Discover Kings Nympton: Church of St James, Park and The Revel

Kings Nympton appeals to travellers who want to combine culture and landscape. Church of St James tells of a long local history, while King's Nympton Park, with its deep, steep-sided valley and far-reaching views south towards Dartmoor, offers a completely different experience. Added to this is The Revel, an annual event centred on shared experiences, music, games and community celebration.

Church history with exceptional details

Church of St James is designated as a Grade I listed building. Several features are particularly noteworthy for visitors interested in culture: the church preserves the windowless north wall of a late Saxon minster and has one of the outstanding 15th-century rood screens in North Devon. This provides points of interest for a range of interests – from medieval architectural history to regional ecclesiastical art.

The bells are also part of the history of Church of St James. The peal comprises six bells. The original five were cast in 1724, and the treble bell was added in 1902. The bell ringing is maintained by families over several generations. For hundreds of years, the bells have rung for weddings, funerals, anniversaries, armistices, Remembrance Days and Sunday services. Those who value living traditions when planning their trip will find a particularly vivid connection to the local history here.

Parkland and paths around King's Nympton Park

King's Nympton Park encompasses a deep, steep-sided valley with extensive views south towards Dartmoor. One specific way to experience the parkland along a historic route is the Great Terrace. It is a gently rising walking or riding path dating from the mid-18th century and extends for approximately 500 m south-west through Park Wood above the River Mole.

These different landscape impressions help when choosing the pace of your trip: on the one hand, there are architectural and ecclesiastical-history discoveries; on the other, a path through Park Wood and views into the valley. Depending on their daily plans, families can therefore combine cultural highlights with time spent in the countryside without forcing both interests into a single type of excursion.

The Revel: festival day with music, games, food and drink

The Revel takes place every year on the Monday of the August bank holiday. The festival offers arts and crafts, games and live music. Food and drink are also part of it, including Pimm's, barbecued food and cream teas. If your trip includes this date, The Revel reveals another side of Kings Nympton: instead of experiencing individual historical details, you can enjoy a set day with a community atmosphere, entertainment and culinary offerings.

Which accommodation suits your travel theme?

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Kings Nympton, it is worth deciding on your preferred focus in advance. Those mainly interested in churches, bell-ringing traditions and historic architecture can make the cultural impressions the central theme of their stay. Those who prefer being outdoors can plan around King's Nympton Park and the Great Terrace. The annual date of The Revel, in turn, provides a clear time-based focus.

More places for planning your trip

For additional travel ideas, you can also look at these places: Exbourne, Umberleigh, Bottreaux Mill, West Buckland, Holbeton, Holne, East Putford and Ottery Saint Mary.

For the higher-level travel overview: Devon.