Best attractions and places to see around Stockleigh English include a range of historic landmarks and natural features. This rural Devon village is characterized by tranquil, rolling hills, offering opportunities to explore the countryside. The area provides access to the wider Devon landscape, with views towards Dartmoor and Exmoor. Visitors can find a mix of cultural sites and outdoor experiences within and near the village.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
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A lovely old castle but be aware of the steep hill ahead... 'Alpe d'heuz' style!
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Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by the power of the natural elements through a watercourse - natural or artificially created - in order to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
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Bickleigh Mill is an 18th century water mill which is still working to this day. The Mill is now also home to shops and eateries. With its gorgeous riverside location it is a lovely place to start or finish a walk, or stop partway along to refuel.
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Scooped some water out, filtered it and a made a coffee.
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B&B & holiday cottages available. Good centre for exploring Devon from an attractive and historic setting.
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Great place for lunch or a Devon cream tea (cream first, jam on top - the proper way - this is Devon!). There's also a gift shop adjoining.
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Bickleigh Castle is a lovely manor house on the banks of the River Exe. Although the main building was destroyed during the Civil War, the central courtyard and other historic buildings still stand today. The original Norman motte castle was built in the late 11th century. Nowadays, the castle is used to host weddings, but it's still an interesting place to stop and take a look.
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This proud, medieval church stands on the edge of Shobrooke village and, like so many churches in the area, has wonderful views over the rolling, pastoral landscape. The church dates back to the 15th century but the interior is considerably younger, mostly Victorian. If you hike up the lane opposite towards the village centre, you'll find the holy well embedded into a grassy bank on the eastern side.
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The area around Stockleigh English is rich in history. You can explore the 18th-century working water mill at Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn, or visit the impressive Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross, Crediton, which has a history spanning over 1,000 years. Within Stockleigh English itself, the historic St Mary the Virgin church, mentioned in the Domesday Book, features a 14th-century Nave and Chancel. Further afield, consider St Swithun's Church and Holy Well, Okehampton Castle, or the Bronze Age settlement of Grimspound on Dartmoor.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn offers shops and eateries in a picturesque setting. Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge provides open spaces and grand lakes for exploration. The Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross, Crediton is also considered family-friendly for those interested in historical architecture. Additionally, The Fisherman's Cot Pub, with its riverside location, is a pleasant spot for families.
The region is characterized by tranquil, rolling Devon hills, perfect for peaceful walks. A notable natural feature is Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge, an 180-acre park with grand lakes and sweeping vistas. The area also offers views towards Dartmoor and Exmoor, making it a good base for exploring these national parks.
You can find various outdoor activities in the vicinity. For easy walks, explore the easy hikes around Stockleigh English, including routes from Crediton and Shobrooke. Cycling enthusiasts can discover cycling routes around Stockleigh English, ranging from moderate to difficult, such as the Exeter Quayside loop or the Thorverton Bridge loop. There are also running trails around Stockleigh English, including loops from Cheriton Fitzpaine and Stockleigh English itself.
For a meal or a Devon cream tea, Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn offers eateries in a picturesque riverside setting. Another option is The Fisherman's Cot Pub, which is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Exe, opposite Bickleigh Bridge.
Yes, for those interested in ancient history, Grimspound, a well-known late Bronze Age prehistoric settlement on Dartmoor, is about 18 miles away. It features the remains of 24 stone houses. Also, Blackbury Camp, an Iron Age hillfort with impressive ramparts, is located about 23 miles from Stockleigh English.
St Mary the Virgin church is a significant historic landmark in Stockleigh English, mentioned in the Domesday Book. It features a 14th-century Nave and Chancel, with a tower dating from the late 15th century. The interior includes marble mural memorials to the Bellew family and an impressive 1885 altar constructed of Nottingham Alabaster with a beautifully carved reredos.
Yes, you can visit Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge, which is part of a large 180-acre park. Additionally, the ancient Dunster Gallox Bridge, roughly 24 miles away, is a historic stone bridge once used by packhorses carrying fleeces to Dunster market.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. Highlights like Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn are loved for their picturesque riverside setting and the opportunity for a cream tea. The grand lakes and sweeping vistas of Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge are also highly rated for their scenic appeal and walking opportunities.
Yes, Cleeve Abbey, located about 24 miles from Stockleigh English, is a remarkable site. It boasts possibly the finest cloister buildings in England, offering a glimpse into monastic life from 800 years ago, including a 15th-century refectory with an 'angel roof' and 13th-century heraldic tiles.
Approximately 18 miles from Stockleigh English, you can visit Okehampton Castle, once the largest castle in Devon and reputedly haunted. Also about 18 miles distant is Hound Tor Deserted Medieval Village, which contains the remains of four 13th-century stone farmsteads.
The Devonshire Heartland Way is a long-distance path that traverses the southern section of Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge year-round. It offers opportunities for walks through the park's grand lakes and sweeping vistas.


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