Visit Mid Devon in Winter
Mid Devon is the ideal location for a winter break; surrounded by beautiful Devon countryside, buzzing with independent boutiques and eateries, and with a treasure trove of history waiting to be discovered.
Bampton
Enjoy
Fill your festive tables with great quality local produce from the town’s independent shops such as Bampton Fresh, Bampton Butchers, Bawdens the Bakers. Don’t forget to pop in to Bampton Game & Deli to try some of their pheasant sausages – a favourite of Prince Charles! If you don’t fancy cooking that’s not a problem, Bampton has some fabulous eateries. Stop for a coffee and cake in one of the town’s many cafes, or book a festive meal in an award-winning restaurant or pub.
Stroll along Bampton’s pretty streets, lined with sparkling Christmas trees and discover plenty of festive cheer. There are plenty of unique independent shops to browse, including an antiques shop and haberdashery. Pick up last minute Christmas gifts, or treat yourself to a present or two!
Explore
Situated in the midst of the Exe Valley, Bampton is surrounded by some excellent countryside walks. Wander through Bampton Woods and discover old packhorse trails, meander along the Exe Valley or tackle steep hills to be rewarded with panoramic views. You’ll find a sample of Bampton walks on our Walking Routes page but for even more inspiration pick up a Bampton Bounds or Bampton Out of Bounds book of fully tested walk routes from Bampton Heritage and Visitor Centre or Bampton Game. If you’re looking for real escapism venture into the wilds of rugged Exmoor, just a stone’s throw from Bampton and beautifully peaceful in winter.
Discover
Look out for festive events and services at St Michael and All Angels church. The family friendly Bampton Heritage & Visitor Centre offers guided town trails, as well as lots of information, games and quizzes on the history of the town. Don’t miss climbing up the Motte, a fascinating link with Bampton’s distant past and a history of kings and castles on our doorstep. The motte also affords excellent views across the town.
Crediton
You’ll be spoilt for choice at Crediton’s Farmers’ Market, with a wide range of delicious food and drink on offer from local producers to get your taste buds tingling. Take your time exploring the independent shops and boutiques throughout the town, with regular stops to sample the coffee and cakes on offer in several fabulous daytime eateries. Once you’ve worn yourself out with plenty of retail therapy take a load off by a warming fire and enjoy hearty food in a cosy corner of one of the many traditional country pubs you’ll find in the area.
Explore
Explore the town itself, adorned with twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere, by following the town walks in the Redvers Ramble walking guide. Wander through woodland at nearby Eggesford Forest, under the boughs of magnificent Douglas fir trees. Stroll through Shobrooke Park, a restored Victorian garden with a lake to have a leisurely walk around. The newly reopened Dartmoor Line railway takes passengers from Crediton to Okehampton on the edge of Dartmoor. You can pop on your walking boots, hop on a train and be rambling across open moorland in no time at all!
Discover
There is a wealth of history to uncover in Crediton. Start at Crediton Museum to learn about the town’s role in the Civil War, the Great Fire and the founding of a cathedral in the town. Then pay a visit to the Holy Cross Parish Church, the site of Devon’s first Saxon cathedral. Crediton is still a place of pilgrimage today for its links to St Boniface. You can follow the Boniface Hertiage Trail around the town to learn more about his influence on the town.
Cullompton
Enjoy
Stock up on local goodies at the award-winning Cullompton Farmers’ Market, where friendly, local producers will choose the perfect produce for your festive feasts or help you fill Christmas hampers with delectable gifts. Stroll along the main street browsing gift shops, enjoying the sparkling festive lights adorning the trees. You won’t go hungry in Cullompton with plenty of places to stop for a quick bite to eat for a coffee stop or leisurely lunch. Then choose from a number of high quality restaurants for you eveing dining from Italian cuisine to hearty burgers. Make sure you treat yourself to a cocktail to complete your Christams celebrations in Porters Bar and Grill.
Explore
Cullompton sits within the Culm Valley, honeycombed with footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths for you to enjoy. Explore shorter circular walks around the town or head out into the beauty of the nearby Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a bracing winter walk. Stroll along the River Culm, not missing country pub stops on the way in places like Culmstock and Hemyock, or venture up to the Elizabethan Culmstock Beacon for breathtaking scenic views.
Discover
Like the rest of Mid Devon, Cullompton enjoys a deep and varied heritage. Discover the history lurking within the walls of the town’s prominent buildings by following the Cloth Trade Trail. You’ll discover the town’s strong connections with the wool trade. Stop and marvel at the impressive St Andrew’s Church, included in Simon Jenkins’ ‘England’s Thousand Best Churches’. A visit to the town wouldn’t be complete without visiting The Walronds, a 16th Century family hoem which has recently been lovingly restored. Visit the panelled ground floor rooms and stop a moment in the garden before enjoying some tasty treats from the café.
Tiverton
Enjoy
Explore Tiverton’s four shopping quarters and discover unique independent boutiques and gift shops to complete your Christmas shopping, including a number of antiques shops and art galleries. Don’t miss the historic Tiverton Pannier Market which features homemade crafts, local produce and a regular farmers’ market. Once you’ve worked up an appetite stop for a bite to eat in one of the town’s many inviting eateries. Freshly brewed coffee and homemade cake, delicious lunches and sumptuous evening meals are all on offer in Tiverton. After a day of retail therapy, wrap up warm for an evening stroll down to the river to admire the festive lights reflecting in the water.
Explore
Nestled in the Exe Valley, just a short trip from Exmoor, there are plenty of walking routes to explore around Tiverton, so bring your walking boots! The Grand Western Canal, sitting just above the town, looks as beautiful as ever with winter tree branches leaning over the water, views out across the fields and local wildlife to be spotted making their preparations for the colder months. Paddle boarding has become more popular than ever this summer and there’s no reason to let the changing seasons stop you. We have 11 ¾ miles of calm waters for you to explore starting right here in Tiverton. Zip up your winter wetsuit and get a day permit from the Canal Ranger Service to paddle the canal at your leisure. With several dog-friendly hotels, guest houses and eateries in the town it’s the perfect place for a trip with your pooch.
Discover
Tiverton has a rich and varied heritage. Pay a visit to Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life, which is full of quirky objects that tell the stories of the people of Mid Devon, then follow the Merchants’ and West Exe Trails around the town to discover the historical buildings, including Tiverton Castle and the impressive St. Peter’s Church.
If you can’t make it this year why not plan ahead to visit next winter and create a wishlist to save your favourite walk routes, shops, attractions and places to eat.
