Local history and a circular walk along the Grand Western Canal give Sampford Peverell two specific points of interest for planning a trip. The details range from a church with several phases of construction to a variety of activities on the water.

Church and historic buildings

The Church of St John the Baptist was built in the mid-13th century and first consecrated in 1259. The south aisle and porch date from 1498. The building therefore brings together elements from its early construction and others dated considerably later.

The Old Rectory in Higher Town was built in the early 16th century. It is a former rectory and school building, as well as a medieval priest’s house. Its history thus includes both ecclesiastical and educational connections.

Sampford Peverell is also home to the oldest Methodist chapel in Devon, which is still continuously used for worship. This offers a different connection to religious history from the church’s construction phases: the focus here is on its continued use for worship.

Sampford Peverell Bridge is a Grade II listed road bridge over the Grand Western Canal, dating from around 1814. Compared with the church, it is a more recent type of structure: a road bridge rather than a religious building. At the western end of the village, attractive older buildings and the Church of St John the Baptist shape the streetscape. The church was built in the mid-13th century; the south aisle and porch were added in 1498. The Old Rectory was built in the early 16th century, and the bridge dates from around 1814.

Grand Western Canal Circular

The Grand Western Canal Circular follows a flat, well-maintained towpath alongside the Grand Western Canal and quiet country lanes. The route description therefore includes different types of sections: paths directly beside the canal as well as roads through the surrounding countryside.

The circular route follows the Grand Western Canal and sections of National Cycle Network Route 3 through Halberton and Sampford Peverell.

Boats and play facilities

There is a slipway in Sampford Peverell for smaller, trailerable boats. Check local conditions before launching. A Devon County Council notice dated 7 August 2025 describes a two-level landing stage near Holbrook Bridge in Sampford Peverell. One level is at towpath height and is intended for motorboats; the lower level is at a suitable height for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.

The Sampford Peverell Play Park adds an activity with specific facilities to the range of options. Its wooden play equipment includes balance beams, a climbing frame, slides, swings, a rope bridge, a zip wire and a playhouse.

Discover more destinations: Totnes, Abbotskerswell, Buckland Monachorum, Swimbridge, Horrabridge, Whimple, Colyton, Shaugh Prior.

For the wider travel overview: Devon.