Morchard Bishop

Welcome to Morchard Bishop:

Morchard Bishop is a traditional rural parish situated in the heart of Devon, almost exactly midway between Dartmoor and Exmoor and between the north and south coasts. Surrounded by unspoilt rolling farmland divided by ancient Devon banks, the village offers timeless countryside charm and a warm community atmosphere. The parish has a long and rich architectural history, with buildings reflecting centuries of change. One of the oldest is Rudge, believed to date from around 1380 despite its later appearance as a 19th‑century house.

Local Experiences:

Morchard Bishop is a wonderful base for exploring Mid Devon’s countryside, thanks to its impressive network of over 60 public footpaths and bridleways — one of the highest numbers of any parish in Devon. Walks around the village vary in length and difficulty, and offer beautiful views across farmland, woodlands and valleys. Route guides and local maps are available through the Parish Council’s walking section.

The parish also marks the mid‑way point of the Two Moors Way, the long‑distance trail linking Dartmoor and Exmoor. This makes Morchard Bishop a convenient and scenic stop for walkers and cyclists travelling through Devon.

The village’s history can be seen in its architecture, including 14th‑ and 15th‑century buildings and the longest row of thatched terraced cottages in England. The origin of the village’s name — from the Celtic mǭr cę̃d, meaning “great wood” — reflects a landscape once dominated by forest, while the “Bishop” element dates to its ownership by the Bishop of Exeter in 1086.

Morchard Bishop also has a notable modern history, having once been home to Ernest Bevin, former Foreign Secretary (1945–1951) and Lord Privy Seal.

Visitors can enjoy the 16th‑century Parish Church of St Mary, known for its impressive 95‑foot tower, as well as two mapped village walks available via local walking guides. The Parish Council also provides a helpful list of things to do within a 45‑minute drive, making Morchard Bishop an ideal central base for exploring wider Devon.

Local food and drink options include The London Inn, the village’s own pub and restaurant offering generous home‑cooked meals. Additional nearby dining can be found at The Devonshire Dumpling on Morchard Road, popular for its friendly family atmosphere and children’s play area.

History & Places of Interest:

• Celtic Origins: “Morchard” comes from the Celtic phrase for “great wood,” reflecting its ancient forested landscape.
• Domesday Heritage: The parish was held by the Bishop of Exeter in 1086.
• Rudge: One of the oldest surviving buildings, dating to around 1380.
• Terraced Cottages: Morchard Bishop is home to the longest row of terraced cottages in England.
• Ernest Bevin: Former Foreign Secretary and prominent political figure lived in the village in the mid‑20th century.
• Walking Hub: Mid‑way point of the Two Moors Way and home to more than 60 public footpaths.

Events in Morchard Bishop:

The parish hosts a range of community events throughout the year, including:

• A Flower Festival held each June
• Regular activities at village pubs, churches and local venues
• Seasonal community gatherings and celebrations
• The towns first Music Festival on 23rd May 2026

Acknowledgements:

Image courtesy of Martin Bodman / Morchard Bishop: St Mary’s church / CC BY-SA 2.0

Thank you to Morchard Bishop Parish Council for providing information.