Discover Kings Nympton

Three specific interests can help you choose a stay in Kings Nympton: the architectural history of the Church of St James, the parkland of King's Nympton Park, and The Revel, an annual event in August. Together, these topics span late Saxon building fabric and bell-ringing traditions, as well as a historic path and a festival featuring arts and crafts, games and music. If you are looking for hotels in Kings Nympton, you can first consider which of these interests best suits the purpose of your trip.

Church history and bell-ringing traditions

The Church of St James is a Grade I listed building. On its north side, the church preserves the windowless wall of a late Saxon minster. Other notable features include the 15th-century chancel screen, one of the finest of its kind in North Devon. The listing applies to the building; the north wall and chancel screen, by contrast, draw attention to specific parts and different periods of its architecture. The windowless wall points to late Saxon architectural history, while the chancel screen represents a later period: these are distinct features, not two descriptions of the same furnishing.

The bells add to the picture of the church. The Church of St James has six bells: the original five were cast in 1724, and the treble bell was added in 1902. Families have maintained the bell-ringing tradition over several generations. For hundreds of years, the bells have accompanied weddings, funerals, anniversaries, armistices, Remembrance Days and Sunday services. The figures for the number of bells and their casting dates describe how the set of bells developed; the long bell-ringing tradition points to its role in community and religious events.

Valley and historic path in King's Nympton Park

King's Nympton Park encompasses a deep, steep-sided valley with expansive views south towards Dartmoor. Alongside church architecture, the landscape and distant views offer distinct points of interest. If you are planning to visit the park or the Great Terrace, check access arrangements in advance.

The Great Terrace is a gently rising walking and riding path dating from the mid-18th century. It extends about 500 metres southwest through Park Wood and runs above the River Mole. Its approximate length, direction and position above the river give this historic path a different scale from the description of the deep valley and expansive views. This distinguishes two aspects of the parkland: a specific path with a defined route, and a valley landscape with views to the south.

The Revel and travel planning

The Revel takes place every year on the Monday of the August bank holiday. The festival features arts and crafts, games and live music. Food and drink include options such as Pimm's, barbecue and cream teas; the exact programme may vary from year to year. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the latest event information before you travel. This keeps the recurring date distinct from the programme, which changes each year.

Two different questions therefore come to the fore when planning your trip: Should a particular festival date determine your stay, or are you mainly interested in the architectural and landscape features? The Revel is tied to the Monday of the August bank holiday; the Church of St James and King's Nympton Park, by contrast, offer different cultural, historical and landscape interests.

Discover more destinations: Devonport, Bradninch, Mortehoe, Woodbury, Hartland, Witheridge, Plymtree, North Huish

For the broader travel overview: Devon.