Bampton: Local History and Trails with Valley Views

Bampton combines local history with a setting on the edge of Exmoor National Park. If you are looking for a hotel in Bampton, you can plan your stay around historic places, the October date of the Charter Fair, or trails with views over the valley and town.

History and Monuments

The centre of Bampton is designated a Conservation Area. Bampton Castle is a Scheduled Monument and stands on a prominent ridge. From there, you can enjoy views over Bampton and the valleys of the rivers Exe and Batherm. At Bampton Motte and Bailey, no building structure survives apart from a stone staircase. The views from the ridge and the limited surviving structural remains are thus two distinct aspects of the Castle.

Bampton War Memorial Cross is a Grade II listed monument commemorating 41 local soldiers who died in the First World War. St Michael and All Angels Church brings together two periods in time: parts of the building date from the early 12th century, and the church contains an original late Saxon window arch. Two old yew trees stand in the churchyard; they are believed to have been planted more than 500 years ago.

Local History and the Town Trail

Bampton Heritage & Visitor Centre is located in the church. It presents local history through genuine local artefacts, colourful information panels, short videos, and oral recollections. In 2026, the Centre is open on Thursdays from 11:00 to 13:00 and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 to 15:00. The Thursday opening period is two hours; on Fridays and Saturdays, it is four hours each day. Check opening times before your trip.

An eight-page family booklet with a quiz is available for the Bampton Town Trail. The quiz adds a fun activity for families who would like to include the walk in their stay.

Trails and Landscape

The Exe Valley Way passes through Bampton. The Bampton Woods Circular offers panoramic views over the town; the Exe Valley Way and Coldharbour Farm Circular offers views across the Exe Valley to the Brendon Hills. The viewpoints are a specific difference when choosing between the two circular walks: a town panorama on one, and a wide valley view on the other.

Bampton Millennium Green offers a different landscape feature from the views along the trails. It includes a woodland area with a small quarry and lime kiln, an existing orchard, and Lower Luke's field. Alongside the long-distance views, these named features of the landscape also take centre stage.

Charter Fair and Travel Planning

Bampton Charter Fair takes place on the last Thursday in October. The Fair provides space by the river for local produce and traditional skills. If you would like to include the event in your trip, check the date for your chosen year. Together with the opening times of the Heritage & Visitor Centre, the Fair provides a concrete point of reference for planning the timing of your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: South Pool, Halberton, Ashreigney, Stoke Gabriel, Woodbury, Ware, Colyton, Hartland.

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