Visitors find themselves
transported to a magical land, so peaceful you can almost hear a pin drop.
Narrow winding lanes open out onto beautiful chocolate box cottages, old
English gardens and thatched gift shops. These sell locally produced crafts
and Devonshire Cream Teas.
There are 450 acres of
parkland, woodland and lakes to explore. The lakes themselves are thought to
have been created by monks living at nearby Torre Abbey, to supply them with
fresh fish and were restored by local landowner, Richard Mallock before he
died in 1900.
On the edge of the woods
is the famous Gamekeeper's Cottage dating back to the 16th century. The
Gamekeeper was entrusted with raising pheasants, hares, duck and rabbits and
keeping the area free of poachers. Today the cottage is the meeting place
for many guided woodland walks.
In the centre of
Cockington amongst the pretty thatched cottages stands The Forge. This is
one of the most photographed buildings in the country, and dates from the
14th century. In fact, the oldest postcard featuring the village was of the
Forge taken in the 1890's. It was unusual for that time as it was taken in
winter. Unfortunately, no longer a working forge, it is now home to the
famous miniature horseshoe. There are hundreds of brasses to choose from and
they make wonderful gifts.
The village also has its
own Inn situated across the road from the car park. It has fine views,
friendly staff, log fires in winter and great food. There is outside seating
and a varied menu to suit all tastes. It also welcomes families and children
can play safely in the gardens. The Drum Inn, completed in 1936, also has a
thatched roof in keeping with the rest of the area and was designed by the
famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.
The wooden footpath
through the Drum's gardens opens onto the village cricket ground which
provides the venue for many open-air events throughout the year. One of
these events is the annual "Last Night Of The Proms" which attracts
thousands of people and raises funds for many local charities. Visitors can
also spend a lazy summer afternoon watching the local cricket teams battle
it out!
At the end of the
cricket field is the stately manor house, Cockington Court. The building was
originally owned by the De Cockington family between 1130 and 1350, but the
exact age of the Court is unknown. There are weddings held today in the
stately rooms and the second floor houses many traditional craft studios.
These are open 7 days a week, free of charge and feature handcrafted
glassware, wheel thrown pottery and handmade jewellery to name but a few.
Adjacent to Cockington
Court is a Norman church, today dedicated to St. George and St. Mary. Once
the centre of the village before an extensive reshuffle by the Mallock
family who became lords of the grounds in 1654, the church is now primarily
used for weddings and christenings although it still holds services every
Sunday. Should you be interested in getting married in this stunning church,
rich in architectural delights dating from 1086 to the present day, you
would only have to wait four years!
!!
