Woodbury combines heathland with prehistoric sites and local history. Woodbury Castle is a 2,500-year-old Iron Age hillfort with massive ramparts and deep ditches. The site gives the landscape a clear historical connection; other traces of earlier times and the history of the parish church add their own distinct features.
Heathland, Moorland and Wildlife
Woodbury Common covers 102 hectares and consists mainly of dry heath, with a small area of moorland. The heathland of the Pebblebed Heaths around Woodbury Castle is part of the National Nature Reserve. Woodbury Common is also particularly well known for the presence of Dartford warblers. Alongside the landscape, specific aspects of nature are therefore a central focus and can be taken into account when planning a trip.
If you would like to explore the area’s varied landscapes, you will find both dry heath and a smaller area of moorland here. Birdlife is another focal point: Woodbury Common is especially known for the presence of the Dartford warbler. This adds a specific wildlife connection to the heathland, without assuming that you will spot one.
Circular Walk, Long-Distance Trail and Mountain Biking
Woodbury Common Circular Walk 1 starts at an Iron Age hillfort and passes through heathland, woodland and fields. The description therefore links a historical feature at the start with several types of landscape along the circular walk. A section of the East Devon Way runs from Exmouth to Woodbury Castle. This route is defined by its two named endpoints. The walking options thus differ both in their format and in whether the focus is on a loop through different habitats or a section with a named destination.
Mountain bikers can also choose between shorter and longer routes on the Pebblebed Heaths. This can help you tailor the activity to the time available. The different route options can be considered separately from the walking trails; a specific route length or riding time is not needed to make this distinction.
Prehistoric Traces and St Swithun
Two Bronze Age burial mounds lie on Woodbury Common, on either side of the B3179 between Yettington and Woodbury. Together with the Iron Age hillfort, they are among the prehistoric features around Woodbury. The tower of St Swithun’s parish church marks a different period: it was built between 1407 and 1409 and consecrated in 1409. The different dates and buildings provide several clearly distinct points of reference for local history.
Talks, Archive and Practical Planning
The Woodbury History Society holds talks at 19:30 on the first Thursday of March, May, September and November at Woodbury Village Hall. If a talk fits your stay, check the specific date in advance. The society also maintains a reference library and an archive room in the Village Hall. The extensive collection includes papers, maps, books, photographs and newspaper clippings relating to the parish of Woodbury and Devon more generally. Contact the society to arrange access to the archive.
The use of the Commons also has a historical dimension: in July 1930, a revocable deed enabled public access to all parts of the Pebblebed Heaths Commons for recreation and exercise. The nearest bus stop for starting the East Devon Way is in Woodbury Village; check bus availability before your trip.
If you are looking for a hotel in Woodbury, the heathland, prehistoric sites or local history can shape the focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Horrabridge, Chapelton, Yealmpton, Chittlehamholt, Exbourne, Halberton, Liverton, Alston.
For the broader travel overview: Devon.
