Bampton
Nearby Events
Discover Mid Devon’s vibrant calendar of events happening across the region. From festivals and markets to workshops and seasonal celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Located on the edge of Exmoor National Park, Bampton is a historic charter town full of character, charm and rural warmth. Its bustling centre is dotted with quirky independent shops, an old‑fashioned greengrocer, a traditional pharmacy and a classic butcher, creating a delightful old‑world atmosphere ideal for a relaxed morning or afternoon stroll.
Bampton offers a wonderful mix of outdoor adventure, local flavour and vibrant community life. Food lovers will be spoiled for choice—despite its small size, the town is renowned across Mid Devon for its award‑winning pubs and eateries, making it a true destination for great dining.
The surrounding landscape is perfect for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers. With the Exe Valley Way passing through the town and woodland footpaths branching into the countryside, there is no shortage of scenic routes to explore. Exmoor’s wild beauty—complete with its famous ponies and the landscapes that inspired Lorna Doone—is just moments away.
At the heart of Bampton stands St Michael’s and All Angels Church, a 12th‑century parish church that houses the Heritage & Visitor Centre. Visitors can discover fascinating artefacts, learn about the town’s rich heritage and join a guided Town Trail to uncover more stories woven into Bampton’s historic streets.
This is low level walking with few or no gradients. This may be along a road or tarmacked path. Suitable for all levels of walkers, pushchairs and wheelchair users. Comfortable shoes or trainers can be worn.
For reasonably fit walkers with no mobility or specific health problems. Some gradients or uneven terrain. May include unsurfaced rural paths through woodlands or fields and may have a style. The route maybe less obviously marked in some sections. Walking boots and warm waterproof clothing are recommended.
Good level of fitness and walking experience, some steep climbs and open country with less well marked sections of the route. Unsurfaced rural paths with rough and uneven terrain. Suitable for more experienced and prepared walkers. May require a compass and map. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
For very experienced and fit walkers only, will need to use compass and map, could have steep inclines and uneven terrain, may need additional technical skills eg scrambling, crampons etc. You must plan your walk beforehand.
Suitable for beginners in good health with basic bike skills. Relatively flat and wide trail suitable for most types of bike.
Suitable for riders in good health with basic off-road riding skills. Some singletrack sections and small obstacles of root and rock may be present. Suitable for basic mountain bikes.
Suitable for proficient mountain bikers with good off-road riding skills and fitness. Route may contain some challenging climbs, tricky descents and technical features such as drop-offs and large rocks. Suitable for good mountain bikes.
Suitable for expert mountain bikers with high level of fitness. Route may contain greater challenge and difficulty. Riders should expect large and unavoidable features. Suitable for quality off-road mountain bikes.