For a stay that combines an interest in village history and woodland scenery, Woodleigh offers two distinct highlights: the Church of St Mary in the village centre and the Avon Valley Woods, spread across several areas around the village. The church represents architectural history and a medieval furnishing detail; the woodland areas, with their river valley, clearings, wildlife and trails, shape the natural side of the experience. For trip planning, this offers a clear choice between a cultural focus in the village centre and several nature and walking themes.
Church of St Mary and the village’s history
The Anglican parish church of St Mary is in the centre of Woodleigh and is listed as Grade II*. Its basic layout dates from the 14th century. After a fire, it was rebuilt in 1649, placing its medieval layout and later reconstruction side by side as two distinct stages. The chancel also contains a 14th-century Easter Sepulchre. For travellers interested in historic architecture, several aspects come together here: the church’s listing, its architectural history and a specific medieval feature of the chancel.
Avon Valley Woods: river valley, woodland and wildlife
The Avon Valley Woods cover 139.4 hectares and lie in several areas around Woodleigh, near Kingsbridge, within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). They include semi-natural ancient woodland in the steep-sided valley of the River Avon, as well as newer plantations and grassy clearings. The area therefore encompasses both wooded areas and more open spaces. More than 30 bird species have been recorded in the Woods; mammals such as otters and dormice are also present.
Walking trails, riding trails and different access points
Several public footpaths run through the Avon Valley Woods, including paths along the River Avon. There is one public bridleway for horses, as well as several bridleways that can be used with permission, so the access arrangements for walking and riding are not the same. Watkins Wood can be reached from a car park or a gate on a road north of the village of Woodleigh. A public bridleway crosses the northern part of the wood. Woodleigh Wood, by contrast, is accessible via a narrow public footpath.
Another option is the riding route from Woodleigh to Topsham Bridge: the circular route is 7.5 miles long and crosses moderately difficult terrain. It follows country roads, bridleways and green lanes; local wildlife may be encountered along the route. Unlike the access points to individual woodland areas, this excursion is described as a circular route with its own stated distance. This helps when choosing between a specifically described riding route and the public footpaths in the woodland areas.
Discover more destinations: Holne, Bere Alston, Holbeton, Rockbeare, Dittisham, Newton Abbot, Barnstaple, Noss Mayo.
For the broader travel overview: Devon.
