Stoodleigh

Welcome to Stoodleigh:

Stoodleigh is a peaceful rural parish set approximately 800 feet above the Exe Valley, lying roughly halfway between the north and south Devon coasts and close to the Devon–Somerset border. The village sits about six miles north of Tiverton and five miles south of Bampton, surrounded by rolling hills, scattered woodland and stunning views. On a clear day, both Dartmoor and Exmoor can be seen from the surrounding high ground. With its quiet lanes, scenic landscapes and designated Conservation Area at its centre, Stoodleigh retains a sense of welcome isolation that many visitors find particularly appealing. The village also benefits from easy access to the A361 North Devon Link Road, providing convenient connections to Barnstaple and the M5 (J27).

Local Experiences:

Stoodleigh is rich with folklore, landscape features and historical charm. The village has several intriguing place‑name legends: Gibbett Moor was the former site of a gibbet where sheep stealers were hanged, while Hangmans Hill is tied to the tragic tale of a sailor who took his own life after encountering a mysterious old woman and her crow. Quoit‑at‑Cross, despite its name, was not used for games but is believed to mark an old burial ground.

The ancient Stoodleigh Beacon, located atop Warbrightsleigh Hill, is said to have been erected on the orders of King Edward II during concerns of Queen Isabella’s invasion in 1326. The parish is also known for its two Grade II listed bridges — Cove Bridge and Iron Mill Bridge. The iron bridge, built in the mid‑1800s by Thomas Daniel of Stoodleigh Court, shares stylistic traits with Brunel's engineering, although there is no evidence of Brunel’s involvement. Nearby lies Castle Close, a circular earthwork likely to be an Iron Age hillfort or enclosure.

Stoodleigh has inspired modern creativity, too. Film and television writer Martin Booth, known for The American (2010) and The Russ Abbot Show, lived in the village before his death in 2004.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of local activities. A children’s playground sits beside St Margaret’s Church, offering a fun space for families with seating and picnic areas. The Stoodleigh Cricket Club plays on the village ground and enjoys spectacular views of the surrounding hillsides. Walkers often visit Stoodleigh specifically for its beautiful landscape routes along hillsides, streams and woodland paths, with all public rights of way listed by Devon County Council.

Local attractions include the historic Church of St Margaret, believed to have Norman origins with the current building dating from the 15th century; Stoodleigh Court, now a premier wedding and conference venue; the family‑friendly Devon Badger Watch, offering close‑up wildlife viewing; and the outstanding viewpoints at Stoodleigh Beacon.

For food and drink, the Stoodleigh Inn offers a warm welcome, serving hearty meals with the option to relax outdoors in its spacious garden during fine weather or by the fire on cooler days.

History & Places of Interest:

• Place‑Name Legends: Gibbett Moor, Hangmans Hill and Quoit‑at‑Cross each carry fascinating stories tied to past events and folklore.
• Stoodleigh Beacon: A historic lookout point linked to fears of Queen Isabella’s invasion in 1326.
• Listed Bridges: Cove Bridge and Iron Mill Bridge are notable engineering features of the parish.
• Iron Age Heritage: Castle Close is believed to be a prehistoric hillfort or enclosure.
• Creative Legacy: Writer Martin Booth lived in the village and set several works in or inspired by the local landscape.

Events in Stoodleigh:

Stoodleigh hosts several cherished community events throughout the year, including:

• Classical Music Concerts hosted in St Margaret’s Church
• Annual Flower Show
• Easter and Autumn Markets
• Christmas Fayre

Acknowledgement:

Many thanks to Stoodleigh Parish Council for providing information for this site