Cheriton Bishop

Welcome to Cheriton Bishop:

Cheriton Bishop is a peaceful rural community on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, conveniently positioned near the A30. While most of the village sits within Mid Devon, part of it lies inside the Dartmoor National Park boundary. Its name comes from Old English, meaning a “settlement centred around a church,” reflecting the village’s long heritage. Today, residents enjoy a strong community spirit with a wide range of local clubs and activities throughout the year, including walking groups, gardening clubs, lunch clubs and seasonal events.

Surrounded by rolling hills, wooded valleys and meandering streams, Cheriton Bishop offers residents and visitors an idyllic countryside setting. The village benefits from excellent local services, including the Checkers Village Shop and Post Office, a doctor’s surgery, and a Primary School. Several local eateries – some offering accommodation – make Cheriton Bishop a welcoming place for day visits or longer stays.

Local Experiences:

Cheriton Bishop is a fantastic base for lovers of the outdoors. Its rural surroundings provide numerous walking and cycling routes with easy access to Dartmoor National Park, where visitors can enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting and open moorland exploration. The historic St Mary’s Church, a place of Christian worship for around a thousand years, offers a peaceful stop and a glimpse into the village’s long past.

Food and drink options are abundant in and around the village. The Old Thatch Inn is a traditional country pub offering real ales, hearty meals and a lively programme of events, from gigs to open‑mic nights. The Woodleigh Coach House, a Grade II listed former coaching inn, provides both guest accommodation and a popular café for locals and travellers alike.

History & Places of Interest:

• Community Heritage: The village tradition of local clubs and gatherings reflects its long‑standing close‑knit identity.
• Name Origins: “Cheriton” stems from Old English, meaning a settlement centred around a church.
• St Mary’s Church: A historic place of worship dating back roughly 1,000 years.
• Dartmoor Connections: Part of the village lies within the boundary of Dartmoor National Park, offering centuries of intertwined rural and moorland history.

Acknowledgement: Image courtesy of Derek Harper, Countryside near Cheriton Farm, CC BY-SA 2.0