Bampton

About

Bampton lies on the very edge of beautiful Exmoor National Park, and is dominated by its Motte dating back to 1067. It has an ancient charter fair and is a well-deserved regular winner of Britain in Bloom.  Once a thriving wool town, Bampton's Georgian houses are built of locally quarried stone. The whole town centre is a conservation area, and Bampton boasts almost 100 listed structures including two telephone boxes.

This traditional town has plenty to offer visitors in the form of various shops, pubs & restaurants and places to stay. As well as the usual amenities such as a post office, spa, pharmacy and greengrocers, Bampton also offers a more unique retail experience.

History

Bampton's Norman motte and bailey castle is one of the best preserved in Devon and offers wonderful views of the town below. St. Michael and All Angels Church is also well worth a visit. It is Grade I listed with a 13th century tower, and contains many interesting features including a unique rhyming epitaph that tells the story of an unfortunate death by icicle!

Something a little different

Every October the town holds the ancient Bampton Charter Fair which is over 750 years old. Here Exmoor ponies are once again traded just as they were in the famous Bampton Pony Fair from the 1880s to the 1980s. For three days afterwards the town continues its celebrations in After the Fair - lively fun and entertainment for all ages.