Discover Little Torrington

Little Torrington brings together historic buildings, a hands-on pottery activity and links to the surrounding landscape. This lets you consider different interests when planning: architectural history, working with clay yourself, or walks and nature. The buildings offer specific details, from medieval church features to changes made to houses and bridges.

Architectural history and notable details

St Giles is a 15th-century parish church. A granite arcade of columns from Lundy Island separates the nave from the south aisle. The main wooden door also dates from the 15th century; its original iron sanctuary ring has been preserved. At St Giles, you can therefore appreciate both the layout of the church interior and one specific detail of the door.

The Chapel of St Mary Magdalene in Taddiport is a Grade II* listed building in Little Torrington. It was originally associated with a leper hospital. Taddiport Bridge tells a different story of construction: the road bridge crosses the River Torridge on three arches and was partly rebuilt in the 19th century. Leland recorded a three-arched bridge at this location. This historical reference adds an earlier mention of a bridge at the same spot to its architectural history.

The historic residential and farm buildings also reveal different phases of construction. South Hole Farmhouse is an unusually well-preserved 17th-century farmhouse, with an integrated attached barn range. Woodland Farmhouse dates from around the second half of the 15th century and was altered in the 17th century. Its surviving details include an early 17th-century moulded wooden doorframe and a nail-studded oak door with lily ornaments on the hinges.

Bagbeare Farmhouse dates from the early to mid-17th century and may have older origins. The outbuilding range running parallel to the farmhouse probably also dates from the 17th century. Hayes is a Grade II listed residence that formerly consisted of two cottages and has a thatched roof with a gable end. Cross House adds another chapter to the history of architecture: a staircase from Stow House was moved there after the manor house in Cornwall was demolished in 1720. Smytham preserves recognisable remains of a 17th-century house, including a fireplace.

Pottery and making your own creations

At Tarka Pottery, visitors can throw pots on a wheel or learn hand-building techniques. The studio glazes and fires their work so it can be taken home as a handmade keepsake. Tarka Pottery welcomes people of all ages and abilities. If you plan this activity, check the latest information before your visit, as operational details may change.

Walks and connections to nature

The parish of Little Torrington lies within the North Devon Biosphere Reserve. The Tarka Trail runs along its western boundary, and footpaths from Little Torrington lead into the surrounding countryside. The parish has 15 ancient woodland sites, including Huntshaw Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Otters and freshwater pearl mussels were recorded in the River Torridge in the parish of Little Torrington in 2022. As species and habitat information can change, check the latest information before your visit if you are interested.

Discover more destinations

Devonport, Bigbury-on-Sea, Chudleigh, Dawlish, Bishop's Tawton, Payhembury, Whimple, Stoke Rivers

For the main travel overview: Devon.