Discover Broadhembury

Broadhembury brings together several historical perspectives with opportunities to explore the surrounding area on foot or by bike. St Andrew’s Church marks a period from the 13th to the early 16th century; there is also the Drewe Arms, a group of medieval houses and routes described in different ways. This lets you experience the village through its cultural history, walks or cycling before looking for a hotel for your stay.

St Andrew’s Church: History Spanning Several Centuries

St Andrew’s Church is open daily. As access arrangements may change, please check them before your visit. The church was consecrated in 1259. The south aisle and west tower date from the 15th century; the ornate early porch dates from the 16th century. The dates place different periods in context: the consecration was followed by structural elements from two later centuries. This makes the church a tangible focal point for anyone interested in the development of ecclesiastical architecture.

Pub Interior and Medieval Houses

There are historical points of interest outside the church, too. The Drewe Arms has late medieval origins and retains a rare, unaltered pub interior. Newcott and Virginia Cottage are part of a group of eight surviving medieval houses standing close together in the village. At the Drewe Arms, the history of a single building comes together with a remarkably well-preserved interior; Newcott and Virginia Cottage, by contrast, point to the context of a larger group of houses.

Walks and Viewpoints

The Broadhembury and North Hill circular walk starts and ends in the village centre. It offers a view of Hembury Fort, a small nearby Iron Age hillfort with multiple ramparts; at one point along the route, the sea near Sidmouth is also visible. One section of this route is also a public bridleway. The view of the fort and the outlook towards Sidmouth give the circular walk two distinct landscape features; the designation of one section as a bridleway is another specific feature of the route.

Broadhembury Parish Council provides maps and guides for six documented walks in the parish. One walk from the village centre crosses the River Tale over a bridge. Long-go is also a public bridleway and suitable for horse riders. The walks can therefore be distinguished by specific features: a circular walk with viewpoints, a river crossing or a public bridleway suitable for horse riders.

Cycling Route with Shorter Options

For those who prefer to cycle, there is a 22-mile route connecting Hemyock, Blackborough, Broadhembury and Sheldon. It is graded moderate to challenging; two shorter options are available. Distance and difficulty are therefore important planning considerations, and the shorter options can be included depending on your preferred route length.

There are different priorities to consider when planning your trip: for walks, several routes, viewpoints and a bridge crossing are relevant; for the cycling route, the distance, difficulty and shorter options are specified. The village’s history is another distinct focus. If you are looking for a hotel in Broadhembury, these interests can help you choose a location that suits the kind of trip you have in mind.

Discover more destinations: Georgeham, Exebridge, Ipplepen, Little Torrington, Bovey Tracey, Upton Pyne, Hollacombe, Exminster

For the broader travel overview: Devon.