Nestled in the heart of Devon’s beautiful countryside, the historic Village of Colebrooke is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into England’s rural past. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for a lifetime, Colebrooke offers a warm community, stunning landscapes, and a rich heritage.
About Colebrooke
Located in mid-Devon, just a short distance from the larger towns of Crediton and Exeter, Colebrooke is surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, and scenic walking trails. The village is known for its traditional architecture, with many buildings dating back centuries, and its close-knit, welcoming atmosphere.
History of Colebrooke
Colebrooke’s history is steeped in the past. The village was first mentioned in the Domesday Book and has long been a hub for farming and rural life. The St. Andrew’s Church, a historic landmark in the heart of the village, is a beautiful example of medieval architecture and has served the community for over 800 years.
Things to Do in Colebrooke
Whether you’re interested in exploring the countryside or discovering local history, Colebrooke has something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy:
Walking and Hiking: Explore the nearby Tarka Trail and other scenic routes through Devon’s picturesque landscapes.
St. Andrew’s Church: Visit this historic site to appreciate its architecture and learn about Colebrooke’s deep-rooted history.
Local Events: From seasonal fairs to community gatherings, Colebrooke offers a calendar full of activities that celebrate rural Devon life.
Experience Devon’s Countryside
The Village of Colebrooke is the perfect base for discovering the natural beauty of Devon. The surrounding area is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and bird watching. With its peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery, it’s a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Join Our Community
Whether you’re visiting or thinking about moving to Colebrooke, we invite you to explore everything our village has to offer. With a strong sense of community, friendly locals, and a love for Devon’s rural lifestyle, Colebrooke is a place you’ll want to call home.
If you’d like to learn more about upcoming events, local history, or how to get involved in our community, sign up for our newsletter or visit us today.
WIDECOMBE FAIR According to legend, September is the month of the year when a gentleman enquired of his friend Tom Pearse if he could borrow his grey mare to enable him and some acquaintances, including Uncle Tom Cobley, to journey to Widecombe Fair. The disastrous result of this early Devonshire outing is well known to many in the song collected by Rev Baring Gould circa 1890. But who were these characters, and did they exist?Read more...
Several houses in Colebrooke have vanished almost without trace. Others were burnt down, but like the Phoenix arose again. Another group fell into disrepair but were rebuilt. Here is one of the latter. THE OLD VICARAGE, the present building, dates from 1912 and replaced a much older vicarage of which parts were estimated to have dated from the 14th century. A rather quaint description of the old house in 1821 describes it thus A Terrier of the Glebe House and Lands of the Parish of Colebrooke Taken May 18th 1821 The dwelling house contains two parlours, one vestibule and passage and a kitchen on the ground floor.Read more...
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Arscott family were integral to Colebrooke parish. Three generations had held the post of parish clerk. Two of the mills, Colebrooke and Ford, were run by Arscotts and shoemakers, a blacksmith, a carpenter, and a tailor. Today, the only tangible evidence of their existence is the sampler that used to hang in the committee room at the Village Hall, which was rescued from The Old School when it was sold in 1960 and the memorial to Frederick Arscott in the church the north wall.Read more...
SHIP INN - COLEFORD PUBLIC HOUSE BRAWL During the early 1850s, when the North Devon Railway was being extended from Crediton to Barnstaple, large numbers of men known as navvies (navigators) were to be found working on the huge cutting which lies to the east of Coleford. Many of these men were billeted at The Ship Inn (now Browns Farm) in the middle of Coleford. It is said that Thomas Peters, who was the landlord of the Ship at that time, would charge the navvies one penny a night to sleep on clean straw in the stone building which adjoins the road to Copplestone.Read more...