Cornworthy: Priory, Church and Landscape

Cornworthy brings together historic and landscape themes: the history of the priory, the architecture of St Peter’s Church, as well as Bow Creek and Charleycombe Wood. You can plan your trip around whichever focus matters most to you.

Cornworthy Priory and its remains

The Augustinian nunnery of Cornworthy Priory was in use from the early 13th century until 1536. The most significant surviving above-ground structure is a freestanding 15th-century gatehouse. Other visible remains include ruined stone structures and a series of low earthworks. The dates offer two different perspectives: a history of use spanning several centuries and a single structure from the 15th century. Cornworthy Priory is designated a Scheduled Monument.

Church architecture in Cornworthy

St Peter’s Church in Cornworthy makes its own architectural statement. Its tower consists of three tiers and is designed in a style unique to Devon. The three tiers describe the tower’s form; its style is what makes it distinctive in Devon. Compared with the Priory’s freestanding gatehouse, the church’s distinctive feature is its stepped tower, while at the Priory, a 15th-century structure provides the historical reference point.

Bow Creek, walking route and landscape

The Priory lies at the western end of the village, in a small valley south of Bow Creek. Charleycombe Wood lies immediately north of the village, in a steep valley within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This shows two distinct locations in relation to the village: the Priory at the western end and Charleycombe Wood to the north. The South Hams Way runs from Cornworthy along a descending path to Bow Creek. Bow Creek is rich in birdlife, including herons, swans, great egrets, kingfishers, gulls, ducks and Canada geese. The route and species list complement each other in different ways: the South Hams Way describes the path to the water, while the bird species reflect the natural character of the creek. Charleycombe Wood includes a steep hill with impressive distant views towards Dartmoor. The landscape themes differ accordingly: birdlife takes centre stage at Bow Creek, while Charleycombe Wood offers steep terrain and far-reaching views.

Events and travel planning

Cornworthy Village Hall and its facilities can also be booked for events by village members and other members of the public. If an event is the reason for your trip, check availability for your chosen date before planning your accommodation around it.

An event date adds the Village Hall as a venue that can be booked. You can choose Cornworthy based on the theme that sets the tone for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Hartland, Exminster, Meshaw, Sutcombe, Horrabridge, Exbourne, Uplyme, Newton Poppleford

For the broader travel overview: Devon.