Willand

Welcome to Willand:

Willand is a friendly parish and village set in the picturesque Culm Valley, close to the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Conveniently located just off the B3181 (the old A38), Willand benefits from excellent transport links, with Tiverton Parkway Railway Station only a couple of miles away and easy access from both Junctions 27 and 28 of the M5. Its blend of rural charm, strong community spirit and good local facilities makes Willand an inviting place to visit or stay.

Local Experiences:

Active visitors can enjoy National Cycle Route 3 (West Country Way), which runs directly through Willand and connects to the nearby Grand Western Canal, offering scenic cycling opportunities. A major attraction for families is Diggerland Devon, featuring full‑size diggers, tractors and dumper rides (open between Spring and the beginning of November annually: Opening Dates - Diggerland UK Theme Park). Willand’s Parish Church of St Mary’s dates back to the 15th century and contains one of Devon’s oldest surviving rood screens (c. 1400). Keys can be borrowed from the Post Office during opening hours for those wishing to explore the church.

The village also offers recreational activities at Willand Village Hall, which hosts regular social events, and Willand Tennis Club, where members of the public can book courts. Nearby, Muddifords Court hosts live music events throughout the year. For something more relaxing, Heyford House Day Spa offers a range of pampering treatments and wellness experiences.

Dining options in Willand include The Bluebell Restaurant (at Willand Service Station) and the Halfway House country pub—both serving meals throughout the week and weekend carveries. The Old Well Garden Centre offers cream teas, while the Roundhouse Café at Muddifords Court serves hot refreshments and cakes. Local treat‑lovers can enjoy Bonne Bouche hot bubble‑waffle cones, sold from nearby Bridwell Park on Saturdays. Further dining options are easily accessed at both Junction 27 and Junction 28 of the M5, including a Marston’s Inn, Costa Coffee, Burger King, McDonald’s and a selection of takeaways in Cullompton.

For longer visits, Pitfield Apartments provide luxury self‑catering accommodation in the quiet heart of Willand Old Village, complete with access to an indoor heated pool. Additional B&B options are also available within the village.

History & Places of Interest:

• Margaret Partridge: Trailblazing electrical engineer and pioneer of women’s involvement in engineering, commemorated with a blue plaque in Willand.
• Land Uplift Phenomenon: A 2015–17 survey detected an unexplained annual rise of around 2cm in Willand’s ground level.
• Around the World Walk: A local nickname for the circular pedestrian route following the old railway pathway.
• St Mary’s Church: A 15th‑century red sandstone church featuring one of Devon’s oldest rood screens, dating from around 1400.

Acknowledgement:

Image courtesy of Lewis Clarke / Willand : Willand Old Village / CC BY-SA 2.0