COCKINGTON

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COCKINGTON - AN INSIDER'S GUIDE

 

Cockington Village courtesy of English Riviera Tourism

 

 The world famous thatched village of Cockington nestles at the bottom of a valley just one
mile from Torquay's seafront. In an idyllic village setting you can:
  • Wander around thatched cottages (most are over three hundred years old)
  • Watch the blacksmith at work in the 14th century forge
  • Enjoy a cream tea
  • Stroll through the acres of gardens and woodlands
  • Watch demonstrations of rural and craft skills
  • Enjoy refreshments at the Edwin Lutyens designed Drum Inn
  • Visit the Parish Church of St George and St Mary.
A settlement existed here in Saxon times. The present building "Cockington Court" was completed
in 1679. Alterations undertaken in 1820 reduced the grandure of the property and even removed
the top floor - the aim was to reduce running costs and avoid paying excessive "Windows' Tax".

A horse-drawn carriage operates from the seafront and up the sweeping drive to the "Court". From
here you can tour the walled Rose Garden and the Organic Garden.

There are extensive walks around the grounds, including the woodland walk during which you will
stumble across the quaint "Gamekeepers Cottage" nestling amongst the trees, alongside the large
walled enclosure that housed the rabbit warren.
Cockington Court

 
Cockington Church courtesy of English Riviera Tourism

 

 The "Court" is now the home of the Devon Rural Skills Trust and a craft centre where the public
can watch crafts being created ( ie glassware, pottery, fabrics, ironwork and hurdle fences) and
wander around the retail outlets.

Cockington Church is dedicated to St George and St Mary and whilst a chapel has existed here since
Saxon times, the present structure dates from 1210. The church was damaged in 1943 by two
German bombs (a crater can still be seen to the south of the church). There is no graveyard but 3
dogs belonging to the gamekeeper (about 1910) were buried under the large beech tree.
In front of the Court is the meadow on which there is a unique, almost parabolic, cricket pitch. It is here that, in the middle of June, "The Last Night of the Proms" is held. Locals and visitors enjoy an evening of music, picnic in the meadow, and finish the evening with a spectacular firework display.

 
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