Lapford can be explored through its architectural history and rolling hills. In the Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, a late-medieval oak rood screen shapes the appearance of the parish church; at Bury Barton, a Roman fort and camp lie on a north-east-facing slope overlooking the River Yeo valley and Dalch Valley. Visitors choosing Lapford for a stay can focus on church architecture, Roman history, village life or rail travel.
Church and village traditions
The parish church, Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, has Norman origins and was rebuilt in the 15th century. Its exceptionally well-preserved, eight-bay oak rood screen dates from the late 15th century. The rebuilding and the fittings therefore mark different periods: the church combines early architectural history with a specific example of late-medieval woodwork.
Lapford Church Green and the War Memorial are part of the village centre’s local heritage. Every November, the Remembrance service is held on the Green. At the Lapford Revel, the king and queen are traditionally crowned there in July. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the details for the relevant year in advance.
Rolling hills and Roman heritage
Lapford lies amid the gentle hills of Mid Devon, which slope down towards the River Yeo valley. This gives the village a landscape setting reflected in the described views over the village and valleys.
Bury Barton is designated as a Scheduled Monument; the monument includes a Roman fort and a Roman camp. The site lies on a north-east-facing slope overlooking the River Yeo valley and Dalch Valley. The fort is considered the best-preserved in the entire South West region. Those interested in Roman history will find here not only historic structures but also a tangible connection with the landscape: the view extends across two named valleys.
Views and rail travel
The footpath uphill to Nymet Rowland offers views of Lapford, with the church clearly visible as the centre of the village. This makes it possible to consider the church not only as a building but also in its position within the village. This view of the village differs from the vista at Bury Barton, which looks across the valleys.
Lapford has a request stop on the Tarka Line. This scenic rail route provides train services between Exeter and Barnstaple. Check the latest operating details for the stop and the line before travelling. This allows you to include the rail connection in your plans without committing to a fixed itinerary.
When deciding whether to stay in Lapford, you can weigh up the different options: village history and traditions on the Green, Roman archaeology with valley views, or the rail connection between Exeter and Barnstaple. These different themes offer reasons to choose Lapford according to your interests in culture, landscape and rail travel.
Discover more destinations: Ottery Saint Mary, Newton Saint Petrock, Morebath, Lynton, Upottery, Beer, Molland, Seaton
For the broader travel overview: Devon.
