The Historical Village of Broadclyst

Guest Blog Post - Natasha Curwood (Broadclyst Deputy Parish Clerk)

Broadclyst is located around 3 Km (1.5 miles) to the north east of Exeter City and Pinhoe, and north west of the new town of Cranbrook. Located in an attractive rural setting, Broadclyst is one of the best preserved of the large Devon estate villages, with the majority of land surrounding the settlement owned by the National Trust.

The broad floodplain of the River Clyst sweeps around the village to the north and west. There is a Conservation Area in the northern part of Broadclyst and many listed and other historic buildings in the village. The B3181 between Exeter and Cullompton runs to the west of the village and provides the principal road access to Broadclyst, unclassified roads to the south and east form part of a network of lanes extending to the wider countryside and other villages. There are public footpaths within the village and also leading into the countryside, particularly to the west and north. Broadclyst is one of East Devon’s more sustainable villages with a wide range of services and facilities.

Broadclyst is situated in the heart of the National Trust Killerton estate. In 1944, Sir Richard Acland donated the estate, with over 6400 acres, including working farms and 240 cottages, to the National Trust. It is the distinctive “yellow cottages” that give Broadclyst its own unique character. Of the 240 cottages owned by the National Trust, around 30 are of medieval origin.

There are several properties open to the public such as Markers Cottage and Clyston Mill. Another beautiful attraction is Ashclyst Forest which is part of the Killerton estate; Ashclyst is one of the largest woods in East Devon. A haven for butterflies, bluebells and birds, with waymarked trails for exploring the beautiful countryside.

Killerton House within the Killerton Estate, have year-round activities for all the family. During spring 2018, The National Trust’s ‘Women and Power’ programme offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about the local women who fought for what they believed in, whilst living at Killerton House, home to suffragist and anti-suffragist generations of the Acland family.

Within the village of Broadclyst there are plenty of walks around the village to enjoy. Two local pubs to choose from, The Red lion and The New Inn who both serve excellent food, an Indian restaurant, a Social club and a local village shop & Post office, which is a great resource for local information.

Broadclyst has a great community feeling and community spirit which is evident to see on the Broadclyst Annual Fun Day. Hosted by the Broadclyst Parish Council and held at Broadclyst Recreation Ground, the ethos is on Family Affordable Fun! On Saturday 23^rd June 2018 the Fun Day will host the Annual Dog show, Escot Forest School and kids entertainment; with a variety of stalls, alongside local food and drink.

So, put the date in your diary and come rain or shine, join us at Broadclyst Fun Day 2018. For more info please visit www.broadclyst.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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