Things to Do in Cullompton, Devon: A Complete Visitor Guide

Cullompton lies in the Culm Valley between Exeter, the Blackdown Hills and the Somerset border. Known by some as “Cully”, it is one of the oldest inland towns in Devon, with a history that stretches from a Roman fort on St Andrew’s Hill to a long tradition of markets, wool, craftsmanship and rural trade. Today, it combines historic buildings with modern housing, independent shops and easy access to both the M5 and the wider Mid Devon countryside.

With just one main street, traffic through the town can be a bit hectic at times, but don’t let that put you off. Cullompton rewards anyone who stops for a proper look, even if it’s just for half a day. Spend a little longer, and you’ll quickly realise there’s far more here than you see from the road. St Andrew’s Church is one of the most impressive parish churches in the West Country; the heritage trail reveals centuries of industry and rebuilding, and the nearby lanes and riverside paths make it an easy place for short walks. With Coldharbour Mill, the Grand Western Canal and the Blackdown Hills National Landscape close by, the area also makes a comfortable base for exploring Mid Devon’s countryside and heritage.

This guide introduces Cullompton, including its history, main sights, things to do, seasonal events, places to eat, and how to make the most of a visit to this busy Mid Devon market town.

---

---

Map of Cullompton

---

Disclosure: Some of the outbound links on this page are affiliate links to sites that we use and would genuinely recommend. Using them doesn’t cost you extra, but it does help support this free guide. We also provide links to other sites where we believe their inclusion may be helpful to you.

---

The History of Cullompton, Devon: From Roman Fort to Market Town

Cullompton has a history stretching back nearly two thousand years. Its position beside the River Culm and on important inland routes made it a natural place for people to settle, trade and defend.

Roman Cullompton

The earliest major chapter centres on a Roman auxiliary fort that once stood on St Andrew’s Hill. Archaeological work confirms that around five hundred soldiers were based here in the second half of the first century. The fort controlled a crossing of the River Culm and guarded the Roman road between Exeter and Somerset.

Its ramparts were cut from turf and topped with a timber palisade. Inside stood barracks, workshops, granaries, a headquarters building and an annexe that likely included a bathhouse and officers’ quarters. A small civilian community developed close by, supplying the soldiers with goods and services.

Saxon and Medieval Cullompton

After the Romans left, the Culm Valley returned to agriculture. By the Saxon period, Cullompton had grown into a small but established settlement with a church, enclosed farmsteads and early field systems. The town name appears in many spellings, including Columtune, Colmpiton and Columpton. One tradition links the name to St Columba, said to have preached nearby, while another points to a meaning along the lines of “farmstead on the Culm”.

Cullompton developed as a trading centre during the medieval period. A market was first granted in 1278, and in 1318 the town gained the right to hold a weekly market and annual fair under the authority of Buckland Abbey, which owned land and manorial rights in the area. This link explains why the Abbey’s abbot could later approve improvements within the town. In 1356, he authorised a watercourse to run through the centre and along parts of Fore Street, supplying fresh water to houses, courts and workshops. Remarkably, this system survived in an altered form until 1962.

From the fifteenth century onwards, St Andrew’s Church was rebuilt, reflecting the prosperity brought by the wool and cloth trade. The Great West Tower, added in the sixteenth century, remains one of the tallest in Devon and is still one of Cullompton’s most recognisable landmarks.

Wealth, Wool and Fire

For centuries, the town prospered through wool. By the nineteenth century, more than 500 looms were in use, and Cullompton became a centre for the production of serge, kersey, and other cloths. Other industries followed, including rope-making, bell-founding, leatherworking, and metal casting. Middle Mill Lane housed a foundry and axle works, which once handled large boilers and heavy castings brought through the town.

Cullompton has experienced several major fires over the centuries. The most destructive occurred in 1839, when flames swept through Fore Street, destroying more than 100 buildings. The rebuilding that followed introduced slate roofs and altered the town centre’s appearance.

Despite the fires and later redevelopment, Cullompton’s medieval street plan has largely remained intact. Narrow lanes run behind the main street and reward anyone who takes the time to explore, revealing former burgage plots, old workshops, small courtyards and hidden gardens. This tucked-away network gives the town centre much of its historic character.

A Town of Fairs, Markets and Community Life

Markets and fairs have always been part of local life in Cullompton. The Higher and Lower Bull Ring were once busy gathering points where cattle markets, Maypole dances, parades and, in earlier centuries, even bull baiting and cock fighting took place before such practices were outlawed. These open spaces played a central role in community life for generations, hosting everything from livestock sales to celebrations marking royal occasions.

Livestock markets continued well into the late twentieth century and remained an essential part of the local farming economy. Today, Cullompton’s regular farmers market, still held at The Higher Bull Ring, continues that tradition in a modern form, bringing local meat, bread, produce and small food businesses into the heart of the town.

Modern Cullompton

The arrival of gas lighting in the 1850s and electricity in 1920 helped move Cullompton into the modern era. The twentieth century brought new housing, small industries and better transport links. Rail travel played a key part in this. Cullompton once had its own station on the Bristol to Exeter main line, serving the town from the 1840s until its closure in 1964 as part of national cuts to smaller stations. For many years afterwards, the nearest stop was Tiverton Junction, a short distance to the south, which itself closed when Tiverton Parkway opened in 1986.

Although Cullompton lost its direct rail connection, its position beside the M5 and its proximity to Tiverton Parkway have kept the town well linked to the broader region. Fast services from Parkway provide access to London Paddington, Bristol, the Midlands and the North. At the same time, ongoing discussions about restoring a station at Cullompton reflect the growing demand for improved local rail services.

Today, the town continues to grow, with new homes, schools and community facilities developing around a centre that still reflects centuries of history. Cullompton’s position beside the M5 keeps it well connected. St Andrew’s Church, The Walronds and the wider historic core remain central to Cullompton’s identity, and quiet lanes lead quickly into nearby countryside. Mills, canals, farms and riverside paths offer easy days out, giving visitors and residents a balance of heritage, convenience and rural calm.

---

What to See and Do in Cullompton

St Andrew’s Church

St Andrew’s Church is often described as one of the finest parish churches in the West Country. Its tall fifteenth and sixteenth-century tower dominates the town, while the interior preserves a remarkable collection of medieval and early modern craftsmanship. Look out for the richly painted rood screen, the carved bench ends, the early woodwork, and the Jacobean gallery above the south aisle.

One of the most striking survivals is the Golgotha, a carved wooden Calvary scene made from a single yew trunk. It originally formed part of the medieval rood-screen ensemble above the chancel arch. The panel was removed in 1549 during the English Reformation, when rood screens and associated imagery were dismantled. It’s believed that the carving was thrown into the churchyard, later recovered, and preserved in two separate pieces. These halves were eventually rejoined and set back inside the church, where the Golgotha remains today as a rare, possibly unique, survival of its kind in an English parish church.

A stained glass window designed by Edward Burne-Jones for Morris & Company adds further interest and connects the church to the nineteenth-century Arts and Crafts movement. Taken together, they show why St Andrew’s is so important to Cullompton’s story and why it continues to draw visitors who enjoy history and architecture.

The Walronds

The Walronds is a Grade I listed early-seventeenth-century townhouse on Fore Street, rebuilt between 1603 and 1605 for a local lawyer, John Peter. It stands on one of Cullompton’s original burgage plots, which explains its generous footprint and wide frontage. Architecturally, it is one of the finest surviving examples of a high-status town house from this period in Devon, with original plaster ceilings, timber panelling, large fireplaces, jointed roof trusses and a traditional cross-passage layout that reflects how wealthy families lived and worked in the early 1600s.

By the late twentieth century, the building had fallen into disrepair, but a long conservation effort led to a complete restoration and the house reopened in 2014. Today, the ground floor serves as a lively community venue, hosting exhibitions, craft markets, talks, workshops and seasonal events. The gardens and courtyard, once part of the house’s historic burgage plot, and usually open to the public, provide a peaceful green space close to the town centre, and are often used for outdoor activities and fairs.

Today, The Walronds combines community use with private accommodation. The ground floor and gardens are open for events, workshops, and seasonal fairs, whilst the 5-bedroom garden flat is rented, which helps support the upkeep of this Grade I listed house. For visitors, it offers a rare chance to step inside a beautifully restored seventeenth-century townhouse and see how centuries of domestic history sit alongside modern community life.

Cullompton Heritage Trail

Cullompton’s heritage trail runs through the town centre and nearby walks using a series of clear, well-presented boards to tell the town’s history. Many panels include old photographs showing Fore Street packed with livestock, procession banners, market stalls and everyday scenes that are hard to imagine in today’s traffic. Others highlight former mills, foundries and long-lost shops, explaining how the town grew, rebuilt and adapted over the centuries. Together, the boards give an easy, self-guided introduction to Cullompton’s past, revealing details of daily life and local crafts that you would otherwise walk straight past.

Coldharbour Mill

Just outside Cullompton at Uffculme, Coldharbour Mill is one of the oldest surviving woollen mills in the country and offers one of Mid Devon’s most enjoyable heritage experiences. The site was acquired by the Fox Brothers in 1797, and by 1799, a new mill was producing worsted yarn for markets across Britain and overseas. Much of the original layout remains, including the 1821 breast-shot waterwheel, one of the largest of its type still operating, and the later steam engines installed in the nineteenth century to support increased production.

Spinning frames, combing machines, looms, and other traditional machinery have been preserved, and many still run on steam or waterpower during special event days. Regular demonstrations show how raw fleece was turned into cloth, giving visitors a clear sense of the mill’s role at the heart of the region’s textile industry. Exhibitions explore the working lives of mill employees and the impact of Fox Brothers across the South West.

The wider site includes museum galleries, a shop selling yarn and woven goods, a café, and outdoor areas set around the restored mill pond and leat. Together, these features create a fascinating picture of industrial life from the early 1800s to the late twentieth century, making Coldharbour Mill an interesting place to visit for families, history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the region’s rural industries.

Grand Western Canal Country Park

Ten to fifteen minutes from Cullompton, the Grand Western Canal offers one of the easiest and most enjoyable days out in Mid Devon. The level towpath runs for fifteen miles from Tiverton to Lowdwells and suits walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users, with long, uninterrupted stretches beside the water. The canal is lined with reedbeds, hedgerows and wooded sections, making it a good place to spot kingfishers, herons, dragonflies and seasonal wildflowers. In season, kayak and canoe hire is available near Tiverton, and there are plenty of benches and picnic places along the route.

In summer, traditional horse-drawn barge trips operate from Tiverton, giving visitors a gentle way to experience the canal’s slower pace. The canal country park also links with local footpaths and quiet lanes, making it easy to combine part of the towpath with circular walks around Halberton, Sampford Peverell and the surrounding farmland.

The Stagecoach 373 bus between Tiverton, Sampford Peverell and Cullompton also makes one-way walks easy. You can follow the towpath in either direction and take the bus back to your starting point, opening up simple linear routes without retracing your steps.

Blackdown Hills AONB

The eastern side of Cullompton rises into the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty noted for its peaceful ridgelines, wooded slopes, and broad views across the Culm Valley, the Somerset Levels, and East Devon. This landscape feels instantly more remote than the lowland fields around Cullompton, with quiet lanes, old field patterns, and pockets of heathland that give the area a distinctive character. Walkers can follow well waymarked routes to Culmstock Beacon, a historic hilltop lookout, and on towards the Wellington Monument, which stands high above the Somerset border.

A network of shorter circular walks links farms, streams and open commons, making the hills suitable for leisurely half-day walks as well as longer outings. Villages such as Hemyock, Churchinford and Clayhidon add to the appeal with traditional pubs, small shops and relaxed country lanes ideal for slow exploration.

Diggerland Devon

For families, Diggerland Devon, just outside Cullompton, is one of the region’s most popular attractions. Set on a large outdoor site, it gives children and adults the chance to drive, ride and operate real construction machinery in a safe, supervised environment.

Visitors can try mini diggers, dumpers and giant excavators, along with digger-themed rides that lift, spin or scoop. There are indoor play areas for younger children, a café for breaks between activities and picnic spots overlooking the grounds. The attraction works well in most weather and suits mixed-age groups, making it a popular choice for birthdays, school holidays and family days out from across Devon and Somerset.

Bridwell Park Estate

Just outside Uffculme, Bridwell Park Estate is a privately owned Georgian country house set within peaceful parkland. Its grounds include lakeside lawns, woodland paths and a small 19th-century chapel designed by Henry Clutton. In recent years, the estate has steadily opened up to the community, hosting seasonal markets, outdoor theatre, wellbeing events and creative workshops.

When not closed for private functions, the parkland is open for gentle walks and relaxed visits, offering a calm, scenic setting only a short drive from Cullompton. The Orangery Café is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00, serving coffee, cakes, light lunches and teas. The wider estate grounds usually follow the same 10:00 to 16:00 opening hours, though occasional closures can occur for weddings or private hire, so it’s worth checking before travelling.

The Antique Village

The Antique Village, on the outskirts of Cullompton, brings together many independent dealers under one roof. It is a good place to browse furniture, vintage pieces, collectables and homeware at an unhurried pace, with stock changing regularly. The site includes a café for light lunches and refreshments, making it an appealing stop for anyone interested in antiques or second-hand finds.

Devon Cookery School

Located just outside Cullompton, Devon Cookery School offers practical, small-group cookery classes covering everything from bread and pasta to fish dishes, baking and world cuisines. The sessions focus on simple techniques, clear guidance, and ingredients that are easy to use at home, making it accessible even if you are not a confident cook.

Classes are held in a rural setting with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. You work through each stage at your own pace, learn a few valuable skills and finish by trying the food you have made. It is an enjoyable option on a quieter day, especially if you like structured activities or want to do something indoors. Visitors often combine it with time exploring Cullompton or a walk along the nearby countryside paths.

---

Cullompton Town Centre and Shopping

Cullompton’s town centre centres on Fore Street. It includes independent shops, bakeries, butchers, cafés and everyday services.

Cullompton Farmers Market runs on the second Saturday of every month with producers from across Mid Devon and the wider area selling bread, cheese, vegetables, meat, sausages, preserves and seasonal goods. The market continues a tradition that stretches back to the thirteenth century.

A supermarket on the edge of the town provides groceries and essentials, and small businesses on the local industrial estates carry on the town’s long history of manufacturing, trade and craft.

---

Seasonal Highlights and Annual Events

Cullompton’s event calendar reflects its strong sense of community.

• Regular farmers’ markets throughout the year
• Seasonal fairs and craft markets at The Walronds
• Christmas events and winter markets in the town centre
• Steam events and craft weekends at Coldharbour Mill
• Outdoor shows and walking events across the Culm Valley

The town also marks national events, and historic photographs show long traditions of parades, street parties and community celebrations.

---

Getting There and Getting Around

By Train
Cullompton does not (yet) have its own station, but Tiverton Parkway is less than fifteen minutes away and offers fast mainline services to London Paddington, Bristol, Birmingham and the Midlands. Regular buses on the Stageline 1, 1A and 1C routes link the station area with Cullompton, Tiverton and Exeter, and taxis are also available for quick connections.

By Car
Cullompton is beside the M5 at Junction 28, providing quick access to Exeter, Taunton, Bristol, and the wider South West. Taunton is about half an hour away by car, making it an easy link for shopping, services and onward rail connections. The A373 provides a direct route to Honiton and East Devon.

By Bus
Regular buses link Cullompton with Exeter and Tiverton along the main Culm Valley corridor, with frequent services on the 1, 1A and 1C routes. These provide reliable connections through Willand, Uffculme and the surrounding villages. The 373 offers an additional link between Cullompton and Tiverton, serving smaller communities along the way and stopping at Tiverton Parkway Station, which is helpful for onward rail travel. Services on the 373 are less frequent than the core 1-series routes, so checking the timetable before travelling is advisable.

Connections towards Wellington and Taunton remain more limited and may require a change at either Tiverton or Exeter. Bus services to the smallest hamlets are often infrequent, especially in the evenings or on weekends, making planning important for anyone relying on public transport.

Walking and Cycling
The town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, with short walks leading to the old mill leat and the River Culm, where level paths give a gentle introduction to the local landscape. Beyond the centre, the Culm Valley offers quiet lanes, riverside routes and easy access towards the Blackdown Hills. For longer outings, the Grand Western Canal towpath provides level cycling and walking that works well for families.

---

Eating and Drinking

Cullompton offers a modest but solid mix of cafés, pubs and small eateries — enough for relaxed lunches, informal dinners or a cosy pint. Independent spots such as The Bakehouse are popular for breakfasts, light lunches, evening meals and homemade cakes.

The Weary Traveller, once a railway hotel, is a long-standing choice for hearty pub dishes, Sunday roasts and a family-friendly atmosphere. For a simple sit-down meal, there’s Al Dente Restaurant, a local Italian eatery.

Several village pubs around Cullompton are well worth the short drive. The Ashill Inn is consistently praised for its food and friendly atmosphere. The Keepers Cottage Inn at Kentisbeare offers traditional pub classics in a traditional setting, and The Merry Harriers at Westcott is a welcoming rural pub known for generous portions and a relaxed feel. These smaller village inns give visitors a taste of Mid Devon’s quieter countryside and make good options for an evening meal close to Cullompton.

---

Where to Stay

Cullompton and the surrounding area offer a broad mix of hotels, pubs with rooms, B&Bs and holiday parks, with options for both quick stopovers and longer breaks.

In and around the town, Padbrook Park Hotel is one of the main places to stay, with modern rooms, parking and easy access to the M5, making it popular for business trips and short breaks. A little further out on the old A38, Waterloo Cross combines a pub, restaurant and rooms close to Junction 27, which suits travellers breaking a longer journey to or from the South West of England.

For simple overnight stops close to the motorway and mainline rail services, Travelodge Tiverton at the M5 services by Junction 27 is around ten to fifteen minutes from Cullompton and Tiverton Parkway. It is a practical choice if you need an early train or a straightforward night on the road.

If you prefer village pubs with rooms, the Butterleigh Inn in the nearby hamlet of Butterleigh offers a classic country pub stay with food, local ales and B&B accommodation in a quiet rural setting. Further into the countryside, Forest Glade Holiday Park, between Cullompton and Honiton, offers caravans, camping pods, and touring pitches in a forest clearing on the Blackdown Hills, with an indoor pool and family-friendly facilities well-suited to longer stays.

Together, these and other options give you a choice between town convenience, motorway access and peaceful rural retreats, all within a short drive of Cullompton.

---

Weather in Cullompton

Cullompton has a mild climate with relatively warm summers and gentle winters. Rain is possible year-round, particularly on the slopes of the Blackdown Hills. Spring and early autumn are good seasons for walking, and the valley offers shelter even on cooler days.

For an up-to-date forecast, check BBC Weather or the Met Office.

---

Other Helpful Links

• Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
• Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
• Expedia – good for flights and packages.
• Get Your Guide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
• Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpack connections.
• MetOffice – Weather forecasts from the UK official meteorological office.
• National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
• Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
• Rental Cars – to search out and book hire cars.
• Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
• Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
• Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
• Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
• Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
• TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
• Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.

---

Cullompton FAQs

Where is Cullompton?

Cullompton is in Mid Devon, close to Junction 28 of the M5. It sits between Exeter and Taunton, with the River Culm running through the town.

Does Cullompton have a railway station?

No. The former station closed in the 1960s. Tiverton Parkway, about ten to fifteen minutes away, provides fast services to London, Bristol, Birmingham and the North.

How do I get from Tiverton Parkway to Cullompton?

Regular buses link Tiverton Parkway with Cullompton, and taxis are available at the station. The journey usually takes around fifteen minutes.

Does Cullompton have a market?

Yes. Cullompton Farmers’ Market runs twice a month on Saturday mornings and features local produce, baked goods, ready-to-eat food and small local traders.

What is there to see in Cullompton?

Key highlights include St Andrew’s Church, The Walronds, the historic High Street, the town’s narrow lanes and access to the river and mill leat. Coldharbour Mill and the Grand Western Canal are close by.

Is Cullompton good for walking?

Yes. The town centre is walkable, and nearby routes follow the River Culm, the mill leat and quiet lanes. Longer options lead into the Blackdown Hills and towards Culmstock Beacon.

Are there family attractions nearby?

Several. Diggerland Devon is just outside the town, and the Devon Railway Centre and Coldharbour Mill are within a short drive.

Where can I park in Cullompton?

Town-centre car parks sit close to High Street and Fore Street. Additional shopper parking is available at supermarkets. Spaces can fill quickly at busy times.

Does Cullompton have good bus links?

Yes. Buses connect the town with Exeter, Tiverton, Wellington and Taunton. Services to smaller villages run less frequently, so checking timetables is helpful.

Is Cullompton on the M5?

Yes. The town is beside Junction 28, giving easy access to Exeter, Taunton, Bristol and the wider South West.

Are there places to eat in Cullompton?

Cafés and pubs serve breakfasts, hot meals, Sunday roasts and local produce. More dining options are available in neighbouring villages and in Exeter, twenty minutes away.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and summer suit countryside walks and canal trips. Autumn colours the Exe and Culm valleys, while winter brings quiet lanes and cosy pubs.

Is Cullompton good for history lovers?

Yes. The town has a medieval street pattern, several listed buildings, and one of Devon’s most impressive parish churches. The Walronds and Coldharbour Mill add depth to the story.

---

Final Thoughts

Our family links to Cullompton mean we have spent time here and know the town. Its history is easy to see, from the medieval street layout and narrow back lanes to the landmark tower of St Andrew’s Church. The centre is compact and straightforward to explore, with everyday shops, cafés and regular community events.

Cullompton’s location is another reason we appreciate it. The River Culm, the mill leat and nearby fields are only a short walk from the high street, and the Grand Western Canal and the Blackdown Hills provide quick access to longer walks and cycle routes. It is also a practical base for local travel, with the M5 close by and Tiverton Parkway offering fast rail services.

The farmers’ market, local pubs and village cafés in nearby communities add to the area’s appeal. Overall, Cullompton offers proper facilities, a strong sense of its past, and easy access to the countryside, making it a place we return to often.

---

Over to you … have you recently travelled to South West England? What worked for you? What advice would you give to others? Please leave your comments below or join in the discussion in our Facebook Group.