Marldon: Heritage, Trails and Apple Pie Fair

Marldon offers several distinct points of interest for a stay: countryside walking trails, the John Musgrave Heritage Trail, the historic Church House Inn and the traditional Marldon Apple Pie Fair. This makes it possible to shape your trip in different ways: around trails and countryside, an inn with a long history, or a recurring festival date. When choosing a hotel, it helps to first decide on the focus of your visit and your preferred travel dates.

Trails and countryside

Marldon has 24 countryside walking trails, which are also used by visitors. The John Musgrave Heritage Trail also passes through Marldon; the trail is 35 miles (56 km) long overall. It runs through varied countryside, with gentle hills, hidden valleys, picturesque villages and a spectacular coastline.

This distinction is useful for planning: the 24 trails refer to the local walking options, while the 35-mile length refers to the entire trail. If you are considering the Heritage Trail, this helps you distinguish the longer route from the local walking options without confusing the section through Marldon with the trail’s overall length.

The trail includes moderate to steep climbs and long stretches on paths and country lanes. Conditions can vary depending on the season. When choosing a route, consider the terrain and time of year as well as the distance. For directions in the village: a village car park is on the road just behind Marldon Church, opposite the Church House Inn. Check parking options before you arrive.

Church House Inn: history and inn

Church House Inn dates back to the 1400s. It is a Grade II listed country inn and restaurant with a pub garden. Its historic status and food offering bring together two sides of the village: its heritage and its rural inn character.

Marldon Apple Pie Fair

The Marldon Apple Pie Fair traditionally takes place every year on the last Saturday in July. During the parade, a large apple pie is carried on a donkey-drawn cart. The large marquee also hosts a craft exhibition featuring works by local artists. The event programme may vary from year to year.

Travel dates and accommodation search

The Fair and the Heritage Trail offer different focuses for planning your trip: the Fair has a recurring date on the calendar, while for walking, the chosen route, terrain and seasonal conditions matter. If you are looking for hotels in Marldon, first decide whether the Fair or the walk will shape your visit. Check the dates and arrangements for the relevant year’s Fair before travelling; this will help you plan your dates around the occasion.

Discover more destinations: Dunsford, Bovey Tracey, Longdown, Otterton, Uplyme, Plympton, Shaugh Prior, Liverton

For the broader travel overview: Devon.