Visit Mid Devon Brochure 2020 V1
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www.visitmiddevon.co.uk www.visitmiddevon.co.uk 1 � CONTENTS Looking for your next adventure? Somewhere with space to breathe, escape the day to day and unwind? What better place than in the heart of Devon’s countryside? Explore rolling hills, meandering river valleys, and secluded woodland. Discover heritage in abundance, browse our unique, independent shops and savour award-winning local produce in our farm shops and eateries. Enjoy a wide variety of attractions, country gardens and discover local arts and culture. Prefer a more active pace? Don’t let the tranquillity fool you! Pull on your walking boots or jump on your bike and get out on the many trails, footpaths and cycle routes waiting for you to take them on. Hire a boat or bring your stand-up paddleboard and paddle your way through our waterways. Get above it all in a hot air balloon for spectacular views across beautiful farmland. Get back to basics under canvas or lay your head back in luxury in one of our many places to stay. It’s easy to get out and about from Mid Devon. If you want to feel the sand on your toes and enjoy an ice cream looking out to sea, the beaches of the north and south coasts are in easy reach. Want something more rugged? Lose yourself in the wilderness of Dartmoor or Exmoor, both just a stone’s throw away. Or… just sit back in the midst of our beautiful countryside, relax and take it all in. Whatever you choose to do here, Visit Mid Devon. Symbol Key � WiFi Swimming Pool � Parking � Restaurant/Café � Dog Friendly Vegetarian options available � Family Friendly Special dietary requirements catered for � Children Welcome Take away options available � Wheelchair Accessible (Text in brackets detail where certain limitations may apply) � Suitable for Those with Limited Mobility 2 WELCOME TIVERTON & THE EXE VALLEY ......4 CREDITON & THE CREEDY VALLEY ....................... 5 CULLOMPTON & THE CULM VALLEY ........................... 6 BAMPTON & THE EXMOOR FRINGE .............................. 7 THINGS TO DO .................................. 8 VISIT MID DEVON WITH YOUR DOG .............................. 16 VISIT MID DEVON FOR A HISTORY HIT .........................18 REST & RELAXATION ..................... 20 VISIT MID DEVON FOR RETAIL THERAPY ................... 28 VISIT MID DEVON THROUGH THE SEASONS.............. 30 To make sure you get the most out of a safe and enjoyable trip to Mid Devon, plan ahead. Book your FOOD & DRINK ................................ 32 accommodation before you travel, check opening times and booking procedures for all attractions, VISIT MID DEVON shops and eateries before visiting. Please follow FOR A LONG WEEKEND .................34 government guidance and respect any local restrictions in place at the time of your visit. Please CONNECTING DEVON .................... 38 do not visit Mid Devon if you or anyone in your household has any symptoms of COVID-19. www.visitmiddevon.co.uk 3 EXPLORE Tiverton & the Exe Valley A town full of charm with a treasure trove of history and heritage just waiting to be explored. Tiverton’s central location makes it an ideal Visit Tiverton Castle, a royal fortress set base for exploring Devon and the place to in beautiful walled gardens. Discover the escape to for a rural holiday. Surrounded town’s historical buildings following a by countryside walks and traditional heritage trail. National Trust’s Knightshayes thatched villages, like Bickleigh and Court, a fine example of Gothic Revival, Thorverton, dotted along the picturesque overlooks the town. Glimpse further into Exe Valley. the region’s past by heading to the award- winning Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life, Stroll along the Grand Western Canal which full of quirky exhibits and stop for a bite to stretches for 11 miles. There’s lots of wildlife eat in one of the town’s inviting eateries. to look out for in this popular beauty spot perfect for walking or cycling. Quench your Spend an afternoon exploring interesting thirst en route in the attractive villages of independent shops and the historic Pannier Halberton and Sampford Peverell. Market where you can pick up unique gifts. An i���� ba�� ��r e��l����g De��� 4 EXPLORE Crediton & the Creedy Valley A lively market town in the heart of Devon with a rich history. Crediton has a unique spiritual heritage as This historic market town is a convenient birth place of St Boniface and home to the place to stay if you’re planning trips to National Shrine of Saint Boniface as well as Dartmoor and Exmoor. Sitting in the narrow the grand Parish Church of the Holy Cross, vale of the River Creedy, it’s only seven miles which stands on the site of Devon’s first from Exeter and in the middle of an Area Saxon cathedral. of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Many independent retailers and a thriving If you’re taking a trip on the scenic Tarka famers’ market, make Crediton an ideal railway line stop off at Eggesford Station place to escape the monotony of the high to explore the beauty of Eggesford forest, street, buy unique gifts and sample locally a large and enchanting forest with a network sourced food and drink. of trails, perfect for a family day out or walking the dog. www.visitmiddevon.co.uk 5 EXPLORE Cullompton & the Culm Valley A beautiful countryside town packed with heritage. Set within the tranquil Culm Valley, close to Exeter and surrounded by countryside, Cullompton is the ideal holiday location to escape into peaceful surroundings, get back to nature and explore the wonderful rural setting of Mid Devon. Delicious local goods can be purchased from friendly knowledgeable producers at the town's award-winning farmer’s market. Cullompton is also the gateway to the Culm Valley and Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including stunning views from the Elizabethan Culmstock Beacon. Honeycombed with footpaths, bridleways, and cycle trails, there is wonderful countryside to explore at your leisure. Follow a Heritage Trail to discover the town’s role in the cloth trade including the fine 15th century St Andrew’s Church, almshouses, the old Bull Ring and the Leat Walk, offering you peaceful parkland. Links to the wool trade continue in Uffculme where you will find more evidence of the area’s fascinating heritage at Coldharbour Mill. Hon����m�e� w��� f�o���t��, b�i�l����s a�� c��le ����l� 6 EXPLORE Bampton & the Exmoor Fringe Historic charter town nestled on the edge of Exmoor National Park with a bustling centre. St Michael’s And All Angels Church houses the Bampton Heritage & Visitor Centre featuring fascinating local artefacts and information about the town’s rich heritage. The 12th century church contains many interesting features and curiosities. Find out more about the town and its eclectic stories by joining a guided Town Trail. There are an abundance of quirky independent retailers, as well as a traditional pharmacy, greengrocers and butchers. Foodies will be well satisfied with award- winning eateries and local produce to savour. Bampton's Norman motte is one of the best preserved in Devon and offers wonderful views from the top. The Exe Valley Way runs through the town and lots of footpaths meander through the surrounding woodland. The wilderness of Exmoor, its famous ponies, and the real-life locations of Lorna Doone, is just a stone’s throw away. The ���d���es� �� Cyclists can challenge themselves on routes around the Ex�o��, it� ��m�u� winding country roads and steep climbs of Devon’s po����, an� �h� typical rolling hills. re��-li�� ��ca����s o� Every October the town holds the ancient Bampton Charter Fair which is over 750 years old - lively fun and Lor�� ��o��, is ���t entertainment for all ages. a s����’s ��ro� ���y. www.visitmiddevon.co.uk 7 THINGS TO DO Things to do ...in Mid Devon There is so much to see and do in Mid Devon that you will wonder where to start. There is a fantastic range of attractions to keep the whole family busy. There are loads of opportunities for the the paths and country lanes are very quiet, family to let off steam and enjoy fun and you may well spot a wide variety of activities both in and out doors. Come rain wildlife. or shine, there is plenty to keep the kids Don’t forget to enjoy local food and drink occupied. while you are here, either buying ingredients Explore the rich heritage of Mid Devon by from the many markets and farm shops, or visiting museums, castles, and historic being looked after in the many cafes, pubs houses. The area's involvement in the textile and restaurants. trade is reflected in some of the wonderful To make sure you enjoy your visit plan architecture of the towns, churches and ahead. Check opening times and booking country houses of Mid Devon. procedures with the attractions With idyllic rolling hills and valleys, there are themselves before visiting. To keep you plenty of opportunities to get away from it and others safe please respect the all and enjoy the great outdoors. Many of measures in place at each attraction. The�� �� so ���h �� e�j�� �h��e ��� ar� ���e! 8 THINGS TO DO Book your icke s a Tiver on’s Touris Informa ion Service 01884 2308 8 www.visitmiddevon.co.uk 9 � � � Aerosaurus Balloons Bampton Heritage & Visitor Centre Drift effortlessly over the world as it awakens We provide a Covid safe and welcoming or witness the serenity of an early evening environment. Knowledgeable volunteers, sunset. Dawn or dusk, your flight will be colourful information boards, short DVD clips, tranquil yet exhilarating taking in the oral memories and artefacts tell Bampton's spectacular sights that ballooning offers. On rich history, suitable for all ages. We run Covid landing you will be greeted with a glass of safe guided town trails and sell local walks chilled champagne.