Attractions and Places To See around Payhembury - Top 20

The area around Payhembury is rich in history. You can visit Hembury Fort, a significant Iron Age hillfort and a Scheduled Ancient Monument, which also shows evidence of Stone Age and Roman occupation. Another notable site is Dunkeswell Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in 1201. Within Payhembury itself, Leyhill Farmhouse has parts dating back to 1657, and the parish church, St. Mary's Church, was predominantly built in the 15th century. You can also explore St Mary's Church and Hemyock Castle, with the church dating back to Norman times and the castle being a medieval focal point.

Payhembury is nestled with the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as its backdrop, offering picturesque landscapes. For walks, explore Harpford Woods, known for its tall trees and abundant ferns. The View from Fire Beacon Hill provides superb panoramic views, extending to Lyme Bay on clear days. You can also visit Redbridge Over the River Otter, a tranquil stone footbridge that is part of the East Devon Way.

Yes, there are several excellent options for walking and hiking. You can enjoy peaceful walks amidst historical and natural beauty at Hembury Fort. Harpford Woods offers a magical woodland experience. For more structured routes, you can find various trails, including moderate options like the 'Broadhembury Circular Walk' or 'Wolford Chapel loop', by exploring the hiking guide around Payhembury.

Beyond the general beauty of the Blackdown Hills, the region boasts several unique natural monuments. These include Ancient Woodland and Bluebells on Fire Beacon Hill, which is particularly stunning when bluebells are in bloom. There's also Pixie's Parlour Cave, a historical natural monument on the east bank of the River Otter, steeped in local folklore.

Absolutely. For cyclists, Killerton Park Cycle Track offers a brilliant stretch through Killerton National Trust, suitable for both walkers and cyclists. If you're interested in running, you can find various routes, such as the 'Running loop from Broadhembury' or 'The Six Bells Inn – Broadhembury Village loop', by checking the running trails guide around Payhembury. Mountain biking enthusiasts can also find trails in the area, detailed in the MTB trails guide around Payhembury.

Within Payhembury village, St. Mary's Church is a significant cultural site, predominantly built in the 15th century and featuring a stone arcade with shields. The village also has a strong community spirit, hosting various events. The Six Bells Inn is a central part of village life, known for its welcoming atmosphere and homemade food.

The region offers diverse natural environments that can be enjoyed year-round. However, for experiencing the full beauty of the Ancient Woodland and Bluebells on Fire Beacon Hill, spring when the bluebells are in bloom is ideal. Generally, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural features. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter walks can be serene, though some tracks might be muddy.

While the immediate village focuses on historical and natural sites, many of the walking trails, such as those in Harpford Woods, are suitable for families. Observing local wildlife at Redbridge Over the River Otter can also be an engaging activity for children. The historical significance of Hembury Fort can also be an educational outing.

The Blackdown Hills AONB is a great place for wildlife spotting. Specifically, at Redbridge Over the River Otter, you can observe birds and dragonflies, and otters and beavers are known to inhabit the river. Harpford Woods is also noted as good for bird watching, with sightings of Greater Spotted Woodpeckers and Goldcrests.

Yes, the Poffit Lane Rewilding Project is a local initiative near Payhembury. It focuses on creating rich habitats for insect and birdlife through herbal leys and new hedge plantings. The project also involves constructing leaky dams to manage floodwater and reduce soil erosion, contributing to local environmental health.

Hembury Fort is a highly significant Iron Age hillfort and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Its importance stems from its massive earth banks and ditches, and archaeological evidence showing earlier use as a Neolithic causewayed enclosure. It was also occupied by the Roman army around 55 AD. Its commanding position offered natural defensive qualities and extensive views over the Otter River valley. You can learn more about its history on the Devon County Council website.

Yes, the village is home to The Six Bells Inn, which is a significant part of village life. It's known for its welcoming atmosphere and good homemade food, making it a great spot to relax and refuel after exploring the area.

Payhembury is associated with several unique heritage items. These include the Payhembury Window, the Payhembury Cider Apple, and the distinctive Payhembury Daffodil. The daffodil, a double flower that blooms early, can still be found in isolated pockets, notably at Cheriton.