Best attractions and places to see around Abbots Bickington include its tranquil rural landscape and historical landmarks. This small hamlet in Devon, England, is situated on a high ridge above the River Torridge, offering views of the surrounding pastoral farming landscape. The Church of St James, built around 1300, is a notable local landmark featuring 15th-century stained glass and medieval tiles. The area provides a base for exploring natural features and cultural sites within and near the village.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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A small selection of trails that take you through the trees and open areas, with some good views down the valley.
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Tamar lakes are a scenic place to visit with a gravel track that circulates around it, it does however have a couple off places that can get boggy after heavy rain!
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This building is a great place to stop and you can even camp here overnight, which is what we did. You can close the barn doors but there is a large window on the side of the building without any glass. However, it wasn't windy as it’s sheltered by a lot of trees. Even though it rained really hard, we didn't get any rain coming through either. The roof is made of tin so hearing the raindrops coming down was really peaceful. There is a pub about a mile up the hill, which is a good place to have food and a few beers before settling down. This hut is situated on the coastal path; it is an absolute gem.
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the whole path from the priory to here is very nice with views over to Dartmoor at the top of the hill. it's mostly through some fields with some lanes but it's generally well sign posted.
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A nice place to view back up the coast, there is a steep drop down to the sea so be careful but it's worth it for the view.
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Some helpful shelter if you get caught out but also just a nice place to stop on the SW Coast path.
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The primary historical landmark directly within Abbots Bickington is the Church of St James, built around 1300. It features original 15th-century stained glass and medieval Barnstaple tiles. Further afield, you can explore significant historical sites such as Okehampton Castle, Launceston Castle, and Lydford Castle and Saxon Town, all within a reasonable driving distance. Tintagel Castle on the North Cornwall coast is also accessible for a day trip.
Yes, Abbots Bickington sits on a high ridge offering views over the River Torridge valley. For coastal vistas, the View of Westward Ho! Coast provides a dramatic vantage point. Additionally, the Pathway to Kinsale offers pleasant walks with views stretching towards Dartmoor from the top of the hill.
The area is characterized by its pastoral farming landscape and the valley of the River Torridge. A notable natural feature is Upper Tamar Lake, which has a scenic gravel track suitable for walks. The Hartland Devon Heritage Coast, a short drive away, offers dramatic coastal scenery.
While Abbots Bickington itself is tranquil, several family-friendly attractions are within reasonable driving distance. These include the award-winning The Milky Way Adventure Park and The BIG Sheep in North Devon, offering various activities for all ages. RHS Garden Rosemoor also provides a beautiful and engaging experience for families.
You can find a variety of walking experiences. The Upper Tamar Lake offers a gravel track for easy walks, though it can be boggy after rain. The Bucks Mills Valley Woodland Trail provides walks through wooded and open areas with good valley views. For longer excursions, the Running Trails around Abbots Bickington guide offers several routes, and the South West Coast Path is also accessible nearby.
The Peppercombe Coach House, located on the coastal path, is an excellent spot for a stop or even overnight camping. It offers shelter and a peaceful setting, with a pub about a mile up the hill for refreshments.
Yes, the area offers various cycling opportunities. You can explore Road Cycling Routes around Abbots Bickington or more general Cycling around Abbots Bickington. The gravel track around Upper Tamar Lake is also suitable for cycling.
Visitors appreciate the tranquil rural landscape and the diverse range of experiences available. Highlights like the View of Westward Ho! Coast are loved for their dramatic scenery, while Peppercombe Coach House is valued as a peaceful and practical stopping point on the coastal path. The scenic walks around Upper Tamar Lake are also highly rated.
Many of the outdoor trails around Abbots Bickington are dog-friendly. For instance, the Pathway to Kinsale is noted as being dog-friendly, offering walks through fields and lanes. Generally, the rural footpaths and coastal paths are suitable for dogs, but always check local signage for specific restrictions.
Clovelly Village is a historic and picturesque fishing village known for its unique, traffic-free cobbled main street that tumbles down to the harbour. It's a popular attraction within a reasonable distance from Abbots Bickington, offering a glimpse into traditional Devon life and stunning coastal views.
You can visit Dartington Crystal Ltd, a cultural site located within the Torridge District. It offers visitors the opportunity to see glassmaking demonstrations and explore their retail facilities.
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like walking and cycling, with longer daylight hours. However, the area's natural beauty can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn providing vibrant foliage and winter offering tranquil, crisp walks, though some trails may become boggy after heavy rain.


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