Cities, Towns & Villages
Chawleigh
Chawleigh is a village on the south side of the Little Dart valley.
Chawleigh parish features an ancient settlement: Burridge – a pre-roman village or settlement ringed by double banks and a ditch. Nearby is the Iron Age hillfort Burridge Camp situated on a hilltop overlooking the valley of the Little Dart River.
Chenson Woods Bluebells hosts an amazing carpet of bluebells every May which draws crowds of visitors to the woods at Chenson farm on the A377.
Chawleigh is home to the Church Of St James with its lychgate’s small ‘lifting gate’ built approx. 1500 and renovated in 1840.
With stunning views of Dartmoor. Chawleigh links to the Two Moors Way (Devon’s Coast to Coast trail www.twomoorsway.org) and Tarka Trail (wwwtarkatrail.org.uk) which is 180 mile, figure-eight loop inspired by the route travelled by Tarka the Otter. Unspoiled countryside, dramatic sea cliffs and the longest, continuous cycle path in the UK
Chawleigh’s annual fair takes place on the first Saturday in June.
Try clay pigeon shooting or paintballing in Chawleigh across over 200 acres of sporting landscape with Blue Fox Glade Target Sports.
Try some wild swimming in the Little Dart River!
Chulmleigh
Approx 2.5 miles (6 min drive)
Chulmleigh is a small Saxon hilltop market town and civil parish located in North Devon in the heart of the English county of Devon. Chulmleigh has some very old architecture with many cob and thatched buildings. Approx 2.3 miles from Chawleigh Week Mill.
A small town, a parish, and a sub-district in South Molton district, Devon. The town stands on a gentle eminence, at the right side of the river Taw, on the Roman road from Exeter. It was the scene of a skirmish, in 1645, between the royalists and the parliamentarians. It has three inns The Red Lion, The Old Court House and Chulmleigh Village Bar. Chulmleigh Markets are held on Wednesdays. The Chulmleigh Old Fair is usually hel on the last Wednesday in July – check local website information for more dates.
Crediton
Approx. 15 miles (30 min drive)
Crediton has a unique spiritual heritage, with the church being a main focal point and it being the birth place of St Boniface. St Boniface is one of the founding fathers of the Christian Church in Europe and is the patron saint of Devon as well as of Germany and the Netherlands.
Because of this, Crediton is seen as being a place for pilgrims to visit. There is a National Shrine of Boniface at the Roman Catholic Church of St Boniface in Crediton, as well as references to him around the town, including a large wooden sculpture and a commemorative window in the parish church, a statue and a well. A great way to find out more about him is to follow the town’s Boniface Trail. There are over 20 popular local walks throughout the Crediton area to explore, providing a whole new way to view the glorious Mid-Devon countryside and discover a new side of the town and its beautiful setting. www.bonifacetrail.org for more information, dates and event times.
The Country Market
Every Thursday and Saturday between 9am and 2pm
The Country Market hosts approx. 70 local businesses selling a wide range of locally produced, reared and grown foods, great quality ‘not on the High St’ goods, locally grown plants and flowers, quality antiques and collectibles, an array of talented Artisans and artists, and much more.
With regular special markets and events, and cheap all day parking, there’s something for the whole family at our Country Market and all under one roof. (check local information for dates, times and further information)
Eggesford
Approx. 2.5 miles (6 min drive)
In 1854 the landowner at the Eggesford estate granted permission for a railway to be built through his land on one condition : The train had to stop there. This condition still stands and the station at Eggesford is now part of the Tarka Trail. Depending on which direction you are traveling, Eggesford station will be the beginning or end of your walk.
Eggesford railway station is a rural station, the line links Exeter and Barnstaple along the single track ‘Tarka Line’.
The village has a two places where you can grab refreshments, Eggesford Crossing Cafe and the Fox and Hounds Country Hotel.
In the heart of Eggesford is Eggesford Forest, a large and enchanting forest linking together several woods, such as Flashdown Woods which are dominated by Douglas Fir, some dating to back to when they first planted back in 1840. The forest is full of trails and paths, ideal for a family day out or dog walk.
Eggesford Forest is approximately 2.5 miles from the Chawleigh Week Mill.
Barnstaple
Approx. 18 miles (30 min drive)
Barnstaple has a unique and colourful history and you’ll be able to see a beautiful mix of old and new as you wonder around town. It is one of North Devon’s premier towns and visiting Barnstaple will give you a chance to find great bars, restaurants and big name high street shops. Visitors will also need to take a trip to the Pannier Market where they can sample some of the local food produced by proud local farmers, fishermen and bakers (please check local information for dates and times of opening).
Bideford
Approx. 19 miles (40 min drive)
Bideford, known locally as ‘The little white town’ is an attractive town on the west bank of the River Torridge, where the river begins to widen to form the estuary. The old road has a lovely bridge crossing the Torridge, linking the town of Bideford to its neighbouring village East the Water. The bridge features in the town’s Heritage Trail which takes you on a guided, historical tour of the town.
Bideford is a bustling market town with cafes, arts and crafts shops, vintage and antique shops and plenty of cafes, restaurants and pubs for refreshment. At the north end of the town is a Bicclescombe Park, which is a Victorian park with an excellent children’s play area, sports facilities, skate-park, outdoor paddling pool and cafe. Opposite the park is a permanently moored boat that has been converted into a cafe.
Dulverton
Approx. 20.5 miles, (44 minute drive)
This delightful, small market town, situated on the banks of the River Barle, is popular with visitors all year round, who come to enjoy its attractive streets lined with over 30 independent shops, cosy cottages, charming tea rooms and award-winning pubs and restaurants. There is always something to do in Dulverton, so book into one of the many welcoming local accommodations and stay awhile at any time of year.
The town is tucked into a spectacular and steeply-wooded valley where the River Barle meets the River Exe – the ideal place in which to begin a circular nature walk – perhaps through Burridge Woods on the southern riverbank and back via pretty Marsh Bridge. You may even spot an otter playing in the water on your way! Intrepid walkers might wish to explore a little further afield and discover other unique and important historic places in the area – including the famous, prehistoric clapper bridge at Tarr Steps, one of Exmoor’s highlights, or to the ancient Oldberry Castle site and the iron age hill forts of Mounsey Castle.
Dulverton’s unique bridge over the River Barle is the oldest medieval bridge on Exmoor, spanning the river near the former workhouse which is now home to the Exmoor National Park’s Head Office. Here you will also find the Exmoor Lawns, a sheltered spot to take a picnic and also where to enjoy some of Dulverton’s family entertainment, such as the Dulverton Cricket Club Duck Derby on August Bank Holiday Sunday, the Dulverton Vintage Fair in September and the exciting Dulverton by Starlight festival at the beginning of December – which fills the whole town with twinkling lights, festive shopping and music.
A former mill town, Dulverton’s historic leat dissects the town, running parallel with the river – take a short stroll along the leat towards the weir, and imagine the days when the stream used to power four mills!
Whilst in Dulverton be sure to visit the Grade II listed 15th century Church of All Saints and marvel at the town’s iconic Town Hall in Fore Street with its elegant freestanding double external stairs and canopied porch.
Dulverton is home to one of Exmoor’s National Park Information Centres with loads of useful information about the town and the wider moor. Exmoor was Europe’s first designated International Dark Skies Reserve and you can hire a telescope at the Centre to discover the incredible uninterrupted night sky views.
In part of the same building you will also find the Dulverton Heritage Centre with many fascinating exhibits such as Granny Baker’s Kitchen and the Dulverton Room which celebrates the many diverse businesses in the town. New for 2021 is an exhibition detailing the history of the iconic Exmoor Pony. A complete model replica of Dulverton’s historic railway station which closed in 1966 – equipped with moving trains and carriages, is housed in a separate building.
Don’t miss the monthly Dulverton Farmers Market for a taste of Exmoor from some of its many producers and craftspeople – located in the Lion Stables car park on the last Saturday of the month, April to September. The Town Hall is the venue for the thrice weekly indoor Dulverton Town Hall Market.
South Molton
Approx. 13 miles (20 min drive)
South Molton originated in early Saxon times, the area being occupied from around 650 and known as Dumnania. By the time of The Doomsday Book in 1086 showed it to be of some importance with 4 priests listed which was an unusually large number.
The town originated around the church and in the Middle Ages a square was laid out as a new market place. South Molton has been a thriving town since the earliest days of recorded history, Gilbert de Turberville created the borough about the year 1150. There exists in the Museum two Royal Borough Charters granted by Elizabeth 1st in 1590 and Charles 2nd in 1684. These are commemorated each year with the Olde English Fair held in June (check local website for further information).
There are many buildings of interest in the town and an insight into the history of these Medieval, Georgian and Elizabethan buildings and the town itself can be found in the Heritage Trail which guides you around the town showing you glimpses of past and present and a wealth of interesting information.
Tiverton
Approx. 20.5 miles (38 min drive)
Lots to see and do in Tiverton, visit the historic Tiverton Castle, investigate Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life
Enjoy visiting the National Trust-owned Knightshayes Court and Gardens is set on the outskirts www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/knightshayes
The eleven and a quarter mile Grand Western Canal, country park and local nature reserve, is a perfect place to enjoy, Horse-drawn barge trips (www.tivertoncanal.co.uk), cafes, canal themed play park, boat hire, marina moorings to name but a few. www.devon.gov.uk/grandwesterncanal
Browsing the Shops:
Many of our surrounding villages, towns, cities will be able to cater for every shopper needs. Tiverton offers small lanes as well as Pannier Market. Whilst other surrounding towns/villages will offer – small boutiques, independent book shops, hand crafted gifts, local fair and an array of local goods and crafts. Or head to the coast such as Biddeford or Ilfracombe to enjoy seasonal gift shops.
Barnstaple – Green Lanes Shopping Centre
Based in the centre of main Town, this shopping centre offers retails outlets, dinning experiences supporting both national and local businesses.
Big City Shopping
Exeter A shopaholic’s must-do destination with chic boutiques and stylish independents alongside the familiar big name stores.
At the heart of the city is the award-winning Princesshay with a great choice of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Exeter’s all easily walkable through great public spaces and traffic-free shopping areas. At the heart of the city is the Cathedral Quarter with the beautiful 800 year old Cathedral and with classic independent shops set around the spacious Green.
High Street runs parallel to Princesshay and the Cathedral area, and features all the popular store names. The Guildhall and Harlequins undercover shopping centres are home to more familiar stores and small individual businesses.
Don’t miss out on Gandy Street with its trendy clothes and gift shops. It’s just off High Street in the Castle Quarter which is also home to the famous Cavern Club and Exeter Phoenix.
Spar
Lapford, EX17 6QT
Approx. 8 min drive 5.5 miles from Chawleigh Week Mill
Open seven days a week 7:00 to 22:00 please check website to confirm opening hours. www.spar.co.uk