Sports & Leisure

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

The area around Moretonhampstead is ideal for bird watching. Three locations in particular (Kennick Reservoir, Mardon Down and Butterdon Down) offer excellent opportunities to see a wide range of native and migratory birds. A guide to bird watching in the area is available from the Moretonhampstead Information Centre.

The area around Moretonhampstead is ideal for bird watching. Three locations in particular (Kennick Reservoir, Mardon Down and Butterdon Down) offer excellent opportunities to see a wide range of native and migratory birds. A guide to bird watching in the area is available from the Moretonhampstead Information Centre.


Climbing

Climbing

The area surrounding Moretonhampstead provides wonderful opportunities to climb. Many of the granite tors that pepper Dartmoor National Park offer both challenging routes and exciting bouldering challenges for beginners and experienced climbers. There are instructors and courses dotted around Dartmoor; ask at Moretonhampstead Information Centre for more details.

The area surrounding Moretonhampstead provides wonderful opportunities to climb. Many of the granite tors that pepper Dartmoor National Park offer both challenging routes and exciting bouldering challenges for beginners and experienced climbers. There are instructors and courses dotted around Dartmoor; ask at Moretonhampstead Information Centre for more details.


Cycling

Cycle Hire

Nearest bike hire centres are at Okehampton to access the beautiful, family friendly Granite Way route over the high moor.

www.devoncyclehire.co.uk

Ebike tours of Dartmoor can be arranged through a company based in Holne, and is a great way to explore the eastern side of Dartmoor.

www.dartmoorwalksthisway.co.uk

Nearest bike hire centres are at Okehampton to access the beautiful, family friendly Granite Way route over the high moor.

www.devoncyclehire.co.uk

Ebike tours of Dartmoor can be arranged through a company based in Holne, and is a great way to explore the eastern side of Dartmoor.

www.dartmoorwalksthisway.co.uk


Cycle Repair

The Moretonhampstead Information Centre stocks a few basic essentials for cyclists such as inner tubes. If you have a more serious problem, Frank Williams is a Level 3 Cycle Mechanic who can fix your bike and get you quickly back on the road. 

The Moretonhampstead Information Centre stocks a few basic essentials for cyclists such as inner tubes. If you have a more serious problem, Frank Williams is a Level 3 Cycle Mechanic who can fix your bike and get you quickly back on the road. 

T  07717 046064
W  www.chagfordbikefixer.com


Cycling on Dartmoor

Moretonhampstead is an ideal centre for cycling on or off road, surrounded by a network of quiet lanes and a superb range of bridleways and byways. The hilly terrain can be quite demanding but the spectacular views will reward your effort. Whether you enjoy hard days in the saddle, touring, off-road riding, or family cycling both on or off-road, Dartmoor has it all. We are also an overnight destination on three of the Land's End to John O'Groats Cycle routes and offer a warm welcome to all cyclists who have completed another challenging stretch of their journey.

We've uploaded details for five of our favourite cycle routes, for you to enjoy ...

https://visitmoretonhampstead.co.uk/uploads/assets/Cycle_Route_1.pdf

https://visitmoretonhampstead.co.uk/uploads/assets/Cycle_Route_2.pdf

https://visitmoretonhampstead.co.uk/uploads/assets/Cycle_Route_3.pdf

https://visitmoretonhampstead.co.uk/uploads/assets/Cycle_Route_4.pdf

https://visitmoretonhampstead.co.uk/uploads/assets/Cycle_Route_5.pdf

Moretonhampstead is an ideal centre for cycling on or off road, surrounded by a network of quiet lanes and a superb range of bridleways and byways. The hilly terrain can be quite demanding but the spectacular views will reward your effort. Whether you enjoy hard days in the saddle, touring, off-road riding, or family cycling both on or off-road, Dartmoor has it all. We are also an overnight destination on three of the Land's End to John O'Groats Cycle routes and offer a warm welcome to all cyclists who have completed another challenging stretch of their journey.

We've uploaded details for five of our favourite cycle routes, for you to enjoy ...

https://visitmoretonhampstead.co.uk/uploads/assets/Cycle_Route_1.pdf

https://visitmoretonhampstead.co.uk/uploads/assets/Cycle_Route_2.pdf

https://visitmoretonhampstead.co.uk/uploads/assets/Cycle_Route_3.pdf

https://visitmoretonhampstead.co.uk/uploads/assets/Cycle_Route_4.pdf

https://visitmoretonhampstead.co.uk/uploads/assets/Cycle_Route_5.pdf


Dartmoor Classic

The Dartmoor Classic Sportive, organised and run by the Mid-Devon Cycling Club, is open to 4,000 cyclists, making it the largest cycling challenge in the South West of England. Established in 2007, the Dartmoor Classic has gained a reputation for being one of the best Cycle Sportives in the UK, attracting cyclists from around the world. Moretonhampstead welcomes and supports the cyclists through town each year, and provides some excellent viewing points for any spectators.

The Dartmoor Classic Sportive, organised and run by the Mid-Devon Cycling Club, is open to 4,000 cyclists, making it the largest cycling challenge in the South West of England. Established in 2007, the Dartmoor Classic has gained a reputation for being one of the best Cycle Sportives in the UK, attracting cyclists from around the world. Moretonhampstead welcomes and supports the cyclists through town each year, and provides some excellent viewing points for any spectators.


Dartmoor Way

The Dartmoor Way Cycle Route is a 95 mile-long circular route, which winds its way around the natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park, linking hamlets, villages and towns along its length. The well-signed Dartmoor Way Cycle Route follows quiet Devon lanes and minor roads, and uses traffic-free cycle tracks wherever possible. Cyclists will discover full days of pedalling, and wonderful places to stay a while, and explore.

The Dartmoor Way Cycle Route is a 95 mile-long circular route, which winds its way around the natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park, linking hamlets, villages and towns along its length. The well-signed Dartmoor Way Cycle Route follows quiet Devon lanes and minor roads, and uses traffic-free cycle tracks wherever possible. Cyclists will discover full days of pedalling, and wonderful places to stay a while, and explore.


Devon Coast to Coast

This coast to coast route combines the beaches and estuaries of North Devon with the lush green valleys of evocative West Country rivers. The route from north to south coast follows traffic free cycle paths, backroads and cycle lanes as it winds through rolling countryside, over historic railway viaducts, through tunnels and skirts the boundary of Dartmoor National Park. It is largely flat and traffic free.

You can pick up routes 27 and 3 from Okehampton, 11 miles from Moretonhampstead, at the Granite Way, a beautiful family friendly, gentle off road route that skirts Dartmoor. Drakes Trail, a 21 mile route from Tavistock to Plymouth is another off road route through spectacular countryside.

Moretonhampstead Information Centre has all the information you require.

This coast to coast route combines the beaches and estuaries of North Devon with the lush green valleys of evocative West Country rivers. The route from north to south coast follows traffic free cycle paths, backroads and cycle lanes as it winds through rolling countryside, over historic railway viaducts, through tunnels and skirts the boundary of Dartmoor National Park. It is largely flat and traffic free.

You can pick up routes 27 and 3 from Okehampton, 11 miles from Moretonhampstead, at the Granite Way, a beautiful family friendly, gentle off road route that skirts Dartmoor. Drakes Trail, a 21 mile route from Tavistock to Plymouth is another off road route through spectacular countryside.

Moretonhampstead Information Centre has all the information you require.


Granite and Gears

The town has benefited from funding from the Devon County Council Granite and Gears Fund to improve cycling infrastructure. The town is amply provided with cycle parking facilities at our outdoor swimming pool, Sports and Community Centre, Arts and Heritage Centre and Motor Museum.

The town has benefited from funding from the Devon County Council Granite and Gears Fund to improve cycling infrastructure. The town is amply provided with cycle parking facilities at our outdoor swimming pool, Sports and Community Centre, Arts and Heritage Centre and Motor Museum.


Mountain Biking

There are plenty of mountain biking opportunities on Dartmoor. You can cycle across moorland, amongst the granite and along forest trails. The options are varied and exciting, and there's something for every age and ability. Haldon Forest offers bike hire and graded trails for all ages and abilities. Popular starting points on Dartmoor are at Postbridge and Princetown, but even closer to Moretonhampstead is a stunning technical trail at North Bovey leading to Lustleigh Cleave.

There are plenty of mountain biking opportunities on Dartmoor. You can cycle across moorland, amongst the granite and along forest trails. The options are varied and exciting, and there's something for every age and ability. Haldon Forest offers bike hire and graded trails for all ages and abilities. Popular starting points on Dartmoor are at Postbridge and Princetown, but even closer to Moretonhampstead is a stunning technical trail at North Bovey leading to Lustleigh Cleave.


Golf

Bovey Castle

Moretonhampstead's nearest golf course is located at Bovey Castle.

The golf course at Bovey Castle is a challenging and beautiful 18-hole championship course, designed in 1926 by J F Abercromby, one of the finest British golf course designers of the last century. When the course opened in 1930, it quickly gained national acclaim for its reputation as one of the most enjoyable places to play golf.  

Designed to rival its sister courses at Gleneagles and Turnberry, this course has been described as an experience of golf never to be forgotten, presenting the pure challenge of golf to professional and amateur alike. The course meanders through the hotel estate, surrounded by idyllic landscape and challenges to meet any handicap.

Bovey Castle also offers a fully-equipped club house, driving range, golf academy and bistro for pre and post match meals and snacks.

Moretonhampstead's nearest golf course is located at Bovey Castle.

The golf course at Bovey Castle is a challenging and beautiful 18-hole championship course, designed in 1926 by J F Abercromby, one of the finest British golf course designers of the last century. When the course opened in 1930, it quickly gained national acclaim for its reputation as one of the most enjoyable places to play golf.  

Designed to rival its sister courses at Gleneagles and Turnberry, this course has been described as an experience of golf never to be forgotten, presenting the pure challenge of golf to professional and amateur alike. The course meanders through the hotel estate, surrounded by idyllic landscape and challenges to meet any handicap.

Bovey Castle also offers a fully-equipped club house, driving range, golf academy and bistro for pre and post match meals and snacks.

T  01647 445009
E  golf@boveycastle.com
W  www.boveycastle.com/golf


Play areas

Skatepark

Come and visit the Moretonhampstead Skate Park. Situated at the far end of the playing fields by the Sports and Community Centre on the North Bovey Road, it provides concrete and skatelite park with ramps, quarter pipes and fun boxes. Suitable for all age-groups and abilities. No entry charges, always open.

Come and visit the Moretonhampstead Skate Park. Situated at the far end of the playing fields by the Sports and Community Centre on the North Bovey Road, it provides concrete and skatelite park with ramps, quarter pipes and fun boxes. Suitable for all age-groups and abilities. No entry charges, always open.

North Bovey Road
Moretonhampstead
Devon
TQ13 8NZ


Sports and Community Centre

The play area at the Sports and Community Centre offers a varied selection of play and activity equipment, included a rope climbing pyramid. It overlooks the recreation field, and is near to the Skatepark.

The play area at the Sports and Community Centre offers a varied selection of play and activity equipment, included a rope climbing pyramid. It overlooks the recreation field, and is near to the Skatepark.

North Bovey Road
Moretonhampstead
Devon
TQ13 8NZ


The Sentry

The Sentry is located adjacent to St Andrew's church, is Moretonhampstead's main outdoor communal space, and is particularly popular with families and dog walkers. It has lovely views over to Mardon Down and Hingston Rock. Recently installed, at the top of the field is the fenced play area which offers safe, modern, adventure-based play equipment to inspire young minds and encourage physical confidence.

The Sentry is located adjacent to St Andrew's church, is Moretonhampstead's main outdoor communal space, and is particularly popular with families and dog walkers. It has lovely views over to Mardon Down and Hingston Rock. Recently installed, at the top of the field is the fenced play area which offers safe, modern, adventure-based play equipment to inspire young minds and encourage physical confidence.


Running

Parke Run

Parke Run takes place every Saturday at 9am in the Parke Estate near Bovey Tracey. It’s a 5km run that is part of the Parkrun organisation, so if you are signed up for it, don’t forget your barcode and enjoy a fabulous course against the clock.

Parke Run takes place every Saturday at 9am in the Parke Estate near Bovey Tracey. It’s a 5km run that is part of the Parkrun organisation, so if you are signed up for it, don’t forget your barcode and enjoy a fabulous course against the clock.


Running Events

We love a bit of a run here on Dartmoor. There are many opportunities to join in with the running community throughout the year and enjoy our inspiring surroundings. For starters, at most Village Fairs - in our area the North Bovey Fair and Lustleigh Show - there will be a 5k or 10k run. If hills are your thing, then the Chagford Two Hills Race is a popular event and the Drogo 10k offers a stunning route through the Castle Drogo estate. There are also organised Trail Events and Wild Running courses throughout Dartmoor. Ask at the Information Centre for further details. 

We love a bit of a run here on Dartmoor. There are many opportunities to join in with the running community throughout the year and enjoy our inspiring surroundings. For starters, at most Village Fairs - in our area the North Bovey Fair and Lustleigh Show - there will be a 5k or 10k run. If hills are your thing, then the Chagford Two Hills Race is a popular event and the Drogo 10k offers a stunning route through the Castle Drogo estate. There are also organised Trail Events and Wild Running courses throughout Dartmoor. Ask at the Information Centre for further details. 


Sports & Community Centre

Moretonhampstead Sports and Community Centre

Moretonhampstead Sports and Community Centre offers a broad range of community, sporting, social and health activities and services. We work alongside many groups and organisations within the community, such as the Health Centre, to offer a unique GP Referral Scheme. We are community led and run, relying on a group of volunteers who manage and resource our prestigious building and maintain our facilities to a high standard. There are many fitness opportunities here at the Centre including spinning classes, badminton sessions, pilates and yoga classes, circuit training and a fully equipped gym. Timetables are available on our website, alongside news and updates regarding our offerings.

Moretonhampstead Sports and Community Centre offers a broad range of community, sporting, social and health activities and services. We work alongside many groups and organisations within the community, such as the Health Centre, to offer a unique GP Referral Scheme. We are community led and run, relying on a group of volunteers who manage and resource our prestigious building and maintain our facilities to a high standard. There are many fitness opportunities here at the Centre including spinning classes, badminton sessions, pilates and yoga classes, circuit training and a fully equipped gym. Timetables are available on our website, alongside news and updates regarding our offerings.

North Bovey Road
Moretonhampstead
Devon
TQ13 8NZ

T  01647 440107
W  www.moretonhampstead-devon.co.uk


Sports Clubs

Moretonhampstead Cricket Club

MCC's playing members are all from the local area, but we are always pleased to welcome new players into our friendly and social side. Practice and coaching sessions are held from April through to September subject to weather and lighting conditions, and are free to all members. Friendly matches are generally held on Wednesday evenings against local and visiting clubs. Contact MCC Chairman Jon White for more information.

MCC's playing members are all from the local area, but we are always pleased to welcome new players into our friendly and social side. Practice and coaching sessions are held from April through to September subject to weather and lighting conditions, and are free to all members. Friendly matches are generally held on Wednesday evenings against local and visiting clubs. Contact MCC Chairman Jon White for more information.

T  01647 440584


Moretonhampstead Football Club

Moretonhampstead Association Football Club has been established since 1904 and plays in the South Devon Football League. The home matches are played at King George V Sport Centre and the club welcomes all new recruits and supporters. For details contact Ryan Bond or visit the Moretonhampstead Football Club Facebook page.

Moretonhampstead Association Football Club has been established since 1904 and plays in the South Devon Football League. The home matches are played at King George V Sport Centre and the club welcomes all new recruits and supporters. For details contact Ryan Bond or visit the Moretonhampstead Football Club Facebook page.

T  07538 692026


Moretonhampstead Tennis Club

Moretonhampstead has three all-weather tennis courts with floodlighting. Situated at the Playing Fields next to the Sports and Community Centre on the North Bovey Road. Tennis club evenings on Mondays from 6pm and Thursdays from 7pm. All welcome to come along and join in, coaching available. Contact Miles Thompson for more information. You can also book through the Sports and Community Centre.

Moretonhampstead has three all-weather tennis courts with floodlighting. Situated at the Playing Fields next to the Sports and Community Centre on the North Bovey Road. Tennis club evenings on Mondays from 6pm and Thursdays from 7pm. All welcome to come along and join in, coaching available. Contact Miles Thompson for more information. You can also book through the Sports and Community Centre.

North Bovey Road
Moretonhampstead
Devon
TQ13 8NZ

T  01647 440600


Swimming

Moretonhampstead Swimming Pool

Moretonhampstead Swimming Pool is open from May through to September. Our fabulous 25m outdoor pool is solar heated so you can swim comfortably even when the sun is hiding behind the clouds.

The pool offers a grassed social area, a small toddler pool, and a timetable that offers a daily general swim for all, lane swimming, aqua fit sessions, swimming lessons, technique coaching, and water polo. Each season we try to introduce new opportunities for improving fitness and confidence in the water. The pool is also available for hire.

Run by volunteers, we are always happy to hear from anyone who would like to become a life guard or volunteer time on reception. Please get in touch if you are interested. For more information about opening times, sessions and ticket prices visit our website, and we are also on Facebook.

You can look at this season's timetable here

We look forward to welcoming you to our pool!

Moretonhampstead Swimming Pool is open from May through to September. Our fabulous 25m outdoor pool is solar heated so you can swim comfortably even when the sun is hiding behind the clouds.

The pool offers a grassed social area, a small toddler pool, and a timetable that offers a daily general swim for all, lane swimming, aqua fit sessions, swimming lessons, technique coaching, and water polo. Each season we try to introduce new opportunities for improving fitness and confidence in the water. The pool is also available for hire.

Run by volunteers, we are always happy to hear from anyone who would like to become a life guard or volunteer time on reception. Please get in touch if you are interested. For more information about opening times, sessions and ticket prices visit our website, and we are also on Facebook.

You can look at this season's timetable here

We look forward to welcoming you to our pool!

Base of Court Street Car Park
Court Street
Moretonhampstead
Devon
TQ13 8LG

T  01647 440276
E  moretonpool@hotmail.com
W  www.moretonpool.co.uk


Chagford Swimming Pool

Chagford Swimming Pool is an open air, river fed public pool, set on the banks of the Teign. The pool is open from late May until early September each year.

Chagford Swimming Pool is an open air, river fed public pool, set on the banks of the Teign. The pool is open from late May until early September each year.


River Swimming

If you prefer a swim in the great outdoors, the local area offers plenty of stunning opportunities to do so. A couple of miles away the Teign offers many an opportunity to have fun in the water with the Salmon Leap below Castle Drogo or further afield there is the Shilley Pool, Meldon Quarry, Mel Tor and Holne Pool.

If you prefer a swim in the great outdoors, the local area offers plenty of stunning opportunities to do so. A couple of miles away the Teign offers many an opportunity to have fun in the water with the Salmon Leap below Castle Drogo or further afield there is the Shilley Pool, Meldon Quarry, Mel Tor and Holne Pool.


Walking

Dartmoor Way

The Dartmoor Way is a 90 mile circular route around Dartmoor linking hamlets, villages and towns with a variety of scenery including wild upland, sheltered valleys and quiet lanes. Two routes exist, one for walkers and the other for cyclists. The walkers' route is coincident with the Tarka Trail between Sticklepath and Okehampton and with the West Devon Way between Okehampton and Tavistock, and is shown on OS mapping. Call into Moretonhampstead Information Centre for maps and advice.

The Dartmoor Way is a 90 mile circular route around Dartmoor linking hamlets, villages and towns with a variety of scenery including wild upland, sheltered valleys and quiet lanes. Two routes exist, one for walkers and the other for cyclists. The walkers' route is coincident with the Tarka Trail between Sticklepath and Okehampton and with the West Devon Way between Okehampton and Tavistock, and is shown on OS mapping. Call into Moretonhampstead Information Centre for maps and advice.


Geocaching

Geocaching is an anytime, anywhere outdoor adventure. A treasure hunt for the modern digital generation, using GPS and smartphone technology. To find out about caches within Dartmoor National Park log onto the international geocaching website. Registration is free. Download the co-ordinates for your geocache, or enter them into your GPS receiver. Then use the OS28 Ordinance Survey map to check your route and away you go!

Geocaching is an anytime, anywhere outdoor adventure. A treasure hunt for the modern digital generation, using GPS and smartphone technology. To find out about caches within Dartmoor National Park log onto the international geocaching website. Registration is free. Download the co-ordinates for your geocache, or enter them into your GPS receiver. Then use the OS28 Ordinance Survey map to check your route and away you go!


Letterboxing

Letter boxes; small weather proof containers with a small stamp and notebook inside; are hidden in various places across Dartmoor. The boxes are found by clues printed in a catalogue or on a website. Letter boxing combines problem solving, map reading and orienteering and is fun outdoor activity for all ages.

Letter boxes; small weather proof containers with a small stamp and notebook inside; are hidden in various places across Dartmoor. The boxes are found by clues printed in a catalogue or on a website. Letter boxing combines problem solving, map reading and orienteering and is fun outdoor activity for all ages.


Moorland Guides

Moorland Guides were set up when Dartmoor National Park shed their walks program, we consist of about 25 guides all familiar with Dartmoor and beyond. We guide for local hotels or individuals and can cater for your needs be it a couple of hours or a week, night walks can be catered for. Contact us on our website.

Moorland Guides were set up when Dartmoor National Park shed their walks program, we consist of about 25 guides all familiar with Dartmoor and beyond. We guide for local hotels or individuals and can cater for your needs be it a couple of hours or a week, night walks can be catered for. Contact us on our website.


Moreton Ramblers Club

On summer evenings and on alternate Sunday mornings throughout the winter months, local rambler Gary Cox leads moderately or easy graded walks around Moretonhampstead and the surrounding moorland. The walks average about 5 miles (8km), and as their name suggests, are suitable for all abilities. All are welcome. The walks are usually free of charge, but there is a small fee when the community bus is hired for the more wide ranging walks.

Anyone can join in, but please note that everyone walks at their own risk. Just turn up on the day or to book a place on the walk in advance please contact the Moretonhampstead Visitor Centre. Notices confirming details of each walk are placed at the Information Centre and a Public noticeboard in The Square on the week prior to the walk. Due to unforeseen circumstances the walks can sometimes change so please check on poster in the Tourist Information Centre the week before in case of any alterations.

On summer evenings and on alternate Sunday mornings throughout the winter months, local rambler Gary Cox leads moderately or easy graded walks around Moretonhampstead and the surrounding moorland. The walks average about 5 miles (8km), and as their name suggests, are suitable for all abilities. All are welcome. The walks are usually free of charge, but there is a small fee when the community bus is hired for the more wide ranging walks.

Anyone can join in, but please note that everyone walks at their own risk. Just turn up on the day or to book a place on the walk in advance please contact the Moretonhampstead Visitor Centre. Notices confirming details of each walk are placed at the Information Centre and a Public noticeboard in The Square on the week prior to the walk. Due to unforeseen circumstances the walks can sometimes change so please check on poster in the Tourist Information Centre the week before in case of any alterations.

T  01647 440043


Walking on Dartmoor

If you enjoy exploring and experiencing the beauty and wildness of Dartmoor National Park, the ideal centre for walking is Moretonhampstead. A network of footpaths and bridleways criss-cross the beautiful surrounding moorland, providing a wide variety of walks of to suit every ability. From family rambles and casual strolls to the more strenuous gradients and wilderness walking that test your map reading and orienteering skills.

All you need is sturdy footwear and an OS Outdoor Leisure Map 28, which covers all of Dartmoor at 2.5 ins. to 1 mile (4cm = 1km). Both OS Map 28 and the Walk Local booklet are available from Moretonhampstead Visitor Information Centre.

If you enjoy exploring and experiencing the beauty and wildness of Dartmoor National Park, the ideal centre for walking is Moretonhampstead. A network of footpaths and bridleways criss-cross the beautiful surrounding moorland, providing a wide variety of walks of to suit every ability. From family rambles and casual strolls to the more strenuous gradients and wilderness walking that test your map reading and orienteering skills.

All you need is sturdy footwear and an OS Outdoor Leisure Map 28, which covers all of Dartmoor at 2.5 ins. to 1 mile (4cm = 1km). Both OS Map 28 and the Walk Local booklet are available from Moretonhampstead Visitor Information Centre.


Moretonhampstead at-a-glance

accommodation

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accommodation

Food & Drink

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Food & Drink

Open Studios

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Open Studios

swimming pool

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swimming pool

sports centre

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sports centre

Tourist Information Centre

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Tourist Information Centre

music day

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music day

flag festival

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flag festival

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