Discover The Area

Shillingford is a peaceful little hamlet in Mid Devon, two miles (3km) northeast of Bampton on the River Batherm.  Close to the border with West Somerset. It is near the Exe Valley. Surrounded by farms and farm land. Your sure to come across some friendly locals and their livestock being moved from field to field, and the many horses that trot around these country lanes. This lovely village has a real community feel, where everyone looks out for one another. The local village hall offers the community and surrounding villages with some fantastic events. Keeping the essence of community spirit. 

You can follow the many footpaths and enjoy some lovely gentle strolls, or for the more enthusiastic ramblers wanting a challenge opt for a long-distance hike. Whatever your preference you can find some lovely walks to suit everyone.

Also in Shillingford we have a beauty and wellbeing clinic. If you're interested in any treatments whilst on holiday www.remotetherapies.co.uk

A shooting school, giving lessons to suit both clay shots and game shots and cater for shooters of all levels

www.shaldenshootingschooldevon.co.uk

 and Carp and coarse fishing, a mature fishery with fish of outstanding quality, colouration and size

www.fourpondsfishery.com

 There is a good bus service from the village taking you into Bampton, Tiverton, Taunton and Dulverton.

Bampton 2.3 miles (5 min drive or a short walk), with ample free parking.

 Bampton has much history. Dating back to 1067 and one of the best preserved in Devon is a Norman Motte and Bailey Castle, offering wonderful views of the town below. A raised mound of earth and stones that was used to build a Medieval castle, built for defence and as symbol of lordship.

 Stay at The Elms Holiday Home on the last Thursday in October and visit our annual Ancient Charter fair, over 750 years old. Traditionally Exmoor ponies were traded. Today you will find locals gathering to enjoy locally made beers and ciders, fine wines, arts and crafts, food stalls and local theatre groups offering surprising stories on the streets. Lively fun entertainment for all ages. 

Bampton is a well-deserved regular winner of Britain in Bloom.

 Once a thriving wool town, Bampton's Georgian houses are built of locally quarried stone. The whole town centre is a conservation area, and Bampton boasts almost 100 listed structures including two telephone boxes.

It has a surprising range of local amenities, including some lovely shops, tea rooms, a post office, butchers, green grocers, pubs, restaurants and chemist. 

Visit St Michael All Angels Church, grade 1 listed with a 13th century tower, and contains many interesting features including a unique rhyming epitaph that tells of a story of an unfortunate death by icicle! The Church holds a heritage and visitor centre and offers a warm welcome with information boards, displays, videos and children's activities. Book a town trail and discover more of Bampton's History.

Adventure out onto the vast expanse of Exmoor National Park, and see it's many offerings, perfect for those wishing to walk or cycling enthusiasts wanting to enjoy this awesome landscape.  

The expansive heather and gorse moorland provide a habitat for many species of insect, winged butterfly, flitting and gliding close to the ground. 

Join the many footpaths and bridleways, through oak woodlands and steep wooded valleys.

On Exmoor you are never far from the sound of water and rivers and streams that flow from the high ground cutting many deep combes, defining characteristics of the National Park.

Magnificent herds of red deer and native ponies can be seen across the rolling farmland.   

Exmoor is Europe’s first international dark skies reserve. One of the best places for star gazing. On a clear night the milky way, shooting stars and thousands of glittering stars and constellations are clearly visible with the naked eye.    

Wimbleball lake, 6 miles away. A reservoir open to the public for water sports, walking and other outdoor activities. Miles of footpaths trace the bridleway to suit all ages and abilities. With The Elms having easy assess to Exmoor national park you can take in the delightful scenery, watch out for the roaming Exmoor ponies, a highlight of any trip to Exmoor. Along the way why not stop at a Country Inn and enjoy it's light refreshments.

Head to the traditional fishing villages of Appledore, Lynton, Lynmouth, Clovelly and Porlock. Many with characterful shops, pubs, cafes and tea rooms.

Photo here shows the picturesque town of Lynton, described as the 'Mini-Switzerland' of England.

It's cliff railway, a unique Victorian totally water-powered lift opened in 1890. Ascending 862ft it's the highest and steepest railway in the world! And offers awe-inspiring views over the bay. A "must see and do".

Discover the string of sandy beaches on Devon's North Coast. An area of outstanding natural beauty. These beaches are some of the largest, unspoilt and memorable. 

These beaches are highlighted by the iconic blue flag symbols, making them a wonderful place to visit during your trip to Devon. Saunton Sands, Croyde, Woolcombe and Westward Ho! Great for body boarding, Surfing, swimming and rock pooling

Or venture to South Devon for Dawlish Warren, Torquay and Exmouth just a few examples of our stunning coastline and beaches with ample things to offer for all ages.