Best attractions and places to see around Poughill include a blend of historical sites, traditional village architecture, and natural features within North Cornwall. This picturesque village offers a tranquil escape with landmarks reflecting its past. The surrounding area provides opportunities to explore historical parks, ancient churches, and scenic riverside locations. Poughill itself is characterized by its traditional Cornish character and a collection of listed buildings.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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A lovely old castle but be aware of the steep hill ahead... 'Alpe d'heuz' style!
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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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Bickleigh Mill is an 18th century water mill which is still working to this day. 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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Scooped some water out, filtered it and a made a coffee.
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B&B & holiday cottages available. Good centre for exploring Devon from an attractive and historic setting.
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Great place for lunch or a Devon cream tea (cream first, jam on top - the proper way - this is Devon!). There's also a gift shop adjoining.
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Bickleigh Castle is a lovely manor house on the banks of the River Exe. Although the main building was destroyed during the Civil War, the central courtyard and other historic buildings still stand today. The original Norman motte castle was built in the late 11th century. Nowadays, the castle is used to host weddings, but it's still an interesting place to stop and take a look.
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This proud, medieval church stands on the edge of Shobrooke village and, like so many churches in the area, has wonderful views over the rolling, pastoral landscape. The church dates back to the 15th century but the interior is considerably younger, mostly Victorian. If you hike up the lane opposite towards the village centre, you'll find the holy well embedded into a grassy bank on the eastern side.
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Poughill is rich in history. You can visit the Grade I listed St. Olaf's Church, dating back to the 14th century, known for its 15th-century frescoes and carved pew ends. Other notable historical buildings include Burshill Manor and Church House, both from the early 16th century, and Pudners Cottage, a picturesque 17th-century thatched cottage. The Poughill Water-mill, nestled in woodland, also offers a glimpse into the village's past.
Yes, the outskirts of Poughill were the site of the Battle of Stamford Hill in 1643, a key English Civil War battle. Re-enactments, including a procession through nearby Stratton, are held annually in May. Additionally, Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, inventor of the 'Bude Light', resided in Poughill until his death in 1875.
To experience traditional village life, consider visiting during the Poughill Revel and Cuckoo Fair, a traditional English village fete offering activities, homemade cakes, and local produce. The Preston Gate Inn serves as a local gathering spot, and simply walking through the village allows you to appreciate its 17 listed buildings and numerous picturesque thatched cottages.
Beyond St. Olaf's Church in Poughill, you can visit the impressive Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross, Crediton, which dates back over 1,000 years. Another option is St Swithun's Church and Holy Well, a proud medieval church near Shobrooke village with wonderful views.
Poughill itself is characterized by a 'wooded hollow of a hill' and offers wonderful views over the rolling, pastoral landscape. For more specific natural features, Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge offers grand lakes and sweeping vistas within its 180-acre historical park. The surrounding North Cornwall area also provides rugged coastline, beaches, and scenic walks, including woodland walks at the Battle of Stamford Hill site, known for its bluebells.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities near Poughill. You can find various routes, such as the moderate 9.5 km 'Bickleigh Castle loop from Bickleigh' or the 11.3 km 'Bluebell Wood Path – Bickleigh Bridge loop from Bickleigh'. For more options, explore the hiking guide for Poughill.
Absolutely. The area around Poughill offers several cycling routes. Examples include the 'Exeter Quayside – Exeter Ship Canal loop from Crediton' (61.6 km, moderate) or the more challenging 'Grand Western Canal – Grand Western Canal Dock loop from Tiverton' (45.8 km). Discover more routes in the cycling guide for Poughill.
For runners, there are moderate routes like the 'Raddon Top Car Park loop from Cheriton Fitzpaine' (9.9 km) or the 'Running loop from Puddington' (8.3 km). You can find a wider selection of running trails in the running guide for Poughill.
Many attractions around Poughill are suitable for families. Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn offers shops and eateries by the river, and the working water mill can be interesting for all ages. Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge provides open spaces for exploration. The Poughill Revel and Cuckoo Fair is also a family-oriented event with activities and local treats.
Poughill has The Preston Gate Inn, a traditional village pub. Nearby, Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn offers eateries in a scenic riverside setting. Another option is The Fisherman's Cot Pub, beautifully situated on the banks of the River Exe, famous for inspiring Paul Simon's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'.
Poughill offers several picturesque spots. Pudners Cottage, a 17th-century thatched building, is often featured in vintage Cornish postcards. The Poughill Water-mill, set in thick woodland, provides a charming, rustic scene. The distinctive Grade II listed K6 Telephone Box also adds a unique touch to the village's character.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites, traditional village architecture, and natural beauty. Highlights like Bickleigh Mill & The Bridge Inn are loved for their historical significance and scenic riverside location, perfect for starting or finishing a walk. The grand lakes and sweeping vistas of Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge are also highly regarded for their tranquility and beauty.


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