Finch Foundry in Sticklepath, on the northern edge of Dartmoor, is the last working water-powered forge in England, run in the 19th century by the Finch family and at its peak turning out around 400 edge tools a day. Entry is by guided tour, taking in the gallery, launder, forge and carpenter's workshop, with the waterwheels still driving massive hammers, giant shears and a huge sharpening stone. Outside are a cottage garden, a free second-hand bookshop in the roundhouse and a short walk along the River Taw. Dogs on leads are welcome, though the machinery is loud. Reviewers say the tour brings the story to life and seeing the old machines work is the highlight. Tips from visitors: book a tour place; the car park entrance is a narrow archway 2.3 metres high and 2 metres wide, so campervans will not fit; and there is no cafe on site, but a pub and village shop stand across the road.
