Sampford Peverell: Church, Canal and History

Sampford Peverell combines a remarkable local history with experiences along the Grand Western Canal. Anyone looking for a mixture of culture, exercise and family-friendly activities on holiday will find various reasons to discover the village. When choosing a holiday apartment or other accommodation, it can therefore be decisive whether you want to learn about historic buildings, take a walk by the water or spend time with children in the play park.

Discover the church and historic buildings

The western end of Sampford Peverell is characterised by attractive older buildings and St John the Baptist Church. The church was built in the mid-13th century and first consecrated in 1259. Its south aisle and porch date from 1498. This makes it possible to trace, through a single building, how the village's history developed over several centuries.

The Old Rectory in Higher Town is also one of the area's notable historic buildings. The former vicarage and school building was constructed at the beginning of the 16th century and is also a medieval priest's house. Sampford Peverell is also home to the oldest Methodist chapel in Devon, which continues to be used for worship. Anyone interested in regional architectural history and religious heritage can include these places in their explorations without limiting their stay to a single activity.

Out and about along the Grand Western Canal

Another side of the village can be seen at Sampford Peverell Bridge. The Grade II listed road bridge crosses the Grand Western Canal and dates from around 1814. For exercise by the water, the Grand Western Canal Circular is a good option. It follows a flat, well-surfaced towpath along the Grand Western Canal and quiet country roads. It also runs along sections of National Cycle Network Route 3 through Halberton and Sampford Peverell.

This route offers various options for planning your day: You can focus on the canal and towpath or plan a longer tour through the places mentioned above. The different sections of the route are particularly interesting if you want to combine culture and exercise and value a flexible holiday routine when choosing your accommodation.

Play park and water-based activities

If you are travelling with children, Sampford Peverell Play Park offers a welcome change of pace. The wooden play equipment includes balance beams, a climbing frame, slides, swings, a rope bridge, a zip line and a playhouse. This allows a day of historic sights or a canal tour to be complemented by a dedicated play break.

Sampford Peverell also has designated facilities for activities on the water. A slipway is available for smaller trailerable boats. Near Holbrook Bridge there is also a two-level landing stage: One level is at towpath height and is intended for motorboats, while a lower level is suitable for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. The accommodation that suits you therefore depends primarily on your preferred daily routine – from architectural history and canal paths to your own water-based activities.

More places for planning your trip

If you would like to compare additional places as part of your further search, you can also consider Black Torrington, Lydford, Ottery Saint Mary, Abbotskerswell, Broadhempston, Upottery, Burrington and Dunkeswell. Sampford Peverell itself is recommended as a destination for travellers who want to combine local history with canal paths, play opportunities and facilities for various types of water-based activities.

For the wider travel overview: Devon.