Culm Valley in Devon

Culm Valley

 in Devon

Brambles Bed and Breakfast Tiverton
Whitnage, near Sampford Peverell, Tiverton, Devon
E-mail: info@bramblesbedandbreakfast.co.uk - Telephone: 01884 829211

Places to Visit Index

Whatever time of year you choose to visit this lovely area you will find lots to do and see. You can walk and cycle off the beaten track exploring as you go and discover the charms of local villages and hamlets. A substantial part of the Culm Valley falls within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is characterised by its network of hedges, mature hedgerow trees and small copses linking a rich mosaic of semi-natural habitats. The quiet bridleways and byways offer many opportunities to explore and enjoy the locally distinctive buildings and wealth of archaeological remains.

You can horse ride, play golf, fish or shop for antiques and distinctive pieces of art. You can sample local produce at Cullompton's Farmers' Market, or direct from the supplier at a variety of farmshops. Satisfy your thirst and hunger in one of the areas characterful pubs, restaurants or tearooms. There are historic churches, houses, a castle and a working mill. You can take a horse drawn barge, or if feeling more adventurous, ride Quad-bikes and JCBs, the choices are endless with lots of new experiences waiting to be savoured.

The National Trust properties of Killerton and Knightshayes Court are close by and the area is perfectly positioned to explore Devon's World Heritage coast as well as Exmoor and Dartmoor.

The Culm Valley is home to a number of artists and crafts people, some of which regularly open their studios to members of the public. Bradninch has regular arts and music events including an annual music festival in mid-June. The bi-annual events of Somerset Art Week and Nine Days of Art are important dates in the diaries for those who appreciate local art.

If you fancy trying your hand at a new artistic skill, then there are a variety of short courses and day workshops offered in the area, ranging from felting to making hedgerow chairs. Details of these can be found on the websites listed at the end

There is nearly always an art exhibition happening somewhere within the Culm Valley, and Coldharbour Mill at Uffculme stages an excellent programme of events throughout the year. The Mill also hosts the Culm Valley Millennium Screen which is a fantastically detailed tapestry depicting many of the parishes in the area.

Opportunities on the Grand Western Canal. Details available from the Ranger Service at Tiverton Basin.

Indoor Bowls at Padbrook Park, Cullompton where visitors are welcome. The two bowling clubs at Cullompton and the bowling clubs at Bradninch and Uffculme welcome visitors by arrangement. A leaflet containing details of all the bowling facilities in the area is available from the Tourist Information Centre in Cullompton (01884 - 38249)

The valley's quiet lanes are ideal for cycling. Although the area has excellent main roads there is real pleasure to be had by leaving the car behind and exploring the countryside at a leisurely pace. A cycle track from Willand links to the Grand Western Canal towpath where cyclists can take the National Cycle route to Tiverton and beyond. More cycle route information is available from www.discoverdevon.com

The area has a terrific range of traditional country pubs that offer delicious home cooked meals often sourced from local suppliers. The larger towns have a variety of restaurants and tea rooms whilst most of the family attractions have great food facilities including quiet seating areas for those who wish to picnic.

The Culm Valley is rich in all sorts of family entertainment. You can drive a JCB at Diggerland, near Willand or ride a quad bike at Quad World, near Cullompton, where they have mini, junior and adult quads. There are also two fantastic museums (see museums section) or take a leisurely trip on a horse drawn canal barge with the Grand Western Horseboat Co. There are also plenty of other attractions and events within easy reach.

The River Culm is a relatively undiscovered gem for anglers who enjoy tranquility and the challenges of diverse stretches of water ranging from the shallow fast flowing to deep sheltered ponds. The native fish is the Brown Trout. The area also offers a variety of fishing lakes stocked with Trout or Carp. - A leaflet listing fishing activities in the area is available from the Cullompton Tourist Information Point (01884 38249)

Padbrook Park at Cullompton, a 9 hole/18 tee parkland course, is among the finest pay-as-you-play centres in Devon and there is a driving range at Tiverton Parkway near Sampford Peverell. A leaflet detailing activities in the Mid Devon area is available from the Cullompton Tourist Information Point

With so many bridleways and lanes to explore, enjoy trekking or a gentle hack through glorious countryside. There are several Riding Stables that supply well mannered mounts for the novice or more experienced rider. Some stables offer a whole day in the saddle taking in a pub lunch along the way. Further information can be found from leisure pursuits leaflet available from Cullompton Tourist Information Centre

Coldharbour Mill is a working woollen mill which offers fascinating tours and has a good cafe and shop overlooking the Mill stream. Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life is one of the largest social history museums in the South West. It houses the "Tivvy Bumper" a GWR locomotive which used to run locally and is full of interest on all aspects of life in the area. Also see the Virtual Victorians website for more details.

During the evenings activity in this rural location is mainly based in the local pubs and restaurants, and tickets are often available for some great Village Hall Hops (with live bands) or join in with a Skittles Week. However, for those who want the brighter lights, both Exeter and Taunton are within 20 minutes drive and offer a wealth of theatres, cinemas, nightclubs and sporting fixtures.

When the sun is shining the best place to be is out-doors enjoying a whole range of activities locally from bowling, golfing, tennis, kite flying at Culmstock Beacon or simply listening to bird song in one of the many stretches of woodland. The patient ones amongst you might even be lucky enough to see Badgers at play. Throughout the Summer villages get out the bunting and hold Fetes, Fayres and Bazaars. Touring arts companies perform on village greens and visitors are always welcome to join in with the fun.

Cullompton's award winning Farmers' Market is held on the second Saturday in each month in the town's Station Road car park. Wednesday is market day in the town where there are small indoor and outdoor markets. An Antiques Centre in The Old Tannery at Exeter Hill provides easy parking and opportunities to browse.

Cullompton has an indoor Sports Centre, including fitness suite and a fitness studio at Meadow Lane and there is an and indoor bowls and fitness Studio at Padbrook Park. For more details visit the Mid Devon Website.

From short walks to long trails, the Culm Valley is the perfect base for enjoying walking or rambling. Discover the heritage of Cullompton with the help of the town trail leaflet, a 16 mile towpath walk alongside the Grand Western Canal or hikes up to Culmstock Beacon. Dartmoor, Exmoor, South West Coast Path, Two Moors Way and Tarka Trail are all within easy reach. A programme of guided walks is run by the Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership each year and details of these can be found on the Blackdown Hills website or telephone 01823 680681

A series of circular walks entitled Mid Devon Country Walks and Villages may be purchased from Tiverton Tourist Information Centre. Titles include: Bradninch, Grand Western Canal and Uffculme.

Shop mobility is a scheme that allows people with limited mobility to use manual and powered wheelchairs and electric powered scooters to access local shops and town facilities. These are available at Cullompton on Wednesday and Friday. Telephone 01884 243099 for further information.

The Culm Valley Sports Centre. Meadow Lane, Cullompton has disabled access to all parts of the building Tel: 01884 32853

• Cullompton: Town Hall
• 1 High Street
• Tel: 01884 38249

• Tiverton: Phoenix Lane
• Tel: 01884 255827 (24 hr)

The centre helps with holiday accommodation enquiries and is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.00pm and Saturday 9.30am to 4.00pm

Make the most of your visit - A large number of leaflets, booklets and maps are available about the area including attractions and activities from the Tourist Information centres