Chudleigh Fort

A proper Civil War stronghold sits on the high ground above Bideford, and Chudleigh Fort is one of those sites that rewards a bit of detective work to find. Built in the 1640s as a defensive position, the earthwork remains largely intact - grassy ramparts and ditches that tell the story of a region caught between Royalist and Parliamentary forces. You won't find manicured paths or visitor facilities here. What you get instead is the real deal: the ability to walk the perimeter, stand where soldiers once stood, and actually feel the strategic thinking behind the placement. The views across North Devon are excellent, which explains exactly why someone decided to fortify this spot in the first place.

History enthusiasts will find this worth the effort, though it's not a place for a quick thirty-minute stop. Allow a good hour if you want to properly explore the defences and get your bearings. Families with older kids can make a game of spotting the different earthwork features. Younger children might find it a bit abstract - it's fundamentally a bumpy field with historical significance rather than something flashy.

Stay at one of the nearby glamping options - Owl Valley or Broad Park are both rated highly and put you within spitting distance of the fort. Bideford itself is the obvious supply run, handling everything from fish and chips to proper coffee. The fort works well as part of a wider exploration of the area's Civil War sites, and it combines perfectly with a coastal walk or a visit to the town's quays.