Bampton

Bampton lies on the very edge of beautiful Exmoor National Park, and is dominated by its Motte dating back to 1067.

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.

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!

However, the town is not just renowned for its buildings, but for the glorious flower displays in gardens, windowboxes and hanging baskets that have made it a regular national winner of Britain in Bloom.

Every October the town holds the ancient Bampton Charter Fair which will be 750 years old in 2008. 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.

For more information please contact the local Tourist Information Centre:

Tiverton Tourist Information Centre
Phoenix Lane
Tiverton
EX16 6LU
Tel: 01884 255827
Email: tivertontic@btconnect.com
www.bampton.org.uk