Discover Chulmleigh: History, Trails and Golf

Chulmleigh combines a remarkable historic townscape with practical opportunities for walking, golf and cultural discoveries. Those looking for a holiday apartment can choose between a stay focused on listed buildings, a longer route through the countryside or a sport-oriented day.

Historic Buildings in the Townscape

The parish church of St Mary Magdalene is a Grade I listed building. Its four-storey tower, which is over 90 feet high, is particularly striking. It was completed in 1520 and restored in the 1950s. The fabric of the Church of St Mary Magdalene appears to date from the late 15th century; the church was also restored by Ashworth in 1878–1879. For visitors interested in churches and architectural history, it therefore offers several historical layers.

The rest of the townscape also contains distinctive details. The Town Pump stands in the middle of Fore Street. The cast-iron pump dates from the early 19th century and was made by J. D. Young and Sons of Barnstaple; its glass lantern dates from the late 19th century. The Chulmleigh War Memorial was unveiled in 1920 and later expanded with additions relating to the Second World War. It has a heritage relationship with the Church of St Mary Magdalene and with numerous listed buildings around The Square.

You can discover further historical details at London House and Colnet House on The Square, which date from around 1870 and preserve some 19th-century carpentry. London House also has a fireplace surround and an Adam-style ceiling centrepiece in the room on the right. No.1 New Street includes a former Chapel building from the early 19th century, attached to a cottage. The Cot is a particularly interesting, untouched example of a small cottage with a one-and-a-half-room layout that has survived close to the centre of the market town. Colleton Manor has medieval origins and was probably remodelled or rebuilt by Humphrey Bury in 1612. The chapel at Colleton was first licensed in 1318 and again in 1402 and 1413.

Walking along the Little Dart

The Little Dart Way offers a clear choice for anyone wanting to combine their stay with a longer walk. The circular route is approximately 12.5 miles long and includes the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Chulmleigh. The section from Chawleigh to Chulmleigh follows the Ridge and Valley Walk and then climbs up Rock Hill to the church. Another part follows a footpath through woodland to a footbridge over the Little Dart River.

The Little Dart River flows past Chulmleigh and joins the River Taw. When planning your holiday, you can therefore choose between the historic townscape and a route featuring a woodland section, a river crossing and the climb to the church. You should take the specific length of the circular route into account when planning your day; when choosing a holiday apartment, you can also consider whether cultural destinations or the planned route should form the focus of your stay.

Golf and Local Events

Chulmleigh Golf Course is a short public 18-hole course on 13 acres. Supervised younger players are welcome, and reduced prices apply to players under 16. The Club House and the Terrace serve light meals and snacks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; both areas overlook the golf course. This allows a stay to be supplemented with a clearly defined sporting activity without overlooking Chulmleigh’s historic and scenic sides.

The Chulmleigh Old Fair is a historic annual one-day open-air market in the centre of Chulmleigh. Its traditional Flower & Produce Show was a separate programme item at the Country Fair on Wednesday, 29 July 2026. The parish church of St Mary Magdalene also serves as a venue for concerts by the Chulmleigh Society, including some organised by Young Musicians Support, as well as theatrical performances. Depending on your travel dates and interests, you can therefore look for a suitable event in addition to walks and architectural history.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

A holiday apartment in Chulmleigh is a suitable option for travellers who want to combine different ideas for day trips: historic buildings and squares, the Little Dart Way or a round on the public golf course. The deciding factor is not a blanket promise but your personal plans. If you mainly want to walk, you should take the length and route of the trail into account when organising your trip. If culture is the priority, the church, The Square, Fore Street and the smaller historic buildings can form the focus. For a varied trip, these interests can be combined with the golf facilities or an event.

More Destinations in the Town Overview

For additional travel ideas, you can also visit Rackenford, Ashwater, North Molton, Drewsteignton, Dartmouth, Bigbury-on-Sea, Buckland Monachorum and Swimbridge.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Devon.