Plympton offers several specific points of interest for a stay: a castle, the remains of an Augustinian priory, two churches with different historical associations, and the birthplace of Joshua Reynolds. Pathfields adds an open public space with views of the castle mound to this cultural history; a woodland path along Tory Brook brings another aspect of the landscape. You can focus your visit on political history, ecclesiastical architecture or walking outdoors.
Castle and Priory
Plympton Castle is located in the heart of Plympton St Maurice. The site is a motte-and-bailey castle with a shell keep. It was of decisive strategic importance during the First Civil War between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. The castle’s design and political history offer two clearly distinct historical points of reference.
Plympton Priory can also be viewed from more than one perspective. It was the wealthiest monastery in Devon and the fourth-wealthiest Augustinian institution in England and Wales. The remains of an Augustinian monastery documented from 1121 to 1539 survive partly above ground and partly underground. The rankings compare the priory’s standing within Devon and within the order; the dates indicate the documented period of the monastery. The town’s history thus brings together a regional comparison and a long institutional timespan.
Churches, Guildhall and Joshua Reynolds
St Mary’s Church was consecrated on 29 October 1311; the remains of the old priory lie directly beside the church. St Katherine’s Chapel is the oldest part of the church building. The exact year of consecration and the chapel’s relative age answer two different questions: when the church was consecrated and which part of the building is the oldest.
St Maurice Church offers a different point of interest: visitors are welcome at the sung Sunday Eucharist services, which include bells and incense. Check the service details again before your trip.
Plympton St Maurice Guildhall stands on the site of an original 13th-century guildhall. Two coats of arms of Members of Parliament for Plympton can be seen on the building: those of Sir Thomas Trevor and Sir George Treby. Joshua Reynolds was born in Plympton on 16 July 1723 and later became the founding president of the Royal Academy. The Guildhall is notable for its historic site and coats of arms; Reynolds’s connection to Plympton comes from his birthplace and later role.
The Mid Summer Festival is a centuries-old tradition celebrating local heritage, music, food and culture. The 2026 festival took place in Plympton St Maurice from 19 to 21 June.
Landscape and Path Conditions
Pathfields provides open public space and one of the clearest views of the castle mound at Plympton Castle. Plympton Pathfields is also part of an old route. The site therefore combines a direct view of the castle with a historical connection to the landscape.
A woodland path runs along Tory Brook in Harewood Park. The path is unpaved and slippery when wet. Take this into account when planning: unlike the views from Pathfields, the ground underfoot is itself an important part of the experience.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Hartland, Broadwoodwidger, Buckland Monachorum, Okehampton, North Huish, Coffinswell, Drewsteignton, Princetown.
See the main travel overview: Devon.
