Best attractions and places to see around Chulmleigh, a historic hilltop town in Mid Devon, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks. Recognized as an Area of Rural Tranquillity and an Area of Great Landscape Value, the region features picturesque countryside with numerous footpaths and bridleways. The town itself is a conservation area, home to over 200 listed buildings. There are 9 hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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Great you enjoyed your passage via Tucking Mill
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South Molton is a market town centred round a market square. It was a major part of the UK's wool trade and markets still thrive twice a week, although no longer just the domain of wool. There are plenty of cafes in South Molton for mid-ride nourishment
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A Grade-II listed stone bridge just outside Zeal Monachorum, Tuckingmill Bridge sits in a tranquil setting. It was likely built in the late 18th or early 19th century and spans the River Yeo (one of several in the area). With moss dappling its stonework, it's a lovely place to pause and admire the water.
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Overlooking the TawValley, at the northern end of Heywood Wood, stand the remains of an early medieval motte and bailey castle. Motte and bailey castles are medieval fortifications introduced into Britain by the Normans. This type of castle was made up of an artificial mound, or motte, on which was built a wooden or stone structure known as a keep. Next to this at least one bailey, a fortified embanked enclosure containing additional buildings, would be built. Although many were occupied for only a short period of time, motte and bailey castles continued to be built and occupied from the 11th to the 13th centuries, after which they were superseded by other types of castle. Heywood CastleAt Heywood the circular motte is about 8 metres high and almost 50 metres in diameter, surrounded by a rock-cut ditch 4 metres wide and 2 metres deep. Around the top of the motte is a bank, up to 4 metres high in places. The crescent shaped bailey which lies to the north-east of the motte is 60 metres long and 40 metres wide and bounded on all sides by a bank 2 metres rising to about 4 metres on the eastern side, where there is an entrance with a causeway across the ditch which extends to the outer bank, which surrounds both the motte and bailey. From the bailey to the motte on the north east side there is the possibility of a bridgeway. On the north side of the bailey a more modern entrance has been formed. https://www.devon.gov.uk/historicenvironment/explore-devons-heritage/heywood-castle-eggesford/
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This place is well worth a visit, it is a huge Norman castle mound. No structures are visible (Probably only a wooden keep now long gone) but really worth seeing, it is still quite imposing 1000 years on. "At Heywood the circular motte is about 8 metres high and almost 50 metres in diameter, surrounded by a rock-cut ditch 4 metres wide and 2 metres deep. Around the top of the motte is a bank, up to 4 metres high in places. The crescent shaped bailey which lies to the north-east of the motte is 60 metres long and 40 metres wide and bounded on all sides by a bank 2 metres rising to about 4 metres on the eastern side, where there is an entrance with a causeway across the ditch which extends to the outer bank, which surrounds both the motte and bailey. From the bailey to the motte on the north east side there is the possibility of a bridgeway. On the north side of the bailey a more modern entrance has been formed. The castle at Heywood possibly took the place of an earlier castle some 500 metres to the south in the grounds of Heywood House, on the steep valley side above the River Taw. An alternative theory is that both date to the 1130s and 1140s, and were built during the civil war between Matilda, daughter of Henry I, and his nephew Stephen." https://www.devon.gov.uk/historicenvironment/explore-devons-heritage/heywood-castle-eggesford/
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With a network of paths, this diverse woodland is a lovely place to explore. Keep a look-out for wildlife, wildflowers, and interesting fungi. Visit throughout the year; it's different in every season.
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This remote church has a peaceful atmosphere and is steeped in history. Whilst parts of the church date to the 15th century, much of it was restored and rebuilt in 1867. Inside the church, there are two 17th century monuments to the Chichester family and a large 18th century monument to William Fellowes in Italian marble.
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Chulmleigh is rich in history. You can visit the remains of an early medieval motte and bailey castle at Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey. Another significant historical site is All Saints Church, Eggesford, with parts dating back to the 15th century. The town itself is a conservation area, home to over 200 listed buildings, including the 14th-century St Mary Magdalene Parish Church and the Grade-II listed Tuckingmill Bridge.
The area around Chulmleigh offers numerous opportunities for walking and hiking. Eggesford Forest provides a diverse woodland with a network of paths. You can also explore sections of the Tarka Trail, a scenic foot and cycle path. For more specific routes, consider exploring the hiking routes around Chulmleigh, which include options like the Riverside Path – Eggesford Castle loop.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Eggesford Forest is a great place for families to explore, with paths for walking and opportunities for wildlife spotting. All Saints Church, Eggesford, while historical, offers a peaceful setting that can be interesting for older children. The Tarka Trail also provides gentle sections suitable for family walks or cycles.
The Chulmleigh area is rich in wildlife. In Eggesford Forest, you might spot deer and otters, along with various wildflowers. The Culm Grasslands, renowned for their species-rich environment, are crucial for rare species like the curlew and marsh fritillary butterfly. Ancient hedges and copses also provide habitats for dormice and the Brown Hairstreak butterfly, and the area boasts England's largest population of wild otters.
Chulmleigh town center is a conservation area with over 200 listed buildings, many featuring traditional cob and thatch. Notable examples include Egypt Cottage and the Old Bakehouse Hotel. The town also has two historic pubs: The Old Courthouse, a thatched inn from 1633, and the Red Lion, a 17th-century inn, both offering food and local ales.
Nature lovers will appreciate Eggesford Forest for its diverse woodland and wildlife. The Culm Grasslands are globally significant for their species-rich environment. The Little River Dart, which the town overlooks, offers pleasant picnic spots. Additionally, Chulmleigh serves as an excellent base for exploring Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks, or the North Devon coast.
While many of the natural trails might have varied terrain, South Molton Market Square is noted as being wheelchair accessible, offering a place to experience a traditional market town atmosphere with cafes.
Beyond exploring the attractions, the region is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy walking, hiking, and cycling on numerous footpaths, bridleways, and sections of the Tarka Trail. For specific routes, check out the running trails or hiking routes around Chulmleigh, which offer various distances and difficulties.
Yes, the Tarka Trail is a prominent scenic foot and cycle path that meanders over Little Dart Ridge, Two Moors Way, and Valley Walk, offering beautiful views. While specific cycling routes are not detailed in the highlights, the general area is well-suited for cycling with its network of bridleways and quiet country roads.
Visitors particularly enjoy the historical significance and peaceful atmosphere of sites like All Saints Church, Eggesford. The imposing nature of Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey, even without standing structures, is highly appreciated. Many also value the opportunity to explore the diverse woodlands and spot wildlife in places like Eggesford Forest.
Chulmleigh's natural beauty can be enjoyed year-round, but for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes. Spring brings wildflowers to Eggesford Forest and the Culm Grasslands, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. The area is different in every season, so it depends on your preferred experience.


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