Ottery Saint Mary brings together distinctive church art, literary history and an annual event held on a set date. At St Mary’s Parish Church, a precisely dated building history, special features and a historic clock come together. The name Coleridge refers both to the poet’s birthplace and to a 36-mile long-distance walking route through East Devon. If you are considering the town as a destination, you can distinguish between sacred architecture, local cultural history, literature and a single annual event date.
Church and town history
St Mary’s Parish Church was built in 1342 as a collegiate church modelled on Exeter Cathedral. Most of its construction dates to John de Grandisson, Bishop of Exeter from 1312 to 1369.
Well-known features include a painted ceiling and the Dorset Aisle, a side aisle with fan vaulting dating from the early 16th century. The Ottery St Mary Astronomical Clock is located in the south transept; it is one of the oldest surviving mechanical clocks in the country.
The Ottery St Mary Heritage Society Museum presents the social and cultural history of Ottery St Mary and its surroundings over 2,000 years. The time spans provide a contrast: the church is precisely dated to 1342, while the museum places its history within a much longer period. The Blue Plaque Trail highlights places associated with significant events, people and buildings. Ottery St Mary is also the birthplace of the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Coleridge connections and walking routes
The 36-mile Coleridge Way passes through the East Devon countryside and connects Ottery St Mary with other places associated with Coleridge, including Exeter. Together with his birthplace and the places highlighted by the Blue Plaque Trail, this offers two different ways to explore the subject: local points of remembrance and a longer route through the region. The Blue Plaque Trail draws attention to places associated with him; the Coleridge Way connects them with other places in East Devon.
Tar Barrels and outdoor activities
Tar Barrels offers another reason to visit: the event takes place every year on 5 November, unless the date falls on a Sunday. Ottery is the only town in the country where full-sized, flaming tar barrels are carried through the streets. The Sunday exception is therefore important when planning your dates; check the event dates for your chosen year.
There are many miles of public footpaths in Ottery St Mary and the surrounding parish, including paths along the River Otter. A notice from the parish council, last updated on 8 February 2024, points out that some riverside sections may be subject to closures because of erosion. If you are planning a particular walk by the river, it is worth checking the current path status. Land of Canaan Park has a large children’s play area with an inclusive otter play structure for climbing, balancing and sensory activities.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Stoke Canon, North Molton, Moreleigh, Parracombe, Chulmleigh, Winkleigh, Talaton, Tipton Saint John
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