Brambles Bed and Breakfast
Whitnage Cottage | Whitnage | Uplowman | Tiverton | Devon | EX16 7DS
01884 829211 | Email
Bickleigh B&B Accommodation
Hotel | Bed and Breakfast | Accommodation | Bickleigh, Tiverton | Devon
Brambles Bed and Breakfast is 20 minutes (9.1 miles) via A396 from Bickleigh, Tiverton in Devon.
About Bickleigh:
Bickleigh is a picturesque village in Devon's Exe Valley, near Tiverton, known for its historic stone bridge, thatched cottages, and the famous Bickleigh Mill complex, featuring shopping, dining, crafts, and a working watermill. It's a popular spot for walks along the River Exe, with nearby attractions including the Devon Railway Centre and the historic Bickleigh Castle, offering a mix of rural charm, outdoor activities, and heritage experiences, making it a great base for exploring Mid Devon. Key Attractions Bickleigh Mill: An 18th-century working watermill now a major destination with craft shops, gifts, food, and drinks. Bickleigh Bridge: A sturdy stone bridge over the River Exe, a focal point of the village and part of the A396 road. Bickleigh Castle: A historic castle offering luxury accommodation, events, and grounds for exploring. Devon Railway Centre: A railway museum and miniature railway, a popular family attraction. River Exe Valley: Ideal for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature, with trails starting from the village. Village Character & Location Setting: Nestled in a scenic, steep-sided valley with rolling hills. Housing: Features charming thatched cottages. Proximity: Located on the A396 between Tiverton (about 4 miles away) and Exeter. Activities & Experiences Outdoor Pursuits: Walking (Exe Valley Way), cycling, wild swimming, kayaking. Shopping & Dining: Enjoy unique gifts and meals at Bickleigh Mill or explore Tiverton.
History of Bickleigh:
Bickleigh, Devon, boasts a rich history, potentially a Saxon royal hunting ground, witnessing Anglo-Saxon charters in 904 AD and recorded in the Domesday Book as "Bichelei". It became significant under the Courtenay family, who used Bickleigh Castle as a residence for younger sons, followed by the Carew family around 1510, who owned it until 1924, turning the castle into a farmhouse. Key features include the medieval bridge, the site of a fatal duel and alleged ghost, and a legacy tied to figures like Admiral George Carew and rogue Bampfylde-Moore Carew. Early History & Domesday Saxon Era: Thought to be part of a royal estate with a hunting lodge; King Edward the Elder reportedly witnessed charters here around 904 AD. Domesday Book (1086): Recorded as "Bichelei," meaning "Bicca's meadow," held by Alward from the Count of Mortain. Medieval & Tudor Period (Courtenays & Carews) 12th Century: Manor passed to Sir Robert de Bicklegh. c. 1400: Became property of the powerful Courtenay family (Earls of Devon), used as a residence for younger sons. c. 1510: Acquired by the Carew family, who owned it until 1924. 1513: Sir William Carew's ward, Elizabeth Courtenay, married Thomas Carew, who saved the Lord Admiral's life at Flodden. Key Landmarks & Figures Bickleigh Castle: A fortified manor house, rebuilt by Courtenays, later used as a farmhouse, and restored in the 20th century. Bickleigh Bridge: A medieval stone bridge over the River Exe, site of a 1332 fatal duel, with tales of a headless ghost. Bampfylde-Moore Carew (1693-1758): Born in Bickleigh, became famous as the "King of the Beggars," a legendary rogue. Major John Gabriel Stedman (d. 1797): Author of History of Surinam, buried in Bickleigh. Interesting Facts Paul Simon Myth: A persistent, though disputed, myth links the medieval bridge to Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water". St. Mary's Church: May have Saxon origins, with parish records dating back to the 16th century.
Brambles Bed and Breakfast
Whitnage Cottage | Whitnage | Uplowman | Tiverton | Devon | EX16 7DS
01884 829211 | Email