Attractions and Places To See around Willand - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Willand include a variety of historical sites, natural features, and recreational activities. Situated in the scenic Culm Valley, near the Blackdown Hills AONB, the village offers insights into local history and opportunities for outdoor exploration. Visitors can explore medieval churches, cycle along a historic canal, or discover viewpoints with expansive vistas.
Best attractions and places to see around Willand
- The most popular attractions is Culmstock Beacon Viewpoint, a historical site and viewpoint that offers far-reaching views across the Culm Valley. It is a flint hunt, part of an Elizabethan early warning system, and provides panoramic vistas.
- Another must-see spot is Grand Western Canal, an other man-made feature that meanders through the Somerset countryside. This 11-mile stretch is popular for cycling and features well-preserved historical buildings.
- Visitors also love St Mary's Church and Hemyock Castle, a religious building and historical site located in Hemyock. The church dates back to Norman times, and the adjacent castle is a 14th-century medieval structure.
- Willand is known for historical sites, natural landscapes, and outdoor activities. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to scenic cycle routes.
- The attractions around Willand are appreciated by the komoot community, with 21 upvotes and 5 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn
Highlight • Historical Site
The Mill is now also home to shops and eateries. With its gorgeous riverside location it is a lovely place to start or finish a walk, or stop partway along to refuel.
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St Mary's Church and Hemyock Castle
Highlight • Religious Site
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Grand Western Canal
Highlight (Segment) • Structure
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Killerton Park Cycle Track
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
The track can get a bit muddy in the winter months but is well surfaced underneath with a hard packed gravel surface.
Definitely not one for road bikes unless it's very dry!
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Culmstock Beacon Viewpoint
Highlight • Historical Site
The beacon is the flint hunt which was part of an early warning system against invasion during Elizabethan times. Most notably warning against the Spanish Armada. Fires were lit on the beacons when ships were seen, the series of beacons reaching from the south west to London.
You can go into the beacon, which was rebuilt in 1870 and look up at the sky where the fire would have been lit.
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Tips from the Community
Great walks there is many ways to get to the Beacon, it's very cold up there and the ground was rocky wet and very muddy, good boots needed, you can see Dartmoor Exmoor and Somerset on a clear day.
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A good few tracks and paths up here to explore, it never gets old
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Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention of the human spirit of discovery, the origins of which can be traced back to times long past. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by the power of the natural elements through a watercourse - natural or artificially created - in order to grind grain into corn or press oil from fruit, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: * Either the flowing water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or * the water is guided above the wheel - usually through a so-called "mill channel" - and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.
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St Mary’s church Hemyock appeared on the show”Blind Date” in 2008 The church can be traced back to 1120 and Hemyock castle adjacent was a focal point of clashes during the civil war fought between Cromwell and his parliamentarians (Roundheads) and the the royalists under the King Charles 1.
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Moderate trail for everyone to explore and enjoy
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Culmstock Beacon provides a stunning viewpoint south to the River Culm valley and the historic village of Culmstock. The Beacon is on Black Down
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High on the southwest point of Blackdown Common is Culmstock Beacon. It is one of a chain of Elizabethan beacons used for lighting fires to warn of advancing enemies, for example, The Spanish Armada. The beehive-shaped structure was built of flint. It was rebuilt in 1870 after the collapse of the earlier one. Culmstock Beacon is a wildlife haven with stunning views, particularly in the late summer when the bell-heather is in bloom. Access via public bridleway.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and outdoor activities can I enjoy around Willand?
Willand is nestled in the scenic Culm Valley, close to the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), offering beautiful natural surroundings. You can explore the 11-mile stretch of the Grand Western Canal, popular for cycling and walking, or take the local 'Around the World' circular walk along the old railway line. The area also provides access to various nature reserves within a 10-mile radius, such as Lickham Common, Ashculm Turbary, and Clayhidon Turbary, which are rich in wildlife.
Are there historical sites to explore in and around Willand?
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can visit St Mary's Church and Hemyock Castle, where the church dates back to Norman times and the castle is a 14th-century medieval structure. Another significant site is Culmstock Beacon Viewpoint, a historical flint hunt that was part of an Elizabethan early warning system, offering panoramic views.
What family-friendly attractions are available near Willand?
For family fun, Diggerland Devon, a construction machinery theme park, is located in Willand and offers rides and drives on full-size diggers. Additionally, the Halfway House pub in Willand features a children's play area, making it a good dining option for families.
Where can I go for a walk or cycle ride in the Willand area?
The Grand Western Canal offers a flat, scenic route perfect for cycling and walking. For more challenging rides, the National Cycle Route 3 (West Country Way) passes through Willand. You can also find various hiking and cycling routes in the surrounding area. For specific routes, explore the hiking guides around Willand or the road cycling routes around Willand.
Are there any unique historical landmarks within Willand village itself?
Within Willand village, you can visit St Mary's Church, a medieval parish church from the 15th century, known for its beautiful 1400s rood screen. Keys to the interior can be borrowed from the Post Office during opening hours. Also, look for the blue plaque marking the former home of Margaret Partridge, a pioneer in electrical engineering.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Willand area?
The natural areas around Willand, including the Culm Valley, Blackdown Hills AONB, and nearby nature reserves like Lickham Common, are rich in wildlife. Culmstock Beacon Viewpoint is described as a wildlife haven, particularly in late summer when bell-heather is in bloom, attracting various species.
Are there options for relaxation or dining near Willand's attractions?
Yes, for relaxation, Heyford House Day Spa offers a variety of treatment and pampering packages. For dining, Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn offers shops and eateries in a gorgeous riverside location. The Halfway House in Willand is a country pub with restaurant service and weekend carveries, and The Old Well Garden Centre includes a café serving cream teas.
What are the best viewpoints to visit for scenic views?
The most prominent viewpoint is Culmstock Beacon Viewpoint, which offers far-reaching views across the Culm Valley. On a clear day, you can see almost to Exeter, and even Dartmoor, Exmoor, and Somerset.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Willand?
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and panoramic views from Culmstock Beacon Viewpoint. The Grand Western Canal is loved for its flat, scenic cycling and walking opportunities, with many enjoying the well-preserved historical buildings and the chance to see horse-drawn barges. The charm of Bickleigh Mill's riverside setting and its offerings of food and gifts are also highly rated.
Is there a place to learn about the local history of Willand?
The Willand History Group actively studies the parish's history, collects archival material, and disseminates information through meetings and publications, including 'The Book of Willand: From Doomsday to Millennium.' They also host exhibitions at the Willand Village Hall.
Are there any specific cycling tracks or trails for off-road biking?
Yes, the Killerton Park Cycle Track offers a brilliant stretch for walkers and cyclists through Killerton National Trust. It has a hard-packed gravel surface, though it can get muddy in winter. For more off-road options, you can explore gravel biking routes around Willand.
Most popular attractions around Willand
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