Despite the deeply rural atmosphere of the town, the A30 dual carriageway is only approximately 5 miles away, leading west to Cornwall and east to the University and cathedral city of Exeter with its wider range of amenities and private schools. From here there is access to the M5 motorway, mainline rail connections to London and an international airport. The central Devon regional centre of Okehampton is also easily accessible along the A30 where the additional facilities of three supermarkets, sports centre and cinema are available. Within the vicinity of Chagford lie the smaller villages of: 

Gidleigh - a small village which has a 15thC granite church and the remains of Gidleigh Castle, a late 13thC fortified manor. There is good walking out to the moor at Scorhill. Gidleigh is also the location of the world-renowned Gidleigh Park Country House Hotel. .