Attractions and Places To See around Morchard Bishop - Top 14
Best attractions and places to see around Morchard Bishop include a blend of historical sites, natural landscapes, and community points of interest. This village, located in the heart of Devon, is surrounded by hilly farmland offering views of Dartmoor and Exmoor. The area features ancient Devon banks and an extensive network of public footpaths and bridleways. Morchard Bishop serves as the mid-way point for the Two Moors Way, a long-distance footpath.
Best attractions and places to see around Morchard Bishop
- The most popular attractions is Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey, a historical site that features the remains of an early medieval motte and bailey castle. This Norman castle mound, overlooking the Taw Valley, is a significant historical landmark.
- Another must-see spot is Eggesford Forest, a diverse woodland with a network of paths. Visitors can explore the forest and observe wildlife, wildflowers, and fungi throughout the year.
- Visitors also love Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge, a 180-acre park with grand lakes and sweeping vistas. The Devonshire Heartland Way traverses the southern section of this park.
- Morchard Bishop is known for its historical landmarks, natural features like extensive footpaths, and community-focused sites. The area offers a variety of attractions, from ancient churches and farmhouses to scenic countryside walks.
- The attractions around Morchard Bishop are appreciated by the komoot community, with 28 upvotes and 22 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey
Highlight • Historical Site
Heywood CastleAt Heywood the circular motte is about 8 metres high and almost 50 metres in diameter, surrounded by a rock-cut ditch 4 metres wide and 2 metres deep. Around the top of the motte is a bank, up to 4 metres high in places. The crescent shaped bailey which lies to the north-east of the motte is 60 metres long and 40 metres wide and bounded on all sides by a bank 2 metres rising to about 4 metres on the eastern side, where there is an entrance with a causeway across the ditch which extends to the outer bank, which surrounds both the motte and bailey. From the bailey to the motte on the north east side there is the possibility of a bridgeway. On the north side of the bailey a more modern entrance has been formed.
devon.gov.uk/historicenvironment/explore-devons-heritage/heywood-castle-eggesford
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Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge
Highlight • Historical Site
Now, the park is sometimes open to the public, with its grand lakes and sweeping vistas. The Devonshire Heartland Way traverses the southern section all year round.
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St Swithun's Church and Holy Well
Highlight • Natural Monument
If you hike up the lane opposite towards the village centre, you'll find the holy well embedded into a grassy bank on the eastern side.
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Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross, Crediton
Highlight • Religious Site
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Eggesford Forest
Highlight • Forest
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Tips from the Community
Scooped some water out, filtered it and a made a coffee.
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This proud, medieval church stands on the edge of Shobrooke village and, like so many churches in the area, has wonderful views over the rolling, pastoral landscape. The church dates back to the 15th century but the interior is considerably younger, mostly Victorian. If you hike up the lane opposite towards the village centre, you'll find the holy well embedded into a grassy bank on the eastern side.
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A 180-acre (73 ha) park, wandering around the grounds is utter bliss. A deer park has been here for hundreds of years and there was also manor house, built in the 18th century. Whilst the house functioned as a school during the Second World War, it sadly burnt down in 1945 and was never rebuilt. Now, the park is sometimes open to the public, with its grand lakes and sweeping vistas. The Devonshire Heartland Way traverses the southern section all year round.
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This immensely impressive church dominates Crediton and is an icon of the town. The church dates back over 1,000 years although much of what you see was added in later centuries. Its official name is the Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross and the Mother of Him Who Hung Thereon.
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Overlooking the TawValley, at the northern end of Heywood Wood, stand the remains of an early medieval motte and bailey castle. Motte and bailey castles are medieval fortifications introduced into Britain by the Normans. This type of castle was made up of an artificial mound, or motte, on which was built a wooden or stone structure known as a keep. Next to this at least one bailey, a fortified embanked enclosure containing additional buildings, would be built. Although many were occupied for only a short period of time, motte and bailey castles continued to be built and occupied from the 11th to the 13th centuries, after which they were superseded by other types of castle. Heywood CastleAt Heywood the circular motte is about 8 metres high and almost 50 metres in diameter, surrounded by a rock-cut ditch 4 metres wide and 2 metres deep. Around the top of the motte is a bank, up to 4 metres high in places. The crescent shaped bailey which lies to the north-east of the motte is 60 metres long and 40 metres wide and bounded on all sides by a bank 2 metres rising to about 4 metres on the eastern side, where there is an entrance with a causeway across the ditch which extends to the outer bank, which surrounds both the motte and bailey. From the bailey to the motte on the north east side there is the possibility of a bridgeway. On the north side of the bailey a more modern entrance has been formed. https://www.devon.gov.uk/historicenvironment/explore-devons-heritage/heywood-castle-eggesford/
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This place is well worth a visit, it is a huge Norman castle mound. No structures are visible (Probably only a wooden keep now long gone) but really worth seeing, it is still quite imposing 1000 years on. "At Heywood the circular motte is about 8 metres high and almost 50 metres in diameter, surrounded by a rock-cut ditch 4 metres wide and 2 metres deep. Around the top of the motte is a bank, up to 4 metres high in places. The crescent shaped bailey which lies to the north-east of the motte is 60 metres long and 40 metres wide and bounded on all sides by a bank 2 metres rising to about 4 metres on the eastern side, where there is an entrance with a causeway across the ditch which extends to the outer bank, which surrounds both the motte and bailey. From the bailey to the motte on the north east side there is the possibility of a bridgeway. On the north side of the bailey a more modern entrance has been formed. The castle at Heywood possibly took the place of an earlier castle some 500 metres to the south in the grounds of Heywood House, on the steep valley side above the River Taw. An alternative theory is that both date to the 1130s and 1140s, and were built during the civil war between Matilda, daughter of Henry I, and his nephew Stephen." https://www.devon.gov.uk/historicenvironment/explore-devons-heritage/heywood-castle-eggesford/
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With a network of paths, this diverse woodland is a lovely place to explore. Keep a look-out for wildlife, wildflowers, and interesting fungi. Visit throughout the year; it's different in every season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Morchard Bishop and its surroundings?
Morchard Bishop boasts historical sites such as the 15th-16th century St Mary's Church, known for its 95-foot tower and medieval paintwork. Nearby, you can visit Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey, an early medieval fortification overlooking the Taw Valley. Other notable sites include St Swithun's Church and Holy Well with its impressive views, and the imposing Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross, Crediton, which has over 1,000 years of history.
Are there any ancient sites or ruins near Morchard Bishop?
Yes, the area around Morchard Bishop is rich in ancient history. While not directly in the village, you can find significant Bronze Age settlements like Grimspound on Dartmoor, featuring remains of 24 stone houses. Also on Dartmoor are the remains of the 13th-century stone farmsteads at Hound Tor Deserted Medieval Village and the complex Bronze Age ritual sites at Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement. The earliest surviving building in the parish, Rudge Farmhouse, dates back to around 1380, with evidence of a Celtic settlement approximately 2,000 years old.
Where can I find scenic walking trails around Morchard Bishop?
Morchard Bishop is surrounded by picturesque hilly farmland with an extensive network of over 60 public footpaths and bridleways. The village is also the mid-way point for the Two Moors Way, a long-distance footpath stretching across Devon. For easy walks, you can explore routes like the 'St Mary's Church loop from Morchard Bishop' or the 'Overgrown Countryside Footpath loop from Zeal Monachorum'. You can find more hiking options in the Easy hikes around Morchard Bishop guide.
What natural attractions are there for visitors to enjoy?
The region offers several natural attractions. Eggesford Forest provides a diverse woodland with a network of paths for exploring wildlife and fungi. You can also visit Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge, a 180-acre park with grand lakes and sweeping vistas, where the Devonshire Heartland Way traverses its southern section. The village itself is set amidst unspoilt hilly farmland, offering stunning views of Dartmoor and Exmoor in the distance.
Are there any cycling routes near Morchard Bishop?
Yes, there are various cycling routes available. For road cycling, you can find routes such as the 'St. Peter's Church, Tiverton – Two Moors Gallery Café loop from Lapford' or the 'River Taw – Barnstaple Long Bridge loop from Morchard Road'. If you prefer touring, options include the 'Exeter Ship Canal – Turf Hotel loop from Yeoford' or the 'Bike loop from Yeoford'. Explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Morchard Bishop guide and the Cycling around Morchard Bishop guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the area?
Many of the natural and historical sites can be enjoyed by families. Eggesford Forest is a diverse woodland with paths suitable for family exploration. Shobrooke Park Lake and Stone Bridge also offers a pleasant setting for a family outing. The extensive network of public footpaths around Morchard Bishop provides opportunities for family walks, with many easy routes available.
What is the best time of year to visit Morchard Bishop for outdoor activities?
The scenic countryside and extensive network of footpaths around Morchard Bishop can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking and exploring the diverse woodlands and farmlands. The village also hosts community events like a flower festival in June and a Vintage Rally and Fair in August, which can add to the experience during warmer months.
What unique historical features does Morchard Bishop village itself offer?
Beyond St Mary's Church, Morchard Bishop is notable for Fore Street, which is believed to have the longest row of terraced cottages in England or the West Country, with many buildings dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. The village also has Rudge Farmhouse, considered the earliest surviving building in the parish, with parts dating to around 1380.
Are there local pubs or community hubs in Morchard Bishop?
Yes, Morchard Bishop has an active community spirit. The London Inn is a historic pub that offers home-cooked meals and serves as a local gathering spot. The Morchard Bishop Memorial Hall is a central community hub, hosting various events and activities throughout the year. The village also has a Sports Club and hosts annual events like a flower festival and a Vintage Rally and Fair.
What kind of views can I expect around Morchard Bishop?
Morchard Bishop is situated amidst unspoilt hilly farmland, providing stunning panoramic views. From various points, including the high ground where St Mary's Church stands, you can enjoy distant vistas of both Dartmoor and Exmoor. The extensive network of footpaths also offers varied walks with diverse scenic outlooks across the Devon countryside.
Can I find information about local events or community activities in Morchard Bishop?
Morchard Bishop has a vibrant community that organizes various events. These include an annual flower festival in June and a Vintage Rally and Fair in August. The Morchard Bishop Memorial Hall is a key venue for community activities. For the most up-to-date information on local events, you might check the parish council website: morchardbishop-pc.gov.uk.
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