Uffculme: Industrial History, Churches and Countryside

Uffculme brings together industrial and religious history with a countryside setting in the Blackdown Hills. If you are planning a stay, you can first decide whether historic buildings, Quaker history, or walks and viewpoints should be the focus. Coldharbour Mill, St Mary’s Church and Hackpen Hill each give these themes a specific point of reference. Events may also be important when choosing when to travel.

History and Buildings

Coldharbour Mill has been in continuous operation since 1797, providing a long-standing, clearly dated link to Uffculme’s industrial history. St Mary’s Church offers a different historical perspective: it was probably founded in Anglo-Saxon times and was first mentioned in a charter of 1136. This places a probable early foundation alongside a specific documentary record.

The church is a Grade II* listed building and lies within the Uffculme Conservation Area. Its rood screen is 67 feet long; the central section dates from the 15th century. In Victorian times, the screen was extended to the north and south. These details distinguish the older central section from the later extensions.

Spiceland Quaker Meeting House was built in 1815; however, the date 1670 is carved above its entrance. The inscription and the construction date refer to different periods. According to local tradition, George Fox preached outdoors in the orchard at Spiceland during the period of persecution. Spiceland Quaker Meeting is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible toilet, parking beside the meeting house, and a hearing loop.

Countryside and Walks

Uffculme is in the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). From the summit of Hackpen Hill, visitors can look out over the Culm Valley. Hackpen Hill is a County Wildlife Site in the parish of Uffculme and extends into the parishes of Culmstock and Hemyock.

Uffculme has riverside walks and paths along the former railway line that attract visitors throughout the year. The two routes offer different landscape features: one follows the river, while the other runs along the former railway line. You can choose a walk based on which setting appeals to you more.

Getting There and Event Dates

Uffculme is near Junction 27 of the M5 and the London–Paddington railway line. Both provide general reference points for planning your journey; check the current route for your specific trip.

Uffculme hosts an annual beer and music festival. The Uffculme Show is a fair held around the last weekend in August. These details provide two indications of timing: an annual event and an approximate period at the end of August. If either event is important to when you travel, check the relevant dates before making your plans.

Discover more destinations: South Pool, Yealmpton, Bratton Fleming, Ashwater, Moretonhampstead, Colebrooke, Honiton, Winkleigh

For the broader travel overview: Devon.