Bickleigh

Welcome to Bickleigh:

Located in the picturesque Exe Valley between Exeter and Tiverton, Bickleigh is a charming village known for its thatched cottages, a medieval 14th‑century bridge, a working water mill and a popular shopping and craft centre. Its riverside setting and traditional Devon character make Bickleigh a peaceful and inviting place to explore.

Local Experiences:

Bickleigh offers visitors a rich blend of scenery, heritage and family‑friendly attractions. Enjoy an interactive day out at the Devon Railway Centre, explore peaceful woodland trails at Northdown Wood, or discover centuries of stories on a guided tour of Bickleigh Castle, a fortified manor house with deep royal connections and intriguing historic residents. The village’s medieval parish church, largely 14th‑century in origin with a 12th‑century doorway and medieval carved bench‑ends, adds another layer of historic charm for those interested in Devon’s ecclesiastical past.

Riverside dining awaits at the Fisherman’s Cot, a beautiful thatched pub overlooking the River Exe, where traditional meals can be enjoyed indoors or in the gardens — and where otters are occasionally seen drifting along the riverbank.

Walkers are well catered for too, with two scenic stretches of the Exe Valley Way running through the village. Stage 4 (Thorverton to Bickleigh) offers sweeping valley views before descending past Bickleigh Castle and across the iconic bridge, while Stage 5 (Bickleigh to Tiverton) winds through oak woodland along the riverbank, particularly beautiful in spring when wildflowers begin to bloom.

History & Places of Interest:

• Royal Charters: King Edward the Elder issued three charters here in AD 904, when Bickleigh was known as Bicanleag.
• Bampfylde‑Moore Carew: Born in Bickleigh in 1693, he became a legendary character known as the “King of the Beggars,” celebrated for his disguises, adventures and roguish exploits before returning to the village.
• A Medieval Feud: In around 1332, a violent clash on Bickleigh Bridge ended in a fatal fall into the River Exe. According to local legend, Sir Alexander Cruwys’ ghost rides across the bridge every Midsummer’s Eve.