Attractions and Places To See around Brushford - Top 11

Brushford and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey, the remains of an early medieval Norman fortification. Another significant historical site is All Saints Church, Eggesford, with parts dating back to the 15th century and notable 17th and 18th-century monuments. Within Brushford itself, St. Nicholas Church is a Grade I listed building with elements from the 13th century, a medieval screen, and a very old parish chest. The area also features historic bridges like the 18th-century Exe Bridge and the medieval Tarr Steps, a Grade I-listed clapper bridge.

Yes, Brushford is on the southern edge of Exmoor National Park, offering stunning natural beauty. You can explore Eggesford Forest, a diverse woodland with paths for observing wildlife and wildflowers. The Rivers Exe and Barle flow through the area, contributing to its picturesque landscape. Within Exmoor, easily accessible natural monuments include Winsford Hill Summit Monument for epic vistas, and Haddon Hill Trig Point at 355 meters for beautiful views. The wooded valley around Tarr Steps is also rich in wildlife.

Being on the edge of Exmoor National Park, Brushford is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horse riding. For specific hiking trails, explore the easy hikes around Brushford, including routes like the Riverside Path – Eggesford Castle loop. Cyclists can discover various road cycling routes around Brushford, such as the Two Moors Gallery Café loop. There are also several running trails around Brushford, including the Heywood Forest Parking loop.

Absolutely. Eggesford Forest is a great family-friendly option, offering a network of paths to explore and observe nature. All Saints Church, Eggesford, while historical, can also be an interesting visit for families interested in local heritage. The wider Exmoor National Park provides ample space for children to run and explore, with opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Tarr Steps is a remarkable Grade I-listed clapper bridge, believed to be medieval in origin and the longest of its kind in Britain. It's constructed from large, unmortared stone slabs spanning the River Barle. The surrounding wooded valley is also a haven for wildlife. It's easily accessible from Brushford and makes for a scenic walk, offering a glimpse into ancient engineering and natural beauty.

Brushford itself offers a taste of traditional village life with its village hall and a local pub, which often serve as community hubs. You can also explore charming nearby villages and towns such as Dunster and Porlock, which provide further insights into the area's history and culture, often featuring local shops and eateries.

St. Nicholas Church is a central feature of Brushford and a Grade I listed building. While primarily 15th-century, it contains older elements, including a south-west nave wall potentially from the 13th century. Inside, you'll find a medieval screen, a 13th-century font, and possibly the country's oldest parish chest, carved from a single oak log. The churchyard also hosts a massive oak tree, considered one of Exmoor's oldest.

Beyond the general beauty of Exmoor, you can find specific natural monuments. The Devil's Punch Bowl is an interesting natural depression. For panoramic views, visit Winsford Hill Summit Monument or Haddon Hill Trig Point. These spots offer diverse landscapes from moorland to woodland and are home to wildlife like red deer and Exmoor ponies.

Visitors particularly appreciate the historical significance and imposing nature of sites like Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey, noting its impressive scale even after 1000 years. The peaceful atmosphere and rich history of remote churches like All Saints Church, Eggesford, are also highly valued. Many enjoy the diverse woodland and opportunities for wildlife spotting in places like Eggesford Forest, highlighting its beauty throughout the seasons.

Yes, the area is home to several historic bridges. The 18th-century Exe Bridge crosses the River Exe. The River Barle is spanned by the New Bridge (1870) and the Weir Bridge (mid-19th century). Further afield, you can find Tuckingmill Bridge, spanning the River Yeo, a Grade-II listed stone bridge from the late 18th or early 19th century, known for its tranquil setting. The village of North Tawton also features a charming town square with a Grade II-listed town hall and a 16th-century house.

Exmoor National Park, and by extension Brushford, offers different experiences throughout the year. Spring and summer bring wildflowers and warmer weather, ideal for hiking and exploring. Autumn showcases beautiful foliage, while winter can offer stark, dramatic landscapes. The diverse woodland of Eggesford Forest, for example, is noted for being different in every season, making it a year-round destination depending on your preferred activities and scenery.