Attractions and Places To See around St Giles In The Wood - Top 20

St Giles In The Wood is rich in history. You can visit The Parish Church of St Giles, a Grade II listed building with origins in the 15th century, featuring historical memorials and 19th-century stained glass. Other notable historical sites include the remnants of the Stevenstone House site, the early 18th-century Library and Orangery, and the Old Post House, an 1877 Grade II listed building. The Kingscott Baptist Chapel, dating from 1833, also adds to the area's architectural heritage.

The area is nestled within the North Devon Biosphere Reserve, offering a diverse natural landscape. The River Torridge forms the southern boundary of the parish, known for its diverse wildlife including otters. You'll also find ancient woodlands like Palmer's Hill Copse and Dodscott Woods, along with species-rich hedgerows that provide vital wildlife corridors.

Yes, the area is excellent for cycling. The Tarka Trail is a major highlight, offering 180 miles (290 km) of flat, well-surfaced, traffic-free paths through diverse scenery. For more challenging rides, you can explore various road cycling routes around St Giles In The Wood, such as the 'Beam Aqueduct – River Torridge loop from Great Torrington', which you can find details about in the Road Cycling Routes guide.

Many attractions around St Giles In The Wood are suitable for families. The Tarka Trail is ideal for family bike rides or walks due to its flat and well-surfaced nature. The River Torridge and Beam Aqueduct offer interesting sights and easy access for all ages. Additionally, RHS Garden Rosemoor, located nearby, provides beautiful gardens and activities for families.

Absolutely. There are several easy hiking trails available. For instance, you can find routes like the 'Torrington Castle – Puffing Billy Trading Co. loop from Great Torrington' or the 'Mosaic Otter Sculpture – Tarka the Otter Sculpture loop from Peters Marland'. These and other easy walks are detailed in the Easy hikes around St Giles In The Wood guide.

The Beam Aqueduct is an impressive historical site that carries the Rolle Canal over the River Torridge. Completed in 1827, this 270-foot (82 m) long structure features five stone arches and is a testament to 19th-century engineering. It's a great spot to appreciate local history and enjoy the sound of rushing water.

The Bideford Bridge offers both. This important medieval bridge spans the River Torridge and provides great views along Bideford Quay. Built around 1280, it has been a focal point of life in Bideford for centuries, making it a perfect spot to soak in history while enjoying the scenery.

Yes, mountain biking enthusiasts will find trails in the vicinity. You can explore routes such as the 'Beam Aqueduct – River Torridge loop from Meeth' or the 'River Torridge – Tarka Trail loop from Langtree'. More options are available in the MTB Trails around St Giles In The Wood guide.

The River Torridge is a vital natural feature supporting diverse wildlife. It is home to otters and the endangered freshwater pearl mussel. You might also spot various fish species like salmon, sea trout, and brown trout, as well as a variety of birdlife, especially large flocks of starlings near Bideford Bridge.

Visitors frequently praise the Tarka Trail for being traffic-free and flat, making it accessible for all ages and abilities. They appreciate the stunning and diverse scenery, which ranges from green countryside to impressive sea cliffs, and the convenience of having plenty of places to grab supplies or snacks along the way.

Yes, the influential Rolle family had a significant impact on the village's architecture. Besides the memorials in The Parish Church of St Giles, many of the Victorian terraced cottages, particularly on the east side of the church, were built by the Rolle Estate, showcasing their historical influence on the local community.