Attractions and Places To See around Culmstock - Top 20

Culmstock is rich in history. You can visit the ancient St Mary's Church and Hemyock Castle, with the church dating back to Norman times and the castle from the 14th century. The village also features the medieval Culmstock Bridge, known for its six archways, and the remains of Fox Brothers Mill, a testament to the area's wool trade history. Don't miss the Elizabethan Culmstock Beacon, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into its past as a signal station.

For breathtaking views, head to Culmstock Beacon on Blackdown Common, which offers outstanding panoramas across the Culm Valley. The entire area is part of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), providing numerous footpaths and trails with stunning vistas. The River Culm, which flows through the village, also offers pleasant walks, and the landscape is particularly beautiful in late summer when the bell-heather blooms.

Absolutely! The Blackdown Hills AONB surrounding Culmstock is ideal for walking. You can find a variety of trails, including easy hikes that lead to scenic spots like Culmstock Beacon. For specific routes, explore guides such as Easy hikes around Culmstock, which features routes like the Blackdown Common Pond & Culmstock Beacon loop.

Yes, the area offers excellent opportunities for cycling and gravel biking. You can explore scenic routes through the Blackdown Hills. Check out guides like Cycling around Culmstock and Gravel biking around Culmstock for detailed tour suggestions, including routes like the Hemyock & Culmstock loop from Uffculme.

The Wellington Monument is an impressive 175-foot-tall, three-sided obelisk commemorating the Duke of Wellington's victory at the Battle of Waterloo. It's a significant historical site and offers great views from its location within the Blackdown Hills. You can even climb over 200 steps to a lookout point at the top by booking online.

One unique feature is Nynehead Hollow, a scenic road that has been roughly carved through solid rock, creating high walls with trees growing above. It's an impressive sight and forms part of NCN 3. Additionally, Little Breach Reserve is a butterfly conservation area with two small meadows located between heathland common and adjoining forestry.

Many of the outdoor activities, such as easy walks in the Blackdown Hills, are suitable for families. For a more relaxed stop, Braziers Coffee Roasters is a family-friendly cafe where you can enjoy quality coffee, cakes, and food. Exploring the historical sites like All Saints Church and Culmstock Bridge can also be an engaging activity for families.

For excellent coffee and delicious food, visit Braziers Coffee Roasters, which also sells quality coffee beans. In the village itself, the Culm Valley Inn is a local pub that frequently hosts music events and offers a place to eat and relax.

The area around Culmstock is particularly beautiful in late summer when the bell-heather is in bloom, making it an ideal time for walks and enjoying the landscape. Spring and early autumn also offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery.

All Saints Church is a listed medieval building with parts dating back to the 1200s. It is particularly notable for a unique 200-year-old yew tree that grows out from the top of its tower. The church features eight bells and beautiful stained-glass windows, and information about its history is available in a church guide.

Yes, the renowned author R.D. Blackmore, famous for *Lorna Doone*, lived in Culmstock for six years. His lesser-known novel, *Perlycross*, is actually based on Culmstock and the surrounding Culm Valley, offering a literary insight into the area's past.