Places of Interest within a 45 minute drive of Morchard Bishop

Click the links below, or scroll down the page...

Castle Drogo [Back to top]


In Drewsteignton to the South of Morchard Bishop and on the edge of Dartmoor. A major 1920's garden and the last castle to be built in Britain, one of Lutyen's most remarkable works.

Castle Drogo RHS , Castle Drogo NT .

Coldharbour Mill [Back to top]


A working wool museum, housing an impressive array of working spinning and weaving machines, 2 mill engines and a 1910 Lancashire Boiler. Near Junction 27 on the M5. Coldharbourmill.

Dartington Crystal [Back to top]

The Dartington Crystal Visitors Centre is situated in the small town of Torrington, near Bideford. The Factory Tour and Visitor Centre allows you the unique opportunity to see the art of glass blowing and hand making in a beautiful rural setting. (Link to Dartington Crystal)

Devon Railway Centre [Back to top]

An operating 2' gauge railway, and a short 7¼" gauge train ride. Extensive display of model railways. Situated at the Old Station, Bickleigh just South of Tiverton. Devonrailway centre.

Diggerland [Back to top]

Do you actually need children to enjoy this? Drive real JCB's etc. A paradise for all young and old kids! Children (and adults if they wish) have the opportunity to ride in, and drive, different types of construction machinery including Dump Trucks, Mini Diggers and Giant Diggers (all under strict supervision). Diggerland.com

Eggesford Forest [Back to top]

A short distance to the North of Morchard Bishop. There are waymarked trails through these woodlands where, in 1919, the Forestry Commission planted its first trees. In 1956 the Queen unveiled a stone here marking the planting of 1 million acres (405 000 ha) of trees throughout Britain by the Commission.

Exeter [Back to top]


Just 30 minutes away by car, the regional capital of the Southwest. An historic Cathedral City well worth exploring, from the underground passages (Dating from 14th century, these medieval passages under Exeter High Street are a unique ancient monument: no similar system of passages can be explored by the public elsewhere in Britain) down to the Exeter Quay, from the Cathedral to the markets and shopping. Exeter.

An excellent guide to Exeter and nearby attractions: Touristnetuk.com

Killerton [Back to top]
National Trust house and gardens near Broadclyst, to the North of Exeter. Killerton link.

Knightshayes [Back to top]

National Trust house built in1869 and a Victorian walled garden to die for!!!. Knightshayes Garden , Knightshayes Court.

Lydford Gorge [Back to Top]

Just South of the village of Lydford is the deepest gorge in South West England, a beautiful tree lined ravine. Lydford Gorge is now owned by the National Trust. (Link to Lydford Gorge)

North Down Farm [Back to top]

(Yeoford) 01363 84289. Organic rare breeds farm with a cider orchard, cream teas, riverside walk. Link here.

Okehampton Castle [Back to top]

Okehampton Castle is one of the largest castle ruins in the South West. Probably built after 1068 it is mentioned in the Doomsday Book (1086). (Link to Castle Explorer)

Other fun things [Back to top]

Ballooning at Whimple, Canoeing at Exeter Quay, Gliding at Tavistock - even Llama Trekking at Trecot Treks, Sampford Courtenay (tel 01837 82747) - try this web link.

Powderham Castle [Back to top]

Built over 600 years ago, Powderham castle is the historic home of the Earl of Devon. Beautifully situated on the banks of the Exe Estuary, the castle is at the centre of a 4000 acre estate. Powderham Castle.

Rosemoor [Back to top]

Showpiece RHS gardens just 1 mile South of Torrington, open all year. Rosemoor link.

Two Moors Way [Back to top]


Morchard Bishop is the half way point on this Way which joins Ivybridge on the South side of Dartmoor to Lynmouth on Exmoor's North Devon Coast. (see photos in the Gallery , and also the Contours Walking Holidays web site).