Best attractions and places to see around Cruwys Morchard include historical landmarks, natural beauty, and traditional points of interest. This scattered parish in Mid Devon is characterized by its deep, wooded valleys, such as the Iron Mill Stream, and open hilltops offering long-distance views. Visitors can explore a blend of historical sites and pastoral landscapes. The area provides a peaceful and historically rich experience.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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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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Cruwys Morchard and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the 16th-century Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn, an 18th-century water mill now housing shops and eateries. Other notable historical sites include the parish Church of the Holy Cross, dating back to 1529, and the historic Cruwys Morchard House, seat of the Cruwys family since the 12th century. Nearby, Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge offers a glimpse into a former manor estate, and the impressive Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross, Crediton, boasts over 1,000 years of history.
Yes, Cruwys Morchard is known for its natural beauty. The area features deep, wooded valleys, particularly the valley of the Iron Mill Stream, which offers a secluded atmosphere. You can also find open hilltops that provide expansive, long-distance views, including towards Exmoor National Park. Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge also offers grand lakes and sweeping vistas within its 180-acre grounds.
Several attractions in the area are suitable for families. Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn is a great spot with shops and eateries in a riverside setting. Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge provides open spaces and scenic views for a family outing. The Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross, Crediton, while historical, can also be an interesting educational visit for older children. Additionally, the Buzzards Woodland Walk in Witheridge is a tranquil, family-friendly option for enjoying local wildlife and scenery.
You'll find several options for refreshments. Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn houses shops and eateries, perfect for a stop. The Fisherman's Cot Pub is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Exe, opposite Bickleigh Bridge. In Cruwys Morchard itself, the Cruwys Arms in Pennymoor is a 16th-century inn, and The Mount Pheasant Inn can be found in Nomansland.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities nearby. You can explore easy hikes like the Exe Valley Way: Bickleigh Loop or the Bickleigh Bridge – Bluebell Wood Path loop. For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Cruwys Morchard guide.
The region offers various cycling routes for different skill levels. You can find easy routes like the Nile Tides Canal Boat Café loop from Tiverton, or more challenging ones such as the Grand Western Canal loop. For a comprehensive list, refer to the Cycling around Cruwys Morchard guide.
The Church of the Holy Cross, built in 1529, is a significant historical landmark in Cruwys Morchard. It replaced an earlier wooden church and underwent extensive rebuilding after a fire in 1689. It features an impressive 18th-century screen with Corinthian pillars and a gilded crown. The churchyard also contains older gravestones and a yew tree planted in 1792, along with old village stocks.
Beyond the main attractions, you might enjoy discovering St Swithun's Church and Holy Well. This medieval church on the edge of Shobrooke village offers wonderful views, and a holy well is embedded in a grassy bank nearby. The tranquil Buzzards Woodland Walk in Witheridge is another peaceful spot for nature lovers.
Cruwys Morchard House is a historic manor that has been the ancestral seat of the Cruwys family since at least the 12th century. The current structure, with its late 17th to 18th-century front, conceals even older elements. It is a Grade II* listed building, surrounded by a tastefully wooded park, much of which was planted in the 1830s.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural beauty. The riverside setting of places like Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn is often highlighted as a pleasant spot to relax or start a walk. The serene grounds and sweeping vistas of Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge are also highly regarded. The community has shared 5 photos and given 21 upvotes, indicating a positive experience with the area's diverse offerings.
Yes, road cyclists can find several routes in the vicinity. Options range from moderate to difficult, such as The Tarka Line Grill – Bickleigh Castle loop or the Crediton Climb – Ruby Red Café & Farm Shop loop. For detailed routes, consult the Road Cycling Routes around Cruwys Morchard guide.


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