Cockington Crafts Only a mile from the bustle of Torquay sea front, easily accessible by car or bus, is the beautiful thatched village of Cockington, set in 460 acres of stunning Country Park. Cockington was mentioned in the Doomsday Book, and the picturesque village has been described as “The Prettiest Village in England”, and it’s not hard to see why with its thatched cottages and old English gardens.
Step back in time as you visit the Church of St George and St Mary (c1069), and enjoy strolling around the ornamental lakes, formal gardens and woodland. As a child, Agatha Christie took part in amateur dramatics in Cockington Court, and Cockington features on the Agatha Christie Literary Trail. If walking isn’t your thing however, horse and carriage rides are available in the village and there isn’t really a better way to travel down the narrow, winding lanes.
Enjoy refreshments at one of the chocolate box cottage tea rooms serving cream teas and locally produced goodies, or visit the Drum Inn for a more substantial meal and a drop of ale, where in winter one can cosy up in front of one of the real live fires, or in summer one can sit out in the garden, taking in the true beauty of this lovely little English village.
The pride of the village is Cockington Court, which was owned by the Cary family from, 1375-1654, and now home to a fabulous contempory arts and crafts hub. This is where to come for a unique gift; one can find everything from glass-blowers to blacksmiths to canoe makers!
The court has beautiful gardens, a large lawn and a great tearoom. Cockington is a key location for many events during the summer months in the Bay, open air performances and Torbay’s Last Night at the Prom are held here in spectacular fashion. www.cockingtoncourt.org.