Plymtree offers three distinct starting points for a culture-focused trip: the furnishings of the parish church of St John the Baptist, historic farmhouses and six parish footpaths. This lets you decide in advance whether to focus on church art, rural architectural history or a walk. These themes offer different perspectives on the place: sacred artworks, changes to historic buildings and a way to explore the parish on foot.

Church art at St John the Baptist

The parish church of St John the Baptist has a painted rood screen dating from the late 15th century. It comprises 34 painted panels. On the west side of the church there is also a medieval stone sculpture of the Virgin and Child, set in a niche. Together, the screen and sculpture give an impression of different forms of ecclesiastical visual art: painted panels on the one hand, and a single figurative work in a precisely specified location on the other.

A probably Flemish alabaster panel from the 16th century depicts the risen Christ and Roman soldiers. Its subject and material distinguish it from the church’s older works. Those interested in the furnishings can thus take in several artistic and historical highlights, rather than associating the church with just one feature.

The churchyard is also part of this cultural theme. A Celtic cross made of Dartmoor granite stands there. The ancient yew in the churchyard is said to be over 1,100 years old. The cross and tree provide their own points of interest alongside the church’s artworks: one is defined by its classification as a Celtic cross and the stone used, the other by its reputed age.

Timber framing and the architectural history of the farmhouses

Another architectural point of interest is Pencepool Farmhouse. Its front section has external timber framing, which is very rare in rural Devon. Little Clyst William Farmhouse is listed as a Grade II* building. These details draw attention to different aspects of historic buildings: at Pencepool, a distinctive architectural feature takes centre stage, while at Little Clyst William it is the heritage designation.

Woodbeer Court offers another perspective on architectural history. The building dates from the late 15th to the early 16th century and was extensively improved in the later 16th century, the 17th century and the early 18th century. This sequence distinguishes several building phases rather than assigning Woodbeer Court to a single period of construction.

Another notable feature of Woodbeer Court is its unusually high proportion of early windows. The adjoining farm buildings form a group dating from the early 18th century. The remains of a press are located in the Cider House among these buildings. Together, the windows, courtyard buildings and press remains show different aspects of the historic complex: the development of the main house as well as its associated agricultural buildings. This offers a specific focus for travellers interested in architectural styles and the history of rural estates.

Footpaths and practical planning

Six footpaths in the parish of Plymtree were identified in the original survey under Section 27 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. They were entered on the Definitive Map and Statement with the relevant date of 5 November 1957. The date indicates when they were recorded. If you are planning a walk, check the path conditions in advance. This makes the footpath a separate element to plan alongside church art and architectural history, without implying a set route linking the places mentioned.

This makes it easy to choose a focus for your stay: the church brings together medieval and early modern artworks, the farmhouses reveal different building phases and features, and the six recorded footpaths provide a reason to consider your walking plans too. Depending on what interests you most, you can give these themes separate emphasis or combine them during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Beaworthy, Shaldon, Dawlish, Newton Abbot, Ottery Saint Mary, Bratton Fleming, Teignmouth, Payhembury.

For the regional travel overview: Devon.