Uffculme

Welcome to Uffculme:

Uffculme is a welcoming village and civil parish set in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Situated on the B3440, close to the M5 motorway and the main railway line, Uffculme lies on the upper reaches of the River Culm. Its scenic setting and excellent transport links make it an ideal place to explore, relax and enjoy the countryside. The popular Coldharbour Mill Working Wool Museum and the beautiful riverside and old railway walks attract visitors throughout the year.

Local Experiences:

Uffculme has a rich cultural history and continues to inspire creativity. The village appears in literature and art — R. D. Blackmore’s “Perlycross” is based on Uffculme (under the name Perliton) and artist Robert Organ painted the well‑known Uffculme Children in 1982/83. The village is also home to notable figures including snooker player Sam Baird, children’s fantasy author J. T. Scott, and former resident Joss Stone, who lived in Rull hamlet. Uffculme has even featured on television in Channel 4’s Wonky Willie’s Chocolate Factory, thanks to its connection to Willie Harcourt‑Cooze’s pioneering chocolate production.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year. The lively Uffculme Farmers’ Market takes place on the fourth Saturday of each month in the Village Hall, while Bridwell Park hosts a monthly Artisans Growers and Makers Market until October. Heritage enthusiasts can visit Coldharbour Mill and Spiceland Quaker House on Heritage Open Days. The village pubs — The Ostler and The George Inn — host regular live music events, and Gordon’s Jazz Club meets monthly at Magelake Pavilion. Uffculme also boasts two annual beer and music festivals and the popular Uffculme Show, a country fair held every May Bank Holiday.

Nature lovers and walkers will enjoy Uffculme’s scenic outdoor spaces. Bridwell Park offers views of freely roaming fallow and red deer herds, while Hunkin Wood, a Woodland Trust site, provides peaceful woodland walks with wildflower meadows. The parish also includes three commons — Gadden Down, Hackpen Hill and Uffculme Down — each offering excellent walking routes and wildlife‑spotting opportunities. A disused railway line along the Culm Valley forms part of a public footpath, perfect for spotting birds and river wildlife along the River Culm.

During the festive season, Uffculme transforms into a magical destination with its stunning Christmas lights, where strings of colourful lights lead to a spectacular canopy display in the village square.

Food and drink options include meals at The Ostler, The George Inn, and the pubs in neighbouring Ashill. A Marston’s Inn is located near Junction 27, while The Old Well Garden Centre across the road offers cream teas and baked goods. The Orangery Pop‑Up Café at Bridwell Park is open daily, and the village also has a bakery, takeaway options, a coffee shop and a popular local diner.

History & Places of Interest:

• Literary & Artistic Links: Uffculme inspired Blackmore’s Perlycross and is home to art such as The Uffculme Children by Robert Organ.
• Famous Residents: Snooker player Sam Baird, singer Joss Stone and author J. T. Scott all have ties to the village.
• Chocolate Heritage: Featured in Channel 4’s Wonky Willie’s Chocolate Factory, Uffculme played a role in reviving cocoa production in the UK.
• Captain Cook Artefacts: Bridwell Park once displayed several artefacts collected during Cook’s voyages.
• Local Legends: The distinctive three‑storey Victorian house in Ashill is said to have gained its third level in an attempt to win back a lost love.

Events in Uffculme:

Uffculme hosts a lively calendar of community events, including:

• Uffculme Farmers’ Market – fourth Saturday of every month
• Artisans Growers & Makers Market – monthly at Bridwell Park (until October)
• Heritage Open Days – at Coldharbour Mill and Spiceland Quaker House
• Live music events – at The Ostler and The George Inn
• Gordon’s Jazz Club – every third Wednesday at Magelake Pavilion
• Ashill Beer & Music Festival – first weekend in June
• Uffculme Music & Real Ale Festival – first weekend in July
• Uffculme Show – annual May Bank Holiday country fair