Thorverton

Welcome to Thorverton:

Thorverton is a charming rural village situated about a mile west of the River Exe and eight miles north of Exeter. Almost centrally positioned between Exeter, Tiverton, Cullompton and Crediton, it sits in an enviably accessible yet peaceful part of Mid Devon. A stream draining the Raddon Hills winds through the village, crossed by a pretty pedestrian bridge and ford at Silver Street. The Millennium Green provides a lovely walking route alongside the water as it flows through the village centre.

Set on red clay and sand, Thorverton is defined by its distinctive red earth, shaped by the underlying red rock. The surrounding area is geologically rich, with rare minerals found nearby — including manganese in Upton Pyne and small traces of gold in local streams. Since the 12th century, igneous rock has been quarried at Raddon, its bubbled texture appearing in many local structures, including the well‑known Stoke Canon Bridge.

Local Experiences:

Thorverton has a long and colourful history. The village was once famous for its apricots, and the Thorverton Arms — historically known as The Dolphin — dates back to the 16th century, complete with entertaining tales from its past. The parish is also home to award‑winning poet Fiona Benson.

Just three miles away in Upton Pyne, literary history takes centre stage: Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility is set in the village. The marriage of Elinor Dashwood and Edward Ferrars was written to take place in the church, while Barton Park — home of the Middleton family — is thought to be inspired by Pynes House.

Visitors can enjoy a range of local events throughout the year. The Memorial Hall hosts a monthly Saturday market featuring local produce. Thorfest, an annual music festival, takes place on the first Saturday of September, and the East Devon Arts Festival is held each May in Thorverton Parish Church.

Local shops and food outlets include two village farm shops — Exe Valley Farm Shop and Thorne’s Farm Shop & Café — offering fresh local produce, baked goods and refreshments. The Thorverton Arms provides excellent pub dining at the heart of the village, while nearby Brampford Speke offers additional options such as The Agricultural Inn (“The Agi”).

History & Places of Interest:

• St Thomas of Canterbury Church: The oldest building in the parish, built mainly in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, with some sections dating back to the 13th century. Dedicated to the martyred Archbishop Thomas Becket.
• Byway Farm – Woodland Welcome Wood: A mix of ancient and newly planted woodland known for wildflowers and conservation efforts.
• Prehistoric Monuments: Three Late Neolithic bowl barrows lie southeast of Fordy Bridge, overlooking a tributary of the Exe. Nearby Nether Exe features the Netherexe Cursus, a scheduled Neolithic ceremonial monument with associated Bronze Age earthworks.
• Stoodleigh Beacon Viewpoints: From the surrounding hills, visitors can enjoy clear views over Exmoor and Dartmoor.

Events in Thorverton:

Thorverton hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including:

• East Devon Arts Festival – held each May in Thorverton Parish Church
• Monthly Saturday Market at the Memorial Hall
• Thorfest – annual music festival (first Saturday of September)