Burrington: Historic Village Centre and Listed Buildings

Burrington’s historic village centre combines protected buildings with distinctive details on buildings and in public spaces. The Burrington Conservation Area includes the historic heart of the village. The village’s history offers a clear focus for planning your trip: it spans a church whose construction began around 1150 to houses that probably date from the 17th or 18th century. Public water pumps, a thatched cottage and the open space of The Green are also among the village’s features. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Burrington, these different aspects of the village can inform your choice of destination.

Historic Houses and Their Dates

London House is a Grade II listed house and shop. It was previously the London Inn; the building probably dates from the 18th century. The building type, former name and probable date each give this house its own historical significance. The Barnstaple Inn is a Grade II listed inn and probably dates from the late 17th century. Church Gate Cottage is also Grade II listed; it is thought to date from the early 18th century. Together, the approximate dates show that Burrington’s listed buildings come from different historical periods. Since these dates are estimates, they provide context rather than exact construction years.

The Church of the Holy Trinity

Construction of the Church of the Holy Trinity began around 1150. One of its oldest features is a Norman font. 13th-century elements survive in the base of the tower and the north wall of the nave. These details refer to different parts of the church: construction began around 1150, while the elements mentioned date from a later period. The heavy oak porch door also bears traces of history. Its bullet holes may have been made by muskets during Cromwell’s time; this attribution remains a possibility. The church thus brings together an early font, surviving architectural elements and an explicitly uncertain historical interpretation.

Village Details and Public Spaces

Church Cottage is one of Burrington’s thatched buildings and contributes to the character and appearance of the village. Two public water pumps also stand within the Burrington Conservation Area. They are another detail of the historic village scene, adding public features to the picture of its protected buildings. The Green is a public open space next to the village hall. It has play equipment and seating; before visiting, it is worth checking the condition of the facilities. The three examples are quite distinct: Church Cottage is a thatched building, the pumps are public features of the Conservation Area, and The Green offers an open space with amenities.

Historic Routes and Walks

Burrington lay on the old stagecoach route from London to Barnstaple. The village also still has a complete set of milestones. These two details highlight different aspects of its transport history: the route links Burrington to a historic long-distance connection, while the complete set of milestones remains a distinct feature of the village.

One walk is about seven kilometres long and takes approximately two and a half hours at a leisurely pace. The distance and duration are estimates; ground conditions and access may vary. Check current conditions before setting out. Another walk follows a bridleway to its destination, Mullybrook Mill. For planning ahead, the two descriptions offer different points of reference: the first focuses on approximate distance and walking time, while the second specifies the bridleway and named destination. This can help you assess the options described according to the information that matters for your plans.

Discover more destinations: Clovelly, South Molton, Sampford Peverell, Buckland Brewer, Bradworthy, Virginstowe, Dawlish, Parracombe

For the wider travel overview: Devon.