Tucked away in the heart of the English Riviera, a quaint village named Cockington transports you back in time with its Bridgerton-esque charm.
Cockington is a hidden treasure, nestled behind the winding roads and houses of Torquay beach, which was recently jointly dubbed ‘Britain’s worst town’. The village is secluded in a small valley, offering a sense of tranquillity and escape from the modern world.
The village’s main attraction is the sprawling 450-acre country park, boasting a walled rose garden and lush woodland. Thatched cottages and an 11th-century church dot the edges of the park, lending the village an air of being on the set of a period drama.
A labyrinth of winding paths and bridleways guide you through the various areas of the village, revealing its concealed buildings, reports the Mirror.
The central park is a haven for dog walkers and is the perfect spot for dogs to frolic in its streams and race up and down its hills.
Cockington is the perfect destination for a day out during the school summer holidays, especially if you are spending quality time with a four-legged friend.
Cockington Court, located in the heart of the village, is home to a historic manor and boasts over 20 craft studios. These include a contemporary art gallery, tea room and rose garden.
The sense of community is palpable in this small village, evident in the local crafters’ shops which feature a bespoke bridal dress designer and maker.
Rex Lathan, an award-winning blacksmith, is one of the standout craftsmen in the village. Specialising in restoration and conservation projects, Rex, his daughter Katie and their apprentice Will create handmade products available for purchase in their forge shop.
Visitors can also witness them at work and learn about the ancient skill of blacksmithing.
Cockington Court is also home to Torbay Gin. Since its launch in 2021, Torbay Gin has won an IWSC gold medal for its blue colour-changing gin and been shortlisted for the ‘World’s Best GandT’ award.
The gin maker places great importance on preserving nature and is currently collaborating with nearby Paignton Zoo to develop an ‘African Conservation’ gin using botanicals found growing at the zoo.
Food-wise, traditional Devonshire cream teas are a must-try and are often seen as the main attraction of Cockington.
Don’t mistake the quaint Seven Dials cafe in the village’s Manor House for London’s buzzing food hub! This coffee haven offers lunch delights crafted from local ingredients. It’s a pooch paradise too, as nearly all spots around Cockington welcome dogs, making it an ideal staycation to share with your furry friend.
The Manor House stands as a registry office today, not open for exploration, but it remains a majestic sight at the park’s edge, well worth a visit.
Kids will be enamoured by the shire horses residing in the park, admiring their grandeur with a pat or indulging in a fantastical carriage ride, evoking scenes straight out of ‘Bridgerton’. And come July 28, youngsters can engage in a pirate-themed sculpture trail within the village.
Homes in this idyllic spot rarely hit the market and are quickly scooped up when they do. Currently, Granary Cottage, a renowned Grade II listed property, is seeking new owners.
The current proprietors recall their enchanting discovery in the listing 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.”