People power and community is at the heart of this unpretentious but thriving market town in the heart of the county, writes Chrissy Harris
It sure is a long and winding road to Crediton. But stick with it because the journey to this proper Devon market town is totally worth it.
This is country living just as it should be: a beautiful setting, independent stores and food producers, a high street full of useful shops, plus a decent farmers’ market on the first and third Saturday of the month.
People smile sand say hello here. Crediton is refreshingly unpretentious and not that touristy with a lively community that’s keen to get behind an impressive collection of annual events and festivals.
There’s CredFest, Crediton Food and Drink Festival and even an annual flag festival. This colourful event has been flying high for more than a decade, adorning the high street with flags, hand-made by the town’s generous helping of creative talent.
In terms of heritage, much of the structure here dates from after the 18th century, when a fire devastated its streets. Crediton is still broadly split into East Town, formerly the working area, and West Town, a grander affair with an enviable collection of Georgian town houses, many built off the back of the once wealthy wool industry.
At the heart of it all is a magnificent red sandstone, cathedral-like church. In fact, Crediton Parish Church or the Parish Church of the Holy Cross stands on the site of Devon's first Saxon cathedral.
And talking of feeling spiritual, Saint Boniface was born in Crediton in 680AD. St Boniface was one of the founding fathers of the Christian Church in Europe and is the patron saint of Devon, as well as Germany and the Netherlands.
Crediton certainly has enough to keep you busy and the locals always seem to have plenty to do. A quick scroll through the town’s what’s on pages reveals a packed programme of dance classes, yoga sessions, youth clubs, bowling and singing lessons. There’s a local radio podcast and they still have a decent weekly newspaper based in town. Go, Creddy!
FOOD & DRINK
The pick of the pubs for many is the wonderfully eccentric Three Little Pigs (Parliament Street), with good food and ‘crazy décor’ (although it’s been decluttered a bit recently, apparently).
Baobab Café (Market Street) offers middle eastern delights such as Iraqi-spiced roasted chicken, tabouleh and Yemeni-spiced goat and kidney beans hot pot. My mouth is watering just writing that…
Crediton Coffee Company (Market Street) is another locals’ fave. They’re an in-store coffee roaster, so you can see the machinery in action while you sip your speciality brew.
Ashton’s Coffee Lounge (Market Street) is also a great meeting place.
Take a look behind the scenes at the oldest working cider mill in the UK. Family run Sandford Orchards runs regular tours and tasting events.
Taking the train? Pop in to Crediton Station Tearooms, run by a local community interest company. They offer a ‘pay it forward’ scheme, where customers can choose to add some money onto their bill to pay for someone else’s order.
If you’ve got transportation, it’s worth heading out to some of the village pubs around Crediton, including The Duck at Yeoford and the Tom Cobley Tavern at Spreyton.
WHERE TO STAY
For a cosy retreat, Inglenook is a beautiful Grade II-listed cottage in town.
Passing bikers are well looked after, thanks to the fantastic Union Road Moto Velo, a café, hangout and shop - with rooms. It specialises in rider-orientated accommodation, but non-bikers are welcome too. There are six comfy en-suite rooms, most of which can be set up as a super-king or with twin beds.
The Lamb Inn at Sandford is a 16th century former coaching house with open fires, low ceilings, comfy sofas and luxurious bedrooms to fall over in after a hearty meal.
DID YOU KNOW
Well, well, well: Libbet’s Well is a holy well in Crediton believed to be at least 400 years old. Hidden away behind Church Street, this sacred spring can be found down a little lane opposite Holy Cross Church.
Community cookbook: Amy Oboussier (who runs the Living Slow Cookery School) and Alison Orchard are writing a community cookbook for Crediton, inspired by reducing food waste and the wealth of beautiful seasonal food in the area.
Followers of fashion: The Makers Boutique is a recently opened ethical fashion store celebrating artisan skills and craftsmanship. They also run creative and technical workshops in sewing skills, up-cycling and garment construction.
