Chittlehamholt offers two distinct interests side by side for a stay: historic buildings and paths through the countryside. The listed Exeter Inn, St John the Baptist and Chittlehamholt Manor offer specific architectural details; for outdoor activities, there are also scenic walks and cycling on quiet country lanes. This makes it possible to decide while planning your trip whether architecture or the landscape should take centre stage.

Historic Buildings and Church Architecture

The Exeter Inn is a Grade II listed building. Formerly a farmhouse, it is now a pub; its construction dates to the late 16th or early 17th century. Here, its former agricultural use, long building history and present-day function as an inn come together. Anyone interested in historic buildings will find more than a date here: the change in the building’s use is also part of its history.

St John the Baptist was built in 1838 and designed by R. D. Gould of Barnstaple. The church is considered a typical example of Victorian church architecture. It stands beside the manor, about a quarter of a mile from the village. Its location and date of construction clearly distinguish it from the older Exeter Inn: the two buildings represent different periods and functions, rather than the same type of architecture.

Notable details of the church include seven large lancet windows. The term refers to narrow windows with pointed tops. There is also an organ with two manuals, meaning two keyboards. The windows and the organ are different aspects of the building: one shapes its architectural design, while the other is part of its furnishings. Anyone who enjoys looking more closely at church architecture can use these details to look beyond the general classification of the building as Victorian.

Chittlehamholt Manor is notable for its richly carved bargeboards and splayed ashlar bay windows. Bargeboards are fitted to the gable ends of a roof; their carved design makes them a distinctive feature of the façade. Splayed bay windows project from the wall, while ashlar refers to carefully dressed stone. Together with the church windows and the history of the Exeter Inn, these features offer different points of interest for distinguishing building forms, materials and former uses.

Walking and Cycling

Chittlehamholt is associated with scenic walks through peaceful countryside. Cycling on quiet country lanes is another option. On foot, the focus is on paths through the landscape; by bike, the country lanes provide a suitable setting.

When planning your trip, you can consider these interests as distinct priorities: if you are mainly interested in architectural history, you can focus on the features described at the Exeter Inn, church and manor. If you would rather spend time outdoors, walks and cycling offer other ways to enjoy your stay. Chittlehamholt thus combines cultural and rural aspects without requiring a set itinerary. When looking for accommodation, you can choose the destination according to which of these priorities matters more to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Seaton, Meavy, Martinhoe, Hennock, Uplyme, Swimbridge, Chapelton, Yealmpton

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