Winkleigh: History, Walks and Village Life

Winkleigh offers several points of interest to help you plan a stay: historic buildings, a location on the Mid Devon plateau, walks of varying lengths and insights into local traditions. Whether you are particularly interested in local history, the landscape or things to do, the details below give you a practical basis for planning.

Landscape and notable history

Winkleigh lies on the higher parts of the Mid Devon plateau, around 550 feet above sea level, and on the watershed between the Taw and Torridge. These geographical features shape the setting for walks in and around the village.

Croft Castle is a medieval ringwork on a ridge overlooking the Bullow Brook valley to the south. Despite some damage, the monument preserves comparatively good archaeological information about Norman military activity in this part of Devon. It is also a prominent feature of the village landscape. One historical interpretation suggests that the medieval borough developed between two fortified manor houses at opposite ends of Winkleigh.

Village character and architectural history

The Church of All Saints is a Grade I listed parish church. Its components date back to the early 14th century; it was altered in the 15th century and extended in the 17th and 19th centuries. Extensive restoration work took place in 1872–1873 and 1902. The different building phases give the church a long and clearly visible history.

Winkleigh Community Centre is also a protected building: it is Grade II listed, designed in the Victorian Gothic style and retains many of its original features. Around Winkleigh Square, most buildings are made of traditional stone, cob or plaster; some are made of brick and granite. Together with the historic buildings, this variety reveals different aspects of the village’s character.

Choose walks by duration

For the Lymington Arms Walk, you can start on Eggesford Road in Winkleigh or at the Lymington Arms; the walk takes approximately two and a half hours. The Broadwoodkelly Walk starts at the Village Square and takes about two hours. For the Hollocombe Walk, the suggested starting points are the A3124 north of Winkleigh or the village of Hollocombe; allow approximately one and a half hours. These times are estimates, but they can help you compare how long each walk takes.

Another walk starts at the Village Pump in the Village Square. Check the route details before setting out, as trail conditions may change. This lets you plan around the stated starting points and approximate durations without treating the different walks as if they were the same.

Market, fair and cider

A market is held at Winkleigh Village Hall on the first Saturday of every month. Winkleigh Fair is one of Devon’s oldest continuing community traditions; the event was originally granted a royal charter in 1262. The programme for Winkleigh Fair 2026 lists the blessing of the well, the crowning of the Winkleigh Fair King and Winkleigh Fair Queen, and a ball-rolling competition. The activities on offer may change from year to year.

Cider-making in Winkleigh dates back to 1916, when it began at Western Barn with Sam Inch. Sam’s Cider offers factory tours every Friday at 11 am. The tour covers the company’s history and the production process from start to finish, comparing traditional methods with modern 21st-century techniques. To help with your planning, it is a good idea to check the date before visiting.

The Tallet Cafe serves tea and coffee, as well as breakfast, lunch and cakes. Menus and opening hours may change, so check them before your visit if needed. Fiona’s Kitchen & Farm Shop in Winkleigh offers homemade food to eat in or take away and sells traditional, 100% pasture-fed beef.

Scribbleton and family visits

Scribbleton in Winkleigh offers family visits with eleven role-play sets. It also has a central baby area with interactive, age-appropriate activities and a multisensory room that can be used free of charge during your visit. These details can help you assess what is on offer when planning a family visit.

Discover more destinations: Coffinswell, Stoke Gabriel, Ware, Teignmouth, South Brent, Branscombe, Sidmouth, Yealmpton.

For the main travel overview: Devon.