Best attractions and places to see around Silverton, a village in Devon, England, offers a blend of historical sites, natural landscapes, and recreational trails. Situated in the Exe Valley, the area is characterized by its rural setting, rivers, and woodlands. Visitors can explore historical mills, former railway lines converted into paths, and expansive parklands. This guide features 3 notable attractions and places to see in and around Silverton.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Highlight • Religious Site
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Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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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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The cathedral (bishop's church) in Exeter was dedicated to Saint PETER. Simon, nicknamed Peter (Rock), was a fisherman on Lake Genesareth when he was called - together with his brother Andrew - by Jesus Christ to be a "fisher of men". According to Catholic understanding, he is the highest apostle, and the two thousand year long line of popes - currently Francis - are his successors. In statues and paintings, Peter is almost always depicted with two keys in his hand; this attribute refers to the Bible verse in Matthew: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Chapter 16, Verse 19). Peter and Paul are also known as the "princes of the apostles"; their common feast day in the calendar of saints is June 29th.
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Very good walk with dog easy to follow. Last bit on quiet country lane.
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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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Al visit information (make sure to check the opening times) are at https://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/ There is a quite ok cafe van in front most of the times.
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From the gateway into Killerton Park, via Columbjohn Farm, through Columbjohn Wood and around the perimeter of Killerton Park Wood, to join the road at Ellerhayes Bridge - about 2.5 miles of very enjoyable track - combine it with the cycle path from Braoadclyst to Killerton for a total of about 5.5 miles of good, continuous off-road riding.
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The area around Silverton is rich in history. You can visit Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn, an 18th-century water mill that is still operational and offers shops and eateries. Another historical highlight is the Exe Valley Railway Path, which follows a former railway line important to local residents from the late 1880s to the 1960s. Additionally, Whimple Village Centre features the Norman Church of St Mary's and preserves the tradition of Wassailing.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn offers a fascinating look at an 18th-century working mill, along with shops and a riverside location for breaks. Whimple Village Centre provides a charming village square and amenities. For outdoor exploration, Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge offers 180 acres of parkland with grand lakes and sweeping vistas, perfect for a family stroll.
You'll find several excellent trails. The Exe Valley Railway Path is a historical trail that follows a former railway line, ideal for both walking and cycling. Another great option is the Killerton Park Cycle Track, which offers a brilliant stretch through Killerton National Trust for walkers and cyclists, though it can get muddy in winter.
Yes, the Exe Valley Railway Path is known to be very dog-friendly and easy to follow. It offers a pleasant walk along a historical route.
Beyond visiting the attractions, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. For hiking, explore routes like the 'Killerton Gravel – Columbjohn Chapel loop' or the 'Wild Garlic Path at Killerton'. Cyclists can find gravel biking routes such as 'Killerton Parkland Bridleway' or the 'Exe Estuary Trail'. Runners also have options like the 'Running loop from Silverton'. You can find more details on these activities and routes on the respective komoot guides: Hiking around Silverton, Gravel biking around Silverton, and Running Trails around Silverton.
The region offers beautiful natural settings. Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge provides 180 acres of parkland with grand lakes and sweeping vistas. The Killerton Park Cycle Track takes you through the scenic Killerton National Trust, featuring woodlands and trails. The Exe Valley itself is characterized by its rural setting, rivers, and woodlands.
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn houses shops and eateries in a gorgeous riverside location, perfect for a meal or a Devon cream tea. In Whimple Village Centre, despite its small size, you'll find two pubs, a village shop, and a post office.
The best time largely depends on your preferred activity. For walking and cycling, spring and summer offer pleasant weather. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, though trails like the Killerton Park Cycle Track can get muddy in the winter months. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of history and nature. The working 18th-century mill at Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn is a highlight, often combined with a cream tea. The historical significance and ease of use of the Exe Valley Railway Path for walks with dogs are also frequently praised. The tranquility and scenic beauty of places like Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge are also highly valued.
While not strictly 'hidden,' Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge offers a serene experience. This 180-acre park, once home to a manor house, provides grand lakes and sweeping vistas. Although the park is sometimes open to the public, the Devonshire Heartland Way traverses its southern section all year round, offering a chance to explore its beauty.
Hiking trails near Silverton vary in length and difficulty. For example, the 'Killerton House – View of the Devon Countryside loop' is an easy 4.5 km (2.8 miles) route, while the 'Wild Garlic Path at Killerton – Killerton Gravel loop' is a moderate 8.2 km (5.1 miles) hike. You can find more detailed information on various routes, including their distances and difficulty grades, on the Hiking around Silverton guide.


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