The 900-Year-Old Tree of Devon: A Day Visit to Meavy

If you are looking to escape Plymouth for a day of nature and fresh air, the small Dartmoor village of Meavy makes for a straightforward day trip. Located just north of Plymouth past Yelverton, this quiet settlement is famous for being built around a massive, ancient oak tree that sits directly on the village green. Estimated to be around 900 years old, the Meavy Oak has a fascinating place in local history. It pre-dates the neighbouring 12th-century St Peter's Church, having served as a gathering site for preaching before the church was built, and legend has it that King Charles once hid inside its trunk while fleeing Oliver Cromwell's forces. Over the centuries, the tree hosted village feasts on a platform built atop its crown, and in the 19th century, local landladies famously hosted guests inside its hollow cavity. Today, supported by steel rods from a 1970s restoration, the ancient tree remains the true heart of the village alongside a young sapling grown from one of its own acorns.

Getting to Meavy from Plymouth is simple. Drivers can take the A386 towards Yelverton and either branch off down Meavy Lane or turn off at Dousland to drive past the local primary school right up to the green. Directly opposite the ancient tree stands The Royal Oak Inn, a historic 15th-century pub that has been continuously documented since 1510. Unusually, the building is owned by the local Burrator Parish Council—making it a rare parish-owned pub in England. It serves as a handy spot to relax after exploring the green, offering draught regional ales such as Jail Ale alongside food service across the week.

Beyond the village green, Meavy sits right on the doorstep of some of southern Dartmoor's best outdoor spots. Just over a mile up the road lies Burrator Reservoir, a expansive body of water surrounded by moorland and forest paths. Completed in 1898 and expanded in 1929 under Plymouth water engineer Edward Sandeman, the site features two historic dams—the granite Burrator Dam across the River Meavy and the earth-built Sheepstor Dam. The reservoir area is crisscrossed by easy walking routes, including a 1.5 km accessible wildlife trail through the Arboretum, and is ideal for spotting local wildlife like nuthatches, wood bats, and iconic Dartmoor ponies. The Burrator Discovery Centre offers context on how the dams were constructed, with route maps available for self-guided walks.

For those who want a longer walk or cycle, the area links directly into broader Dartmoor routes. Drake's Trail Walking Spur 2 runs a 4.7-mile route connecting Meavy to Burrator Reservoir, while nearby tors like Sheeps Tor and Leather Tor offer steep scrambles with wide views across the valley. Down at Cadover Bridge, the River Plym provides peaceful spots for picnics along the water. Whether you are interested in ancient trees, local engineering history, or simply a quiet moorland walk, Meavy provides a easy, varied day out just a short drive from the city.