Exbourne: Riverside Walks and Building History

Among the things that can shape a trip to Exbourne are riverside walks and the village’s layered building history. Exbourne Footpath 1 showcases the riverside landscape and offers the possibility of wildlife sightings; the parish church and historic houses reveal building phases spanning several centuries. You can tailor your stay to your interests in nature, architecture or local history.

Riverside walks

For much of its length, Exbourne Footpath 1 runs alongside a tree-lined river; several gates provide access to the riverbank. There are opportunities along the route to spot kingfishers, herons and water voles, but sightings are not guaranteed. Check current access conditions before setting out for a walk. There are also six footpaths in Exbourne parish that can be used for walks through the countryside. The riverside path therefore offers a specific option for a walk by the water, while the six footpaths provide more general opportunities to explore the countryside on foot.

Church architecture and rood screen

St. Mary's Parish Church in Exbourne features elements dating from the early 14th century, alterations from the 15th century and an addition from the early 16th century. A tower, porch and the south aisle are built of dressed granite; the roof is gabled and covered with slate. The square-framed rood screen is dated to around 1420 in its original form. It was removed in 1835 and replaced after restoration in 1889; substantial parts of the original Perpendicular Gothic tracery and part of the frieze have survived. St. Mary the Blessed Virgin Parish Church in Exbourne welcomes visitors; check the current visiting arrangements before your visit.

Historic houses and their building phases

Town Farm and Town Farm Cottage in Exbourne were originally a single 17th-century house. Fir House is a listed former farmhouse dating from around 1500; it was altered in the 17th century and extended in the 19th century. Its high-quality 17th-century interior features include a muntin-and-plank partition and a moulded ceiling beam. The two examples represent different aspects of the building history: at Town Farm and Cottage, the original shared house form is defining, while at Fir House, it is the sequence of later alterations and additions.

Local history and events

Exbourne appears to have existed since at least Saxon times. The Domesday Book describes it as one of several manors held by Roger de Molis under Baldwin the Sherriff, Baron of Okehampton and a direct vassal of the King.

The monthly family event Messy Church began in January 2023 at St. Mary the Blessed Virgin in Exbourne and is run in partnership with Exbourne Primary School; it takes place regularly on the third Thursday of the month from 15:30 to 17:00. The Exbourne Local History Group meets regularly on the third Tuesday of the month at 19:30 in Exbourne Village Hall. Check the current date and time before attending either event.

Discover more destinations: Little Torrington, Wick, Georgeham, Buckland Monachorum, Bottreaux Mill, Bridgerule, Spreyton, Kenton.

For the broader travel overview: Devon.