Broadhembury

The East Devon parish of Broadhembury lies partly within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and includes the historic and picturesque village of Broadhembury and adjacent hamlets.

Broadhembury parish church, consecrated in 1259, has a tower dating from 1480. Popular local pubs include The Drewe Arms in Broadhembury, Six Bells in Payhembury, Keepers Cottage Inn at Kentisbeare and there is a local shop and tea room in Broadhembury main square.

Broadhembury village is a well preserved medieval village dating from the 1200s with most existing houses being from the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Of the many fine houses in the village, the oldest is possibly Church Gate, next to the village school. It was probably the original priest's house and in its time has also served as Poor House, Reading Room and Schoolroom. There is also a fine Art Nouveau “Manor House” opposite the church which was built around the turn of the 20th century by Julius Drewe.

There are extensive bridleways and paths leading deeper into the Blackdown Hills for walkers and horse riders, and for the more adventurous the Devon & Somerset Gliding Club at North Hill.