Dunkeswell B&B Accommodation

Hotel | Bed and Breakfast | Accommodation | Dunkeswell, Honiton | Devon

Brambles Bed and Breakfast is 27 minutes (13.6 miles) via A38 from Dunkeswell, Honiton in Devon.

About Dunkeswell:

Dunkeswell is a village in the beautiful Blackdown Hills near Honiton, Devon, known for its peaceful rural setting, historic Cistercian Abbey ruins, and especially for Dunkeswell Aerodrome, a busy general aviation hub built on a WWII US Navy base, offering activities like flying lessons, wing walking, and parachute jumps. The area features distinct old and new parts of the village, extensive walking trails, and a community feel, with the aerodrome serving as a major local attraction. Key Aspects: Location: A few miles north of Honiton in East Devon, nestled in the Blackdown Hills. Village Life: A quiet, friendly community with two areas: older cottages and the church in "Old Dunkeswell," and newer housing with a local shop in "New Dunkeswell". Dunkeswell Aerodrome: The UK's highest licensed airfield. Originally a WWII American Naval Air Station (NAS Dunkeswell). Now a hub for general aviation, flight experiences, and viewing planes. Dunkeswell Abbey: Ruins of a 13th-century Cistercian monastery, offering historical interest and tranquil walks. Activities: Walking, history (abbey ruins), aviation (aerodrome), and local events. In essence, Dunkeswell offers a blend of historic tranquility with the excitement of aviation, all set within scenic Devon countryside.

History of Dunkeswell:

Dunkeswell's history centers on the medieval Dunkeswell Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in 1201 by William Brewer, thriving for 300 years until its 1539 dissolution, with ruins and earthworks remaining today, alongside its later transformation into a parish church site and a significant WWII US Naval Air Base (RAF Dunkeswell), now a general aviation airfield. Medieval Monastery (1201-1539) Foundation: William Brewer, a court figure, established the abbey in 1201 as a daughter house of Forde Abbey, dedicating it to St. Mary. Life: Cistercian monks lived and worked here for centuries, forming a center for worship, learning, and charity. Dissolution: Under Henry VIII, the abbey was dissolved in 1539 and granted to John Russell, with most buildings quickly demolished. Remains: Parts of the gatehouse, cellarer's range, fishponds, and earthworks survive, with fragments incorporated into the later Holy Trinity Church. Post-Dissolution & Modern Era Estate: The estate later came into the Simcoe family's possession. Holy Trinity Church: Built in 1842 over part of the abbey site, incorporating some monastic fragments. RAF Dunkeswell (WWII): A vital US Naval Air Station (USAAF) during World War II, crucial for anti-submarine warfare, hosting aircraft like the B-24 Liberator. Today: The site is now a busy general aviation aerodrome (Dunkeswell Airfield), the UK's highest licensed airfield, with a café and heritage museum. Key Features & Sites Dunkeswell Abbey Ruins: Accessible via public footpaths, offering glimpses of the medieval past. Dunkeswell Airfield: Features a museum with WWII US Naval Air Base history, photos, and artifacts. Blackdown Hills: The region offers access to the abbey's remains and history.

Towns and Villages A to Z

Accommodation and Places to Stay in or near Crediton, Cullompton, Exeter, Honiton, Okehampton, Tiverton, and Willand in Devon, and in or near Bridgwater, Taunton and Wellington in Somerset, include Airbnb, B and B, Bed and Breakfast, Best Western, Farmhouse B&B, Guest House, Hotel, Premier Inn and Travelodge.