Nestled in the heart of Devon's English Riviera, just a mile from Torquay's bustling seafront, lies the enchanting village of Cockington. This quintessential English locale is a haven for holidaymakers seeking a blend of history, natural beauty, and artisanal craftsmanship. At its core stands Cockington Court, a historic manor house that has been transformed into a vibrant centre for creativity and culture.
Discover Cockington Court's Artisan Community
Home to skilled artists and craft makers, Cockington Court offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with artisans in their working studios. From traditional crafts to contemporary arts, the diversity is sure to captivate. Here are some of the remarkable businesses you can explore:
- MooBoo Home: Specialising in bespoke interior lighting, MooBoo Home offers handcrafted pieces that blend functionality with elegance, perfect for enhancing any living space. www.mooboohome.co.uk
- OurGlass: Witness the mesmerising art of glassblowing at OurGlass, where artisans create stunning glassware, from delicate ornaments to vibrant decorative pieces. http://ourglasscockington.com/
- Rex Latham Blacksmith: With over three decades of experience, award-winning blacksmith Rex Latham crafts hand-forged items for home and garden, showcasing traditional blacksmithing techniques. www.rexlathamblacksmith.co.uk
- Dandelions and Pearls: This award winning boutique offers style focused, bespoke bridal and occasion wear specialising in boho and vintage inspired styles. www.dandelionsandpearls.com
- Flower La Vita: Vita is an award-winning florist located within Cockington Court, specialising in bespoke funeral and sympathy floral arrangements. Owner Vita creates unique designs, offering services that include dried wedding flowers, preserved moss wall art, and event planning with floral decorations..www.flowerlavita.co.uk
- Chrystine Jones: An accomplished artist, Chrystine's work encompasses a range of mediums, resulting in captivating pieces that resonate with art enthusiasts. www.chrystinejones.com
- SoaperSudz: Specialising in natural, handmade soaps, SoaperSudz focuses on creating products that are both luxurious and kind to the skin. www.soapersudz.co.uk
- Nicola Axe: A passionate stone carver since 2009, Nicola's work transforms raw stone into intricate sculptures, reflecting her deep connection to the medium. www.nicola-axe-sculptor.co.uk
- Jo Bradford and Sons: This family-run business offers a serene space where visitors can browse handcrafted items, each piece reflecting their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. www.joxjewellery.co.uk
- Big Green Hound: Run by Caroline, this boutique specialises in unique, luxury dog collars, leads, and accessories, ensuring your canine companions are both stylish and comfortable. www.biggreenhound.co.uk
- Torbay Gin: Since its launch in 2021, award winning Torbay Gin has gained both local and international recognition, offering a signature blue gin that captures the essence of the region. www.torbaygin.co.uk
- Chocolate Heaven Made in Devon: After years of attending markets and craft fairs, this chocolatier now offers a permanent shop at Cockington Court, delighting visitors with handcrafted chocolates. www.chocolateheavenmadeindevon.co.uk
- Tez Roberts Ceramics: Working from her studio at Cockington, Tez creates unique stoneware pieces, each reflecting her artistic vision and dedication to the craft. www.tezrobertsceramics.co.uk
- Janet Ventre Mosaic: Based in the Sea Change studios, Janet crafts a range of mosaics, each piece showcasing her attention to detail and artistic flair. www.janetventre.wixsite.com/mosaic
- Gaff Interiors and Upholstery: A thriving business situated at Cockington Court, Gaff Interiors offers bespoke upholstery services, transforming furniture into personalised works of art. www.my-gaff.com
- Takahashi McGil: Graduates of the Wimbledon School of Art, this duo has transitioned their expertise into creating unique, handcrafted pieces that blend functionality with artistic expression. www.takahashimcgil.com
Visitors are encouraged to interact with these artisans, gaining insight into their creative processes and perhaps even taking home a bespoke souvenir. Each visit to Cockington Court promises a new discovery, as artisans continually update their offerings and showcase their latest creations.
Explore the Enchanting Surroundings
Beyond the creative studios, Cockington Court is enveloped by 450 acres of breathtaking parkland. The estate boasts a harmonious blend of manicured gardens, tranquil lakes, and dense woodlands, crisscrossed by a network of walking paths suitable for all ages. Nature enthusiasts will revel in the diverse flora and fauna, while history buffs can explore the ancient Norman church nestled within the grounds.
Savour Local Delights
No visit to Cockington would be complete without indulging in a traditional Devon cream tea. The on-site Seven Dials Café offers a delightful selection of homemade scones, clotted cream, and preserves, all served in a cozy atmosphere with views of the picturesque surroundings. It's the perfect spot to relax and refuel after a day of exploration.
Visit the local Pub
Dating back to 1936 The Drum's claim to fame is its architect; the world famous Sir Edwin Lutyens. Lutyens designed the pub as the focal point of the village and today his beautiful vision retains all its traditional charm thanks to a recent million pound restoration project that replaced its thatched roof, restored its beautiful gardens and made the most of its superb views.
Our menus are full of hearty favourites and country pub classics, as well as our seasonal dishes, and we’ll be ready with a well-stocked bar, including cask ales, fine wines and British gin to suit very taste - which will taste all the better when enjoyed either in our beautiful gardens or by our crackling log fires.
Step Back in Time in Cockington Village
The charm extends beyond the manor's grounds into Cockington Village itself. Wander through narrow lanes lined with thatched cottages, visit the historic water mill and fully immerse yourself in the village's timeless appeal. How about a walk along the enchanting water meadows to reach Torquay sea front?
In the heart of the village are Weavers Cottage Tea Garden, The Old School House Tea Rooms and Gift Shop, and the Cockington Forge gift shop.
Cockington Forge is one of the most photographed buildings in Britain, and dates back to the fourteenth century, making it a focal point of the Domesday village of Cockington for over seven hundred years. Although no longer producing goods from the furnace for practical and economic reasons, the Forge still manufactures the famous miniature horseshoe, and is open from Easter till Winter. www.cockington-forge.com
Weavers Cottage Tea Garden is a family run business, Lindsey and Gordon pride themselves on serving as many locally sourced products as possible and some of their products are homemade. Their sweet scones are made by a local artisan baker. Where possible they find or make products that can be enjoyed by as many as possible, in some cases Gluten Free and Vegan. On the subject of inclusivity, they also have a range of items for children and a 🐾 Pawtisserie Menu for dogs. www.weaverscottage.uk
Where to stay
If you’re looking for a beautiful holiday cottage in Cockington, look no further than Cockington Cottages. The delightful Mallock Cottage, nestled in the charming and historic Cockington Village is hard to beat. Peacefully situated, this ‘Airbnb’ has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, lovely conservatory and SW facing deck. It is perfect for couples or families with older children seeking a peaceful location but with plenty to do nearby. www.cockingtoncottages.co.uk
Plan Your Visit
Cockington Court Craft Centre welcomes visitors daily, with the craft studios open from 10am -4pm. The craft studios are situated behind the Manor House where there is also additional parking. For directions, parking and local transport information click here.
Individual studio opening times and village businesses can vary. Please do contact the individual maker/business before planning a special visit.
While admission is free, parking charges apply in the nearby car parks and we are delighted to announce that Ringo parking is now available. The site is wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly, making it an ideal destination for families and pet owners alike.
Whether you're seeking unique handcrafted gifts, eager to delve into Devon's rich history, or simply looking to enjoy a serene day amidst natural beauty, Cockington Court and its surrounding historic village and parkland offer an unforgettable experience for all.
For more information and to plan your visit, please refer to the official Cockington Court website.
