Ottery St Mary

Ottery St. Mary is a charming town with a rich history. This quintessential English town, with its meandering river and medieval architecture, offers a perfect blend of historical intrigue and modern delights. Here’s a closer look at what makes Ottery St. Mary a must-visit destination. 

History of Ottery St Mary:

Ottery St. Mary, often simply called "Ottery," boasts a storied past that stretches back to Saxon times. The town’s name derives from the River Otter, which runs through it, and the parish church dedicated to St. Mary. The church, one of the town's most prominent landmarks, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, resembling a miniature version of Exeter Cathedral. It was founded in the 14th century by John Grandisson, the Bishop of Exeter, and remains a focal point of the town's heritage. 

The town is also famed for its association with the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who was born here in 1772. Coleridge, one of the founders of the Romantic Movement, spent his early years in Ottery, and his birthplace is a site of literary pilgrimage. The town celebrates this connection with an annual Coleridge Memorial Festival. 

Things to Do in Ottery St Mary:

Ottery St. Mary offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy scenic walks along the River Otter, where the lush green banks provide a tranquil escape. The river is also home to a colony of beavers, reintroduced in recent years, which has become a popular attraction for wildlife watchers. 

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Ottery St. Mary Heritage Museum is a must. Housed in the Old Town Hall, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's past, from its medieval roots to its role in the English Civil War. 

One of the town's most famous events is the annual Tar Barrels festival, held on Bonfire Night. This unique tradition, where locals carry flaming barrels of tar through the streets, dates back hundreds of years and is a thrilling spectacle that attracts visitors from far and wide. 

Food and Drink in Ottery St Mary 

Ottery St. Mary’s culinary scene is a delightful reflection of its rural setting. The town and its surrounding areas are known for producing high-quality, locally sourced food. Traditional English fare, including Devon cream teas and hearty pub meals, is readily available and offers a taste of the region's rich agricultural heritage. 

The local markets, held regularly, are a treasure trove of fresh produce, artisan bread, and handmade cheeses. These markets provide a great opportunity to sample the best of Devon's bounty and to support local farmers and producers. 

For those who enjoy a tipple, the area is also known for its local cider. Devon cider, made from apples grown in the nearby orchards, is renowned for its crisp, refreshing taste and is a perfect accompaniment to a sunny afternoon in the countryside. 

Nature and Outdoors 

The natural beauty surrounding Ottery St. Mary is one of its biggest draws. The East Devon National Landscape offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities. Walking, cycling, and horse riding are popular ways to explore the rolling hills, lush woodlands, and stunning coastline nearby. 

The town's parks and gardens are perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Cadhay, a historic manor house just outside Ottery, features beautiful gardens that are open to the public during the summer months. The grounds are a haven of peace and tranquillity, with meticulously maintained flowerbeds and serene water features. 

For a more rugged adventure, head to the nearby Blackdown Hills or Dartmoor National Park. These areas offer more challenging terrain for hiking and are rich in wildlife, making them ideal for nature lovers and photographers alike. 

Something a little different

Events in Ottery St Mary include the unusual Pixie Day in June, where children dress up as pixies and re-enact an old legend, capturing the bell-ringers and spiriting them away to their "cave". The Ottery St Mary Tar Barrels are the town's most famous event where men shouldering flaming tar barrels run through packed crowds - a somewhat terrifying spectacle!

Did you know?

With its glorious church and cluster of picturesque buildings, Ottery St. Mary has given literary inspiration to Coleridge, Thackeray and JK Rowling.  Ottery, once chiefly known as the birthplace of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the poet who penned The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan, is now known to a generation of Harry Potter readers as Ottery St. Catchpole.

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