Great Torrington, is the historic market town situated in the heart of North Devon. The centre of the Town is sited on Castle Hill which has steep drops down to the River Torridge, it is an ancient settlement which has always been valued for its strategic importance and is now highly valued for its spectacular views. Torrington also known as the Cavalier Town, owns the practically unchanged landscape captured by Henry Williamson in his novel Tarka the Otter 1927.

Great Torrington had a significant role in the English Civil War, specifically, the Battle of Great Torrington in 1646 which marked the end of the Royalist resistance in the West Country. This led to the eventual defeat and execution of King Charles 1.

Great Torrington today is a vibrant community and people in the town, proud of their heritage, can often be seen dressed in 17th century costume for re-enactments, festivals and celebrations or as volunteers at the popular "Torrington 1646" Visitor Attraction. Great Torrington also has a wealth of local independent shops who have come together with the aim of improving the experience of visiting Great Torrington.

Torrington is surrounded by common land. Torrington Commons covers 365 acres and has over 20 miles (30 km) of public rights of way. The landscape features a variety of habitats and a rich collection of flora and fauna. This land was donated to the town in 1194 by Baron Fitzrobert of Torrington. In 1889 the rights to this land were transferred to an elected Committee of Conservators.

Mayfair is a great social event in Torrington. An annual folk festival believed to date back to 1554, the children of Torrington dance around the maypole set up in the town square. The event takes place on the first Thursday in May. Every few years there is a bonfire night celebration that is second to none and then as Christmas approaches, a candlelit "Big Sing". During this and supporting this celebration the organisation the Torrington Cavaliers play a huge role in the community spirit of Torrington.

The Torrington Cavaliers, are an organisation of volunteers, renowned for their initiatives in providing one of Torrington's major attractions - their spectacular bonfires. This year thousands of spectators converged on the town for the 40th Anniversary of the Cavaliers when they burnt down a replica of Great Torrington Castle. The Torrington based group had spent the previous 18 months building the castle, which was burnt to the ground on the 28th August 2010.

Other attractions in Great Torrington include:

" The combined walking and cycle path, the Tarka Trail makes 32 miles of traffic free travel through the most picturesque countryside.

" Dartington Crystal: A unique Factory, Visitors Centre, Glass Shop and Restaurant of world famous Dartington Crystal.

" RHS Rosemoor Gardens.

" St Michael's, an Anglican Church grounds include a mound said to contain the remains of 60 Civil War Royalist prisoners.

" The Plough Arts Centre, a small theatre, cinema and art gallery.

" Torrington 1646 Visitor Centre celebrates the town's role in the Civil War through exhibitions and talks by guides dressed in period costume and using the language of the age.

" Great Torrington has a good selection of pubs selling good food and a selection of real ales. These include The Black Horse, Torrington Arms, The Cavalier, Newmarket, Globe and The Royal Exchange.

" Torrington enjoys lively twinning links with the French town of Roscoff in Northern Brittany.