Attractions and Places To See around Butterleigh - Top 20

The area around Butterleigh is rich in history. You can explore St Matthew's Church in the village, which features a 13th-century baptismal font. Just three miles away, Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn is an 18th-century water mill that is still operational. Further afield, you'll find Tiverton Castle and Knightshayes, a National Trust property with a 19th-century manor house and gardens. The Grand Western Canal also boasts well-preserved historical buildings along its route.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The Devon Railway Centre in nearby Bickleigh offers model railways, a model village, and play areas. The Grand Western Canal is excellent for leisurely walks and cycling, and you might even spot a horse-drawn barge. Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn provides shops and eateries in a picturesque setting, and the Killerton Parkland Bridleway is a shared-use path suitable for families.

Butterleigh is an excellent base for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling and walking along the Grand Western Canal, which stretches for 11 miles. The Killerton Park Cycle Track and Killerton Parkland Bridleway offer scenic routes through the Killerton National Trust estate. The area also has numerous footpaths and bridleways for walks with scenic views, particularly through the Burn Valley. For more structured routes, explore the many road cycling routes, running trails, and gravel biking routes available around Butterleigh.

For scenic views, the Cyclist's Rest, Devon offers fine views of the Devon countryside from a private picnic area. The village's Butterleigh Meadow provides a pleasant green space for a stroll. The banks of the River Exe, close to Butterleigh, also offer picturesque scenery. Walks through the hilly terrain around the village often provide expansive views.

The terrain around Butterleigh is generally hilly, offering varied and sometimes challenging routes. Many footpaths and bridleways exist, which can be muddy, especially in winter. However, popular routes like the Killerton Park Cycle Track have a hard-packed gravel surface underneath, making them suitable for off-road bikes even when damp, though less ideal for road bikes in wet conditions. The Grand Western Canal offers a flat interlude to the rolling roads.

In Butterleigh itself, The Butterleigh Inn is known for its good, home-cooked food, local beers, and a welcoming atmosphere with a garden. Just three miles away, Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn houses shops and eateries, perfect for a meal or a Devon cream tea. You'll also find cafes along the Grand Western Canal, providing convenient stops during your outdoor activities.

One unique spot is the Cyclist's Rest, Devon, a small, private picnic area with a bench, table, and fine views, accessible via a hedge. The Grand Western Canal, with its horse-drawn barges, offers a glimpse into a tradition that has continued for over 200 years. St Matthew's Church in Butterleigh also holds a unique alms box that predates King Charles I, offering a quiet historical discovery.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural beauty. The tranquil setting and opportunities for outdoor activities like cycling and walking along the Grand Western Canal are highly valued. The picturesque riverside location of Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn is also a favorite, whether for starting a walk or enjoying a meal. The scenic routes through parklands and woods, such as the Killerton Park Cycle Track, are also popular.

Yes, Butterleigh's strategic location near towns like Tiverton and Bickleigh makes it an excellent base for exploring the broader Mid Devon area. It provides easy access to a wider range of attractions and activities, from historical castles and mills to extensive walking and cycling networks, while offering a tranquil village atmosphere.

For cyclists, the Grand Western Canal offers a flat, enjoyable ride. The Killerton Park Cycle Track is a brilliant stretch for off-road riding, though it can get muddy in winter, making it less suitable for road bikes unless very dry. The Killerton Parkland Bridleway is another great option. Remember that the general terrain is hilly, so be prepared for some climbs.

Butterleigh is surrounded by natural beauty. The village itself has Butterleigh Meadow, a designated green space. The River Exe flows nearby, offering picturesque scenery. The Grand Western Canal meanders through beautiful countryside, providing a habitat for wildlife. Additionally, the Killerton National Trust estate, accessible via paths like the Killerton Park Cycle Track, features parkland and woods to explore.