Attractions and Places To See around Bishop'S Tawton - Top 20

The Tarka Trail: Fremington to Barnstaple and Tarka Trail: Instow to Fremington are excellent choices. These sections are part of England's longest traffic-free cycling and walking route, following a disused railway line. They offer flat, easy rides with scenic views and are suitable for various activities.

Yes, Bishop's Tawton is rich in history. The **Church of St John the Baptist** features a 14th-century spire and Norman baptismal font. Nearby, **Court Farm** contains traces of the original bishop's 'palace' and canon balls from the English Civil War. Additionally, the Barnstaple Clock Tower is part of the Grade-I listed **Barnstaple Long Bridge**, one of Britain's longest medieval bridges dating back to around 1280.

The village is set within the picturesque **River Taw Valley**, offering a beautiful backdrop for walks. You can also visit the Isley Marsh Nature Reserve, an important sanctuary for various bird species like teal, curlew, and spoonbills, managed by the RSPB. For panoramic views, **Codden Hill** offers vistas across Barnstaple, Exmoor, and Dartmoor.

Absolutely. The Tarka Trail is ideal for families, offering traffic-free paths for cycling and walking. Velator Quay is a peaceful spot for nature lovers and walkers, and the Isley Marsh Nature Reserve provides opportunities for birdwatching, all of which are considered family-friendly.

There are several running trails available. You can find routes like the 'Codden Hill – Rock Park Recreation Ground loop from Bishop's Tawton' or the 'Coddon Hill Climb – Codden Beacon Viewpoint loop from Bishop's Tawton'. For more options, explore the Running Trails around Bishop'S Tawton guide.

Yes, the Tarka Trail: Instow to Fremington section is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering a flat and easy path. The Barnstaple Clock Tower area, part of the Barnstaple Long Bridge, is also considered wheelchair accessible.

The **Chichester Arms pub**, a 15th-century thatched inn, is a local establishment known for retaining much of its original character. It's a great spot to start or end local walks.

**Hall House**, also known as Hall, is a Grade II listed neo-Jacobean mansion built between 1844 and 1847 for the Chichester family. It features impressive reception rooms, a grand staircase hall, a medieval barn, and a 17th-century stable block, all overlooking the River Taw. You can learn more about its history on Historic Houses.

Beyond the Tarka Trail, you can find various cycling routes, including longer options like the 'River Torridge – Beam Aqueduct loop' or the 'Taw Estuary – Quay Café loop'. For a comprehensive list, check out the Cycling around Bishop'S Tawton guide.

Visitors particularly appreciate the traffic-free nature of the Tarka Trail, making it ideal for relaxed cycling and walking. The scenic views along the river, the abundance of wildlife, and the historical significance of landmarks like the Barnstaple Long Bridge are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, on **Codden Hill** you'll find a monument dedicated to Caroline Thorpe, the wife of former MP Jeremy Thorpe. It was designed by the renowned architect Clough Williams-Ellis.

The **Bishop's Tawton War Memorial** is a Grade II listed cross erected in 1920. It serves as a replica of St Martin's Cross from Iona, Scotland, honoring those from the parish who died in the First World War.