Attractions and Places To See around Meshaw - Top 8
Best attractions and places to see around Meshaw include a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes in this small North Devon village. The area features significant natural beauty, such as diverse woodlands and wildflower-rich grasslands. Visitors can explore medieval fortifications and historic churches, providing insight into the region's heritage. Meshaw offers access to a variety of outdoor activities and cultural landmarks.
Best attractions and places to see around Meshaw
- The most popular attraction 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, approximately 8 meters high and 50 meters in diameter, is still imposing after 1000 years.
- Another must-see spot is Eggesford Forest, a forest with a network of paths. This diverse woodland is a place to explore, offering opportunities to observe wildlife, wildflowers, and fungi throughout the year.
- Visitors also love All Saints Church, Eggesford, a historical site with parts dating back to the 15th century. This remote church, largely restored in 1867, contains 17th-century monuments to the Chichester family and an 18th-century monument to William Fellowes.
- Meshaw is known for its historical sites, natural forests, and charming market towns. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient castles to peaceful woodlands.
- The attractions around Meshaw are appreciated by the komoot community, with 22 photos shared and 28 upvotes for the highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 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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Eggesford Forest
Highlight • Forest
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All Saints Church, Eggesford
Highlight • Historical Site
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South Molton Market Square
Highlight • Settlement
There are plenty of cafes in South Molton for mid-ride nourishment
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The Poltimore Inn
Highlight • Pub
From their webpage thepoltimoreinnnorthmolton.co.uk:
The Poltimore Inn is a full 7 days a week pub, open 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5:30pm to 11pm on Monday to Thursday and all day from 11:30 am to 11pm on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.
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Tips from the Community
Great place to stay and recover. From their webpage https://www.thepoltimoreinnnorthmolton.co.uk: The Poltimore Inn is a full 7 days a week pub, open 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5:30pm to 11pm on Monday to Thursday and all day from 11:30 am to 11pm on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.
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South Molton is a market town centred round a market square. It was a major part of the UK's wool trade and markets still thrive twice a week, although no longer just the domain of wool. There are plenty of cafes in South Molton for mid-ride nourishment
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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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This remote church has a peaceful atmosphere and is steeped in history. Whilst parts of the church date to the 15th century, much of it was restored and rebuilt in 1867. Inside the church, there are two 17th century monuments to the Chichester family and a large 18th century monument to William Fellowes in Italian marble.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Meshaw?
Meshaw and its surroundings offer several historical sites. You can visit the remains of an early medieval motte and bailey castle at Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey, which is still quite imposing after 1000 years. There's also All Saints Church, Eggesford, a remote church with parts dating back to the 15th century, and St Mary's Church, known for its exquisitely carved late-medieval screen. Additionally, Meshaw's own parish church, the Church of St. John the Baptist, has medieval foundations and notable 17th-century monuments.
Are there any natural attractions or nature reserves near Meshaw?
Yes, the area boasts significant natural beauty. Eggesford Forest is a diverse woodland with a network of paths, perfect for observing wildlife, wildflowers, and fungi throughout the year. You can also explore the Meshaw Moor Nature Reserve, a unique patchwork of wildflower-rich Culm grasslands, home to various species like harvest mice and early purple orchids. It offers walking trails, though some paths can be uneven.
What outdoor activities can I do near Meshaw?
The Meshaw area is great for outdoor activities, particularly hiking and cycling. You can find numerous routes for both sports. For hiking, consider trails like the 'South Molton Market Square – The Poltimore Inn loop' or the 'Eggesford Forest loop'. Cyclists can explore longer routes such as the 'Chulmleigh to Barnstaple loop' or the 'Exmoor loop'. For more details and route options, check out the hiking guide and cycling guide for Meshaw.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities around Meshaw?
Many attractions around Meshaw are suitable for families. Eggesford Forest offers easy-to-explore paths for all ages. Historical sites like All Saints Church, Eggesford, and St Mary's Church can also be interesting for older children. For more adventurous family fun, Rock and Rapid Adventures in nearby South Molton offers various activities, and Exmoor Zoo in Barnstaple provides an opportunity to see a variety of animals.
Can I bring my dog to attractions and trails near Meshaw?
Yes, many outdoor areas are dog-friendly. For instance, dogs are welcome at Meshaw Moor Nature Reserve, though they must be kept on a lead due to grazing animals. When exploring trails in Eggesford Forest or other natural areas, always ensure your dog is under control and follow local guidelines regarding livestock and wildlife.
What is the terrain like for walking and hiking around Meshaw?
The terrain around Meshaw varies. You'll find diverse woodlands with networks of paths in places like Eggesford Forest. The Meshaw Moor Nature Reserve features Culm grasslands, where paths can be uneven and wet in places, with some boardwalks provided. Generally, the area offers a mix of easy to moderate trails, with some elevation changes typical of the North Devon landscape.
Where can I find cafes or pubs near Meshaw?
While Meshaw itself is a small village, nearby towns offer options. South Molton Market Square is a good place to find cafes for a mid-ride or mid-walk refreshment. You'll also find pubs in South Molton and other surrounding villages, offering places to relax and refuel.
Are there any easy or short walks suitable for beginners around Meshaw?
Yes, there are several easy and short walks available. For example, you can find easy loops around St Peter's Church, Knowstone, or shorter routes starting from South Molton Market Square. These are ideal for those looking for a less strenuous outdoor experience. You can find more options in the easy hikes guide for Meshaw.
What is the best time of year to visit Meshaw for outdoor activities?
The Meshaw area can be enjoyed throughout the year, as highlighted by Eggesford Forest's tips. Spring brings wildflowers to Meshaw Moor Nature Reserve, while autumn offers beautiful foliage in the woodlands. Summer is ideal for longer walks and cycling, and even in winter, the landscapes offer a unique charm, though paths might be wetter.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots in the Meshaw area?
Yes, the remains of Heywood Castle Motte and Bailey overlook the Taw Valley, offering scenic views. The natural landscapes of Meshaw Moor Nature Reserve and Eggesford Forest also provide picturesque settings for enjoying the North Devon countryside.
What is the Church of St. John the Baptist in Meshaw known for?
The Church of St. John the Baptist in Meshaw has a rich history, with its tower rebuilt in 1691 and the nave-cum-chancel in 1838. Inside, a notable feature is a monument from 1683 to James Courtenay. It also houses an early 20th-century wooden lectern carved as an eagle and three stained-glass windows dating from the mid to late 19th century.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions near Meshaw?
While many natural trails can be uneven, South Molton Market Square is identified as wheelchair-accessible, offering a place to explore the market town. For outdoor experiences, it's best to check specific trail conditions, as some paths in nature reserves might not be fully accessible.
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