Little Torrington brings together remarkable historic architecture, pottery and paths into the surrounding countryside. St Giles preserves details from the 15th century; at Taddiport Bridge, a three-arched bridge meets a long-recorded local history. At Tarka Pottery, you can work with clay yourself. These different highlights help you tailor your trip to your interests.
Churches, Bridge and Architectural History
The parish church of St Giles dates from the 15th century. An arcade of granite from Lundy Island separates the nave from the south aisle. The main wooden door also dates from the 15th century; it retains an original iron sanctuary ring. The arcade and door reveal different aspects of the building’s history: one divides the church interior, while the other is a detail of a specific architectural feature. Together, they give the church a distinctive architectural profile.
The Chapel of St Mary Magdalene in Taddiport is listed as a Grade II* building. It was originally attached to a leper hospital. The chapel’s history and that of the bridge reveal different aspects of the place: one reflects an earlier connection with a hospital, while the other is a bridge still described as having three arches.
Taddiport Bridge is a road bridge over the River Torridge. It was partly rebuilt in the 19th century; Leland recorded a three-arched bridge at this site. The two details provide context about its design and historical record without equating the earlier description with the later rebuilding.
The surviving residential and agricultural buildings also reveal different phases of construction. South Hole Farmhouse is an unusually complete 17th-century farmhouse with an attached barn range incorporated into the building. Woodland Farmhouse dates from around the second half of the 15th century and was altered in the 17th century. Its features include a moulded wooden door frame from the early 17th century and a nail-studded oak door with fleur-de-lis motifs on its hinges.
Bagbeare Farmhouse is dated to the early to mid-17th century; earlier origins are possible. The outbuilding range running parallel to the house probably also dates from the 17th century. Hayes is a Grade II listed house that was formerly two cottages and has a gabled thatched roof. At Smytham, recognisable remains of a 17th-century house, including a chimney, have survived. These examples make it possible to compare different architectural forms and layers of history without reducing them to a single period.
Pottery at Tarka Pottery
At Tarka Pottery, visitors can throw pots on a wheel or learn hand-building techniques. The studio glazes and fires the pieces, so they can be taken home as handmade souvenirs. People of all ages and abilities are welcome. Wheel throwing and hand-building offer two different ways to create your own piece. As business details may change, it is advisable to check availability before making specific plans.
Paths and Nature in the Parish
Footpaths lead from Little Torrington into the surrounding countryside. The Tarka Trail runs along the western boundary of the parish; this boundary location is a distinct point of reference and should not be equated with all footpaths. The parish lies within the North Devon Biosphere Reserve. Here, specific route connections meet a wider natural landscape.
For 2022, 15 ancient woodland sites were recorded in the parish, including Huntshaw Wood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Habitat information may change. Species records are also tied to a specific date: in 2022, otters and freshwater pearl mussels were recorded in the River Torridge within the parish; such records may be updated. For trip planning, this offers a nature-focused highlight alongside the architectural history and pottery, each with its own locations and conditions.
Discover more destinations: Abbotsham, Lamerton, Tipton Saint John, Cullompton, Colyton, Crediton, North Tawton, Ilsington.
For the main travel overview: Devon.
