Nestled in the heart of the English Riviera, the charming village of Cockington offers a step back in time with its Bridgerton-like allure. Hidden behind the winding roads and residences of Torquay Beach, recently jointly named 'Britain's worst town', lies the secluded Cockington. The village is tucked away in a small valley, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The main attraction of this quaint village is the expansive 450-acre country park, home to a walled rose garden and lush woodland. Thatched cottages and an 11th-century church border the park, giving the village a feel reminiscent of a period drama set. A maze of meandering paths and bridleways guide visitors through the various parts of the village, unveiling its hidden buildings, according to the Mirror.
READ MORE: Devon village 'frozen in time' has seen a huge population boom The central park is a favourite among dog walkers, offering streams for dogs to splash in and hills for them to run up and down. Cockington is an ideal day trip destination during the school summer holidays, particularly for those looking to spend quality time with their furry friends. At the village's heart is Cockington Court, a historic manor housing over 20 craft studios.
It features a contemporary art gallery, tea room, and rose garden. The strong sense of community in this small village is evident in the local crafters' shops, which include a bespoke bridal dress designer and maker. Rex Lathan, a celebrated blacksmith, is one of the most notable craftsmen in the village.
He specialises in restoration and conservation projects, working alongside his daughter Katie and their apprentice Will to create handmade products available for purchase in their forge shop. Visitors can also watch them at work and learn about the ancient craft of blacksmithing. Cockington Court is also home to Torbay Gin.
Since its inception in 2021, Torbay Gin has won an IWSC gold medal for its blue colour-changing gin and been nominated for the 'World's Best GandT' award. The gin maker places a high value on nature conservation and is currently working with nearby Paignton Zoo to create an 'African Conservation' gin using botanicals found growing at the zoo. When it comes to food, traditional Devonshire cream teas are a must-try and are often seen as the main attraction of Cockington.
Don't confuse the charming Seven Dials cafe in the village's Manor House with London's bustling food hub! This coffee sanctuary offers lunchtime treats made from local ingredients. It's also a dog-friendly spot, as nearly all areas around Cockington welcome dogs, making it an ideal staycation destination for you and your furry friend. While the Manor House now serves as a registry office and is not open for exploration, it remains a majestic sight at the edge of the park and is well worth a visit.
Children will be utterly charmed by the majestic shire horses in the park, where they can stroke these gentle giants or enjoy a whimsical carriage ride reminiscent of scenes from 'Bridgerton'. The excitement continues on July 28 with a pirate-themed sculpture trail set to launch in the village. Properties in this picturesque enclave are a rare find and tend to be snapped up swiftly.
Presently, the sought-after Granary Cottage, a celebrated Grade II listed dwelling, is on the market. The sellers shared their magical encounter with the property on Rightmove: "We were taking a bike ride down Cockington Lane on the 1st of January 1995. When we got to the village square there was a man just putting the 'For Sale' sign up on the studio, as it was known in those days, we decided there and then that we had to have it.
" "We spent 20 very happy and successful years running the gift shop and using the flat upstairs just for family and friends. We decided to retire from the business 10 years ago and leased it out to friends of ours, who continued to care for, and look after our shop and the interests of the village." "At that time we also decided that we would utilise upstairs as a holiday cottage which was also extremely successful and still is.
We decided to move permanently into Cockington village and while the sale of our house was going through, we lived in Granary Cottage for six months." "It was one of the happiest times we've had..
. A nice community to live in and surrounded by beautiful countryside and parkland.".
