Attractions and Places To See around Bickleigh - Top 20

Bickleigh is rich in history. You can visit Bickleigh Castle, a fortified manor house dating back to 600 AD, which offers guided tours. Another significant site is Bickleigh Mill, one of Devon's oldest working mills now a heritage attraction. Don't miss Bickleigh Bridge, a sturdy 17th-century stone bridge, and St Mary's Church, a medieval church known for its 14th-century architecture and carved bench-ends.

Yes, the River Exe Valley itself provides a beautiful setting with scenic walking paths along the riverbanks, perfect for nature lovers and photography. You can also explore Northdown Wood, known for its superb spring flowers, or walk along the Exe Valley Way for beautiful views of the valley and river.

The area around Bickleigh offers various outdoor activities. For cycling, you can explore the Plym Valley Trail, a traffic-free route through National Trust woodland, or the Tavistock to Plymouth cycle route which includes Shaugh Tunnel and Gem Bridge. For hiking, there are easy trails like the River Plym loop. You can find more options for mountain biking, easy hikes, and running trails in the guides for MTB Trails around Bickleigh, Easy hikes around Bickleigh, and Running Trails around Bickleigh.

Absolutely. Bickleigh Mill is a popular heritage attraction with shops and a bistro, often featuring peacocks roaming the grounds, which can be fun for families. The Plym Valley Trail and Gem Bridge are also noted as family-friendly for walks and cycles. Additionally, the Devon Railway Centre offers a unique railway experience that is popular with all ages.

While Bickleigh is charming year-round, spring and autumn are particularly beautiful for outdoor activities. Spring brings superb flowers to woodlands like Northdown Wood, and autumn offers stunning colours, especially when cycling over Gem Bridge. Some trails, like those in Killerton Park, can be muddy in winter, so drier seasons are generally preferred for walking and cycling.

The Gem Bridge is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering impressive views over the River Walkham. When planning your visit, it's always a good idea to check specific accessibility details for other attractions directly.

For a traditional experience, the Fisherman's Cot is a thatched-roof pub set against stunning views along the River Exe, offering traditional pub dishes. Bickleigh Mill also features a bistro restaurant on its grounds, providing another option for dining.

Bickleigh Castle is a fortified manor house with a history stretching back to 600 AD. It has hosted notable figures like Lady Margaret de Bohun and is rumored to have been visited by Queen Henrietta Maria. The castle features a Norman chapel and a Grade I listed gatehouse, offering a deep dive into centuries of English history through its guided tours.

Beyond the historical buildings, you can explore the Shaugh Tunnel and Grenofen Tunnel, both built by Brunel in the mid-1850s. These tunnels are now part of cycle routes and offer a unique passage for cyclists and pedestrians. The impressive Gem Bridge, towering 78 feet above the River Walkham, is another notable structure built on the site of a former railway bridge.

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites, natural landscapes, and extensive trail networks. The Plym Valley Trail is particularly popular for its scenic route through woodland and past industrial ruins. The unique experience of cycling through tunnels like Shaugh Tunnel and the views from Gem Bridge are also highly enjoyed, especially when the autumn colours are out.

The Plym Valley Trail is a highly recommended traffic-free route that runs through National Trust-owned woodland along the River Plym. It's part of the Devon Coast to Coast cycle ride and offers scenic views. For a peaceful woodland walk, Northdown Wood is known for its superb spring flowers and is excellent for family outings.

The River Exe Valley is a natural habitat for various wildlife. Visitors to the Fisherman's Cot pub, situated along the river, might even spot otters. The area's woodlands and riverbanks provide opportunities to observe local birdlife and other small animals.