Attractions and Places To See around Kilkhampton - Top 20

Kilkhampton is rich in history. You can visit the impressive 12th-century St. James the Great Church, known for its Norman doorway and monument to Sir Bevil Grenville. The remains of Penstowe Castle, a late Norman motte-and-bailey castle, are also nearby. Further west, you'll find the site of Stowe House. Additionally, the Compass Point Storm Tower, also known as the 'Tower of the Winds', is a significant historical landmark on the cliffs near Bude, rebuilt in the 1880s. The Bude Canal, opened in 1823, also offers a glimpse into the region's industrial past.

For breathtaking coastal views, head to the Compass Point Storm Tower near Bude, which offers panoramic sea vistas. The area around Kilkhampton also features deep-wooded coombes leading towards the Atlantic Ocean, with the coastal path providing extraordinary views of turquoise waters and wildflowers. Another excellent spot is Hawker's Hut, built into the hillside, offering stunning views of the coastline.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Bude Canal is excellent for walking and cycling, with abundant wildlife to spot. The Bude Sea Pool offers a safe environment for wild swimming. Nearby, Tamar Lakes provide various activities including watersports and walking. For a full day out, The Milky Way Adventure Park is also within easy reach.

Kilkhampton is surrounded by natural beauty. You can explore Kilkhampton Common, a 20-acre haven with grassland, woodland, and river habitats, ideal for walks and wildlife spotting. The spectacular Coombe Valley leads to Duckpool Beach. Don't miss the dramatic Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall, which plunges 157 feet to a rocky beach. Tamar Lakes offer watersports and walking, while Sandymouth Beach provides an unspoilt stretch of pebbles and sand backed by impressive cliffs.

Absolutely! The Bude Sea Pool is a semi-natural tidal pool that offers a safe and free environment for wild swimming. Additionally, the plunge pool at Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall can be a refreshing spot for a swim, especially after rain, though it's a more rugged location.

Several beautiful beaches are easily accessible. Duckpool Beach, located at the end of the scenic Coombe Valley, is a lovely spot. Sandymouth Beach, three miles north of Bude, is a popular yet unspoilt beach with impressive cliffs. The rocky beach below Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall is also a unique destination, offering dramatic scenery.

Yes, there are several easy walking trails. You can enjoy a leisurely walk around Kilkhampton Common, which features diverse habitats. The Bude Canal offers flat paths suitable for easy strolls. For more structured routes, you can find easy hikes around Upper Tamar Lake or between Sandymouth Beach and Duckpool Beach. You can explore these and other routes on the Easy hikes around Kilkhampton guide.

The area around Kilkhampton is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy walking and cycling along the Bude Canal. Tamar Lakes offer watersports and angling. The coastal paths provide excellent opportunities for hiking and enjoying the views. For specific routes, check out guides like Running Trails around Kilkhampton or Cycling around Kilkhampton.

Yes, the Bude Castle Heritage Centre, located in Bude, is a Grade II listed building that offers insights into local history. It covers fascinating topics such as Victorian inventors, shipwrecks, fossils, and railways, providing a comprehensive look at the area's past.

Visitors particularly appreciate the dramatic natural beauty, such as the rugged valleys and high cliffs surrounding Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall. The breathtaking sea views from spots like Compass Point Storm Tower and Hawker's Hut are also highly praised. The peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife along the Bude Canal are also popular among visitors.

While many attractions are well-known, Kilkhampton Common offers a tranquil escape with its diverse habitats, perfect for quiet exploration. The site of Penstowe Castle, though mostly ruins, provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient history away from the main tourist trails. Hawker's Hut, a small National Trust site, is also a unique and historically rich spot often overlooked.