its traditional character with local producers selling everything from Devon cheeses to handmade crafts. The food stalls are excellent - try the award-winning pies from Tiverton Pie Company. The market connects to the historic Gold Street with independent shops in buildings dating back to the 16th century.

When is the best time to visit Tiverton?

May to September offers the best weather for enjoying your hot tub. Tiverton's Mid Devon Show happens in late July, while the Canal Festival runs in May. October brings beautiful autumn colours to Knightshayes' woodlands. Winter visits mean quieter attractions but some seasonal closures.

Do I need a car in Tiverton?

While the town centre is walkable, a car is recommended for exploring the surrounding countryside and reaching more remote cottages. Tiverton Parkway station is 7 miles from town with taxis available. Local buses serve Exeter (30 minutes) and surrounding villages.

What's Tiverton's food scene like?

The town punches above its weight with excellent independent restaurants. Elsie May's (EX16 6LU) serves outstanding cakes and local produce. The Oak Room (EX16 6SQ) offers fine dining in a 17th-century building. Don't miss the Sunday farmers' market for picnic supplies to enjoy back at your cottage.

Is Tiverton suitable for children?

Yes! The canal offers duck feeding and boat trips, while Devon Railway Centre (EX16 7QJ) has miniature train rides. Many cottages provide games and entertainment. Knightshayes has excellent family trails and natural play areas in the woods.

How far is the beach from Tiverton?

The closest beaches are at Exmouth and Sidmouth, both around 30 miles/45 minutes by car. The North Devon coast (Woolacombe, Croyde) takes about an hour but offers some of Britain's best surfing beaches.

Can I arrange grocery deliveries to my cottage?

Yes, Tiverton has Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury's all offering delivery to local postcodes. For local produce, Thornes Farm Shop (EX16 7QU) delivers hampers of Devon goods with advance booking.

1. Visit Mid Devon Official Tourism Site
2. Knightshayes Court National Trust
3. Tiverton Canal Co - Horse-Drawn Barge Trips
4. Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life
5. Grand Western Canal Country Park