Originally a woollen and market centre with two annual fairs, South Brent now lies within the boundaries of Dartmoor National Park. It is a thriving community with shops, public houses, businesses, school, village hall and community centre. Luscombe Maye is the main estate agent active in the village, offering property sales, lettings and agricultural professional services from its South Brent offices.

A railway station serving the village was opened on the South Devon Railway on 15 June 1848. It served as the junction for the branch line to Kingsbridge from 19 December 1893. Unfortunately the station closed in 1964, though for some years there has been a movement to reopen it in order to reduce commuter traffic on the roads.

Towns and Villages close to South Brent

Aish,  Ashburton, Avonwick, Badworthy, Bickham Bridge, Bittaford, Buckfast, Buckfastleigh, Burraton, Corntown, Cornwood, Dean, Deancombe, Dean Prior, Didworthy, Diptford, Fardell, Filham, Harbourneford, Harford, Higher Dean, Holne, Hunsdon, Ivybridge, Langbrook, Lincombe, Lower Dean, Lutton, Marjery Cross, Michelcombe, North Huish, Pear Tree, Rattery, Scorriton, Shipley Bridge, Strode, Ugborough, West Buckfastleigh, Westover, Woodlands (Ivybridge), Wrangaton.

Village History

The parish of South Brent includes the small hamlets of Aish, Charford, Harbourneford, Lutton, Diptford, Brent Mill, and many scattered farmhouses. On Brent Hill, the steep hill just outside the village from which it takes its name (Old English brant - steep), are the ruins of an ancient building, thought to have been a chapel, and of a windmill, built about 1790. On the high moorlands are many hut circles, enclosures, and barrows, all dating from the Bronze Age. The manor of Brent belonged to Buckfast Abbey from the time of the foundation of the abbey in the early 11th century and was bought at the Dissolution by Sir William Petre, a large receiver of monastic spoils in South Devon. The panoramic view from the top of the hill is one of the most impressive in the county.

The massive Norman tower of St Petroc's Church (now at the west end) was once, we believe, the central tower of a cruciform building, the west portion of which was demolished, perhaps in the early 14th century when the existing nave was rebuilt with two transepts. In the early 15th century these transepts were enlarged into aisles. The fine font, of red sandstone, is late 12th century in date, and is similar in style to others in neighbouring churches.

15th Century Crime in South Brent

On the south of the churchyard is the manor house, part of which is 15th century in date. In 1436 the vicar, the Rev John Hay, was dragged out of the church and murdered while officiating at divine service. The door through which he was taken has been walled up, though the old doorway is just visible.

Schools

South Brent primary school caters for approximately 250 children. The buildings are modern and replace the old school which is now a community centre. Secondary schools are found in Ivybridge and Totnes.

Famous Residents

The Dartmoor historian William Crossing (1847-1928) lived in the village from 1872 onwards.

Things to Do

South Brent is situated within easy reach of a number of local attractions, apart from the obvious beauty of the Moors and the South Devon coastline.

Avon Dam: Situated on Dartmoor, the reservoir is surrounded by open moorland. There is a one and a half mile walk along the river from the car park at Shipley Bridge to the dam.

Becky falls: High on Dartmoor, and enjoyed by generations of visitors since Victorian times, Becky Falls Woodland Park, with its huge oak canopy, rugged landscape, massive granite boulders and waterfalls, provides some of the most scenic and enjoyable walks in the south west as well as loads of fun for all the family throughout the seasons.

Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary: Here you will find a great, enjoyable, educational experience. Wander around the butterfly farm and see new butterflies emerge in tropical surroundings.

Canoe adventures: Come and paddle Europe's largest canoe along South Devon's rivers, estuaries and secret creeks with Canoe Adventures.

Dartmoor National park: The park is over 250 sq. miles of open moorland with a sprinkling of small villages, farms and river valleys. The Moor is bisected by two main roads into the Northern and Southern Moors. The Northern Moor is more isolated and austere but there are many lovely spots as you head towards South Brent.

Paignton Zoo: This internationally acclaimed environmental park is home to thousands of amazing animals and plants. Visit the desert, cross the savannah, explore the forest and trek through the tropics. Use your senses to discover the wild world: look around, listen out - you'll even need your sense of smell! It's a great day out for everyone.

Pennywell Farm: Come and experience the Pennywell magic at this multi award winning Farm Activity Park... the biggest in the South West! There's lots to do and see for the whole family... Ponies and piglets, slides, go-karts, quad bikes and train rides, eagles and owls, walks and mazes, goats and guinea pigs, reindeer and rides, hedgehogs and bunnies, trampolines and tractors, ice creams and a licensed restaurant. Every half an hour a new fun activity is started - join in, watch, learn and have fun, almost everything is included in the entry price and all the day's activities are on a notice board as you walk in.

Riverdart Country Park: Located in the Dartmoor National Park the River Dart Country Park has an award winning campsite and is open daily from Easter to the end of September for fun and adventurous days out for families. Set in 90 acres, with lakes, parkland and woods with the majestic River Dart flowing through the Park it is the ideal place to stay or visit. Children can run and play on the Pirate Ship lake and Adventure Playgrounds and the on-site facilities cater for everyone.

South Devon Railway: The South Devon Railway is one of Devon's and the West Country's best loved tourist attractions and is the longest established steam railway in the south west. It is a seven mile former Great Western Railway branch line, built in 1872, which runs along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. They run steam trains with heritage rolling stock and offer a wonderful all day attraction for families and people of all ages.

Woodlands: Woodlands Family Theme Park Devon provides a whole day of variety for all ages. One inclusive admission price to the family attraction includes incredible indoor centres, outdoor adventures, Zoo, Big Fun Farm and Falconry Centre. Set in beautiful countryside the 90 acre adventure park in Devon has 16 family rides, awesome indoor playcentres with rides and cafes plus a wide range of family attractions in 10 themed playzones. Rainy days can be happy days in one of the UK's biggest indoor playcentres with multiple slides, towering netclimbs, adventure play and 3 rides. More indoor fun in two ball blasting arenas and a Mirror Maze. Small childrens attractions are in exclusive play zones, discover two soft play centres for tinies, Circus playdrome and train.