Clovelly

Tucked 9 miles outside Bideford, the unique village of Clovelly is a privately-owned village seeped in history. Originally the Clovelly Estate, the village was purchased in 1738 by the Hamlyns and remains in the same family to this day.

As well as an important fishing village, Clovelly has its place in literary history as the childhood home of Charles Kingsely. The author returned to Clovelly as an adult and penned his novels ‘The Water Babies’ and ‘Westward Ho!’, attracting a new wave of visitors to the area. Clovelly is mentioned in the Domesday Book and was formerly owned by the King, until 1242 when it was bought by the Giffard family.

Barnstaple Castle

Although no longer standing, Barnstaple Castle was once one of the area’s most notorious landmarks. If you stand in Barnstaple at the Castle Mound you’d be forgiven for having difficulty imagining the castle and priory that once dominated the site.

Originally built in the 11 century by a bishop, Barnstaple Castle fell into disrepair by the 13 century before the ruins eventually blew down in a 16 century storm.

The mound where it once stood can still be seen, although it is now topped by trees instead of the impressive castle of Barnstaple’s early history.

Arlington Court

Hidden in the countryside not far from Barnstaple, Arlington Court is a beautiful family estate from North Devon’s Regency era. The personal belongings and collections of former residents on display make this corner of Barnstaple’s history a gem of a family attraction.

Visitors love to wander the three stunning gardens and the larger estate, and the nearby Carriage Museum provides an even deeper insight into Arlington Court’s role in Barnstaple’s elegant past.

Regular events and activities bring this historic site to life for visitors of all ages, so children will come away as inspired as the adults.

Barnstaple Long Bridge

Visitors to Bideford can’t fail to notice the Bideford Long Bridge, which dates back all the way to the 13 century. The bridge spans the River Torridge and has 24 arches, which, interestingly, are all different sizes.

The bridge was once the centre of a New Year’s tradition, in which residents would try to run its length before the local church bells finished announcing the new year! The Long Bridge started life as an oak structure and has been widened in the 18 19 and 20 centuries. The parapets were replaced during Victorian times and updated further in the 1920s, making the bridge the sturdy version still straddling the estuary today.