Attractions and Places To See around Exbourne - Top 20

Exbourne village is rich in history, largely preserved within its Conservation Area. You can visit the 14th-century Church of St Mary, the historic Manor House (built around 1830), and the Methodist Chapel. The village also features several listed buildings that highlight its architectural heritage.

Exbourne is nestled between the River Okement and the Hole Brook, with an ancient packhorse bridge crossing the Okement at the boundary with Jacobstowe. You can also observe visible outcrops of Devonian rock near Rosemary Cottage and at Stone, and the Sticklepath fault line along the east side of the Okement river, where distinctive rounded black river stones are found.

Yes, the area offers family-friendly options. The Meldon Viaduct is a great choice, as it forms part of the Granite Way, a well-surfaced, long-distance cycle path suitable for families and children. The viaduct itself is an impressive iron structure built in 1874.

The Exbourne area provides various outdoor activities, including hiking, running, and road cycling. You can find numerous routes for these sports. For example, there are many easy hikes around Exbourne, running trails, and road cycling routes that explore the local landscape and nearby Dartmoor.

For stunning views and impressive rock formations, consider visiting the tors on Dartmoor. West Mill Tor offers views across to Exmoor National Park or south-west to Yes Tor. Belstone Common Tor and Tors End are also prominent natural monuments on the Belstone Ridge, featuring massive heaps of broken stones and evidence of past stonecutting.

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails near Exbourne. Options include the Abbeyford Woods – Stick Shelter in the Forest loop, the East Okement River Trail loop from Okehampton, and the Simmons Park – Ball Hill Footpath loop. These routes are generally well-suited for beginners and offer a pleasant way to experience the local scenery. You can find more details in the easy hikes around Exbourne guide.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural beauty. Highlights like the Meldon Viaduct are praised for their historical significance and suitability for cycling. The tors, such as West Mill Tor, are loved for their stunning views and unique rock formations, often described as resembling castle ruins.

Exbourne village provides essential amenities for visitors and residents. You'll find the local pub, The 'Red Lion' Public House, which has undergone extensive refurbishment. There's also an eco-friendly underground Community Shop, Cafe, and Post Office, offering convenient services.

The best time to visit Exbourne for outdoor activities generally aligns with the milder weather seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and cycling, with beautiful natural scenery. Summer is also popular, though trails can be busier. Always check local weather conditions before planning your trip.

Yes, you can find options for refreshments. Within Exbourne village, The 'Red Lion' Public House is available. Additionally, the eco-friendly Community Shop, Cafe, and Post Office provides a place for a break. For those exploring the Granite Way near Meldon Viaduct, there are plans for a new cyclist repair shop, cafe, and retail shop called PUMP & PEDAL to open nearby.

Absolutely. The area around Exbourne offers several road cycling routes. You can explore routes like the River Okement – Sticklepath Store & Tea Room loop or the Typical Devon Village loop, which vary in distance and difficulty. These routes provide a great way to experience the rural landscape of West Devon. More details can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Exbourne guide.

The Exbourne Conservation Area encompasses much of the village, preserving its historical character and many older buildings. It's a designated area that helps protect the unique architectural and historical significance of Exbourne, ensuring its heritage is maintained for future generations.