Willand

Welcome to Willand

Willand is a parish and village in the picturesque Culm valley near to the Blackdown Hills AONB.  The village is just off the B3181 (the old A38), with Tiverton Parkway railway station just a couple of miles away and easily accessed from both junctions 27 and 28 of the M5.

Interesting Facts

  • Margaret Partridge, known as a pioneer in the 1900s for electrical engineering for women and of rural electrification in Devon, lived in Willand.  A blue plaque is displayed on her former home in the village.
  • A scientific survey carried out in 2015–17 found that the location was subject to an annual uplift of 2 cm, the cause of which is unknown.
  • A walk around the village, using a pedestrianised path from the old railway line, is known by locals as going ‘around the World’.

Things to Do and Places to See

  • The National Cycle Route 3 (West Country Way) from Bristol to Penzance passes through Willand and is a popular stopping point for cyclists.  It is possible to cycle along the route to the nearby Grand Western Canal.
  • Diggerland Devon is a construction machinery attraction with full-size diggers, tractors and dumpers rides and drives, based in Willand.  Please note: Diggerland is currently closed with plans to reopen summer 2022.
  • The parish church of St Mary’s is believed to have been built in the 15th Century. The red sandstone used in the building is typical of the district. St. Mary’s chief attraction is a beautiful rood screen, dating from 1400; one of the oldest surviving in Devon. Visitors who wish to see the church can borrow the keys from the Post Office during shop opening hours.
  • Willand has a Village Hall where a number of social activities take place. Next to the Village Hall is Willand Tennis Club, with courts available for members of the public to book and enjoy a game of tennis.  Muddifords Court also host a number of live-music events throughout the year.
  • Looking for something more relaxing?  Visit Heyford House Day Spa for a variety of treatment and pampering packages to help you unwind.

Places to Eat

  • Willand village has two restaurants: The Bluebell Restaurant based at Willand Service Station and the Halfway House country pub with children’s play area outside.  Both offer restaurant service throughout the week with weekend carveries.
  • The Old Well Garden Centre is just down the road and offers a café with cream teas.
  • The Roundhouse Café at Muddifords Court offering hot refreshments and cake.
  • Willand-based ice-cream manufacturers Bonne Bouche sell their delicious hot bubble-waffle cones filled with ice-cream and sweet treats from nearby Bridwell Park on Saturdays.
  • Nearby eateries can also be found at junctions 27 and 28 of the M5, both easily accessed from the village.  The Waterloo Cross (a Marston’s Inn), along with a Costa Coffee and Burger King are located at junction 27.  Whereas McDonald’s and a variety of takeaways and restaurants are off junction 28 in nearby Cullompton.

Places to Stay

  • Pitfield Apartments are luxury self-catering apartments set in the quiet neighbourhood of Willand Old Village, with access to an indoor heated pool.  B&B accommodation also available in the village.

Nearby

Acknowledgement

Image courtesy of Lewis Clarke / Willand : Willand Old Village / CC BY-SA 2.0

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