Churchstow
Churchstow
Churchstow is a small village located in the South Hams district of Devon, England. It lies about 4 miles north-west of Kingsbridge and 6 miles south-east of Dartmouth. The village has a long history dating back to the 11th century and is surrounded by beautiful countryside.
History
The name Churchstow means ‘place of the church’ and refers to the village’s historic church, which is dedicated to St. Mary. The church dates back to the 13th century, although there is evidence of an earlier Saxon building on the site. The village itself was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Attractions
One of the main attractions in Churchstow is the Church House Inn, a traditional English pub that dates back to the 13th century. The pub serves a variety of local ales and has a restaurant that offers a range of traditional British dishes.
Another popular attraction is the Churchstow Village Shop, which is run by volunteers and stocks a range of locally sourced produce, including fresh bread, cheese, and meat.
For those interested in history, there is also the Churchstow History Society, which holds regular meetings and events to explore the village’s past.
Surrounding Area
Churchstow is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty and is surrounded by rolling hills, meadows, and woodland. The South Devon coast is just a short drive away, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horse riding in the local area.
Nearby attractions include the picturesque towns of Kingsbridge and Dartmouth, as well as the stunning beaches at Bantham and Bigbury-on-Sea. The South West Coast Path also runs through the area, offering walkers the chance to explore the stunning coastline.
Overall, Churchstow is a charming village with plenty of history and natural beauty to explore. It is a great place to visit for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse themselves in the tranquillity of the Devon countryside.
Churchstow is in South Devon AONB, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Created: 30 April 2023 Edited: 29 November 2023
Churchstow
Local History around Churchstow
There are some historic monuments around including:
Bowl barrow on Churchland Green 350m west of Coldharbour FarmAnimal pound 50m south west of All Saint's ChurchTwo ring cairns 330m south east of Coldharbour CrossThree bowl barrows 310m west of Home Farm, forming part of a round barrow cemeteryAnimal pound and enclosure 220m and 120m south west of High Marks BarnBlackdown Rings prehistoric hillfort and medieval castleRingwork and motte, 230m north east of Stanborough CampBowl barrow 530m south east of Duncombe Court, forming an outlying part of a barrow cemetery.Round barrow cemetery known as Ritson Barrows, 420m north east of Stanborough CampTwo bowl barrows 440m south east of Duncombe Court, forming part of a round barrow cemeteryFive round barrows 570m south of Hope Cove, forming part of a round barrow cemeteryIron Age hillfort known as Burleigh Dolts, 280m south east of Burleigh FarmSite of a medieval fortified house at Leigh Barton, including the south and west ranges, a gatehouse, section of curtain wall and fishpondStanborough Camp Iron Age hillfort and bowl barrowMedieval settlement, site of quadrangular castle and relict garden between Ilton Farm and Ilton Castle FarmBowl barrow 400m south of Home Farm, forming an outlying part of a round barrow cemetery.
