Discover Longdown through a range of very different themes: the Church of St John the Baptist, its open setting on a downland ridge, the Longdown War Memorial and a former railway line with a tunnel. There is also an annual summer fete and the church’s suitability for live music. When planning your trip, it helps to distinguish historic places from events with dates or conditions that may change.

Church and Local Remembrance

The Church of St John the Baptist has stood in Longdown for nearly 900 years. Ancient yew trees stand in the churchyard, adding a distinctive feature to the church building and the village landscape. The church is used for private prayer, quiet reflection and visits. As access arrangements may change, check in advance if you are planning a visit. The church and the yew trees offer two distinct points of interest: the building’s long history and an old landscape feature in the churchyard.

Those interested in bell-ringing can learn Change Ringing at the Church of St John the Baptist. No prior experience is required, and full training is offered. As practice arrangements may change, check current opportunities to participate in advance. The church also provides a suitable acoustic setting for live music; check locally for any future dates.

The Longdown War Memorial takes the form of a granite cross and commemorates the losses suffered by the local community in the First and Second World Wars. Here, the focus is on collective remembrance, unlike at the Church of St John the Baptist, whose long history and use give it a distinct focus.

Longdown and the Former Railway Line

The Longdown Railway Walk begins at Longdown Railway Station on the B3212, west of the village, and follows the former railway line through a preserved tunnel to the site of Dunsford Halt. It is about three miles long in total. Check the route’s local availability and, if applicable, the event date before travelling. Unlike the church and memorial, this is not about a single building but the course of the former railway line; the tunnel and destination give the route its historical connection.

Longdown sits on a long downland ridge characteristic of this part of Devon and has an open, elevated setting. This landscape provides a distinct contrast with the specific local histories of the church, memorial and railway line.

Summer Fete and Practical Planning

The Longdown Village Fete is an annual summer event. Local produce and handicrafts are showcased there, though individual fete programmes may vary. If you are planning to visit Longdown specifically for this event, check the date and programme before travelling; the season alone does not indicate a specific date.

Longdown Village Hall offers free parking for more than 40 cars. If you are travelling by car, this is a useful detail for planning. As parking arrangements may change, check them before setting off.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kingskerswell, Whitchurch, Ware, Westleigh, Teignmouth, Postbridge, Cornworthy, Alston.

For the main travel overview: Devon.