Community and Heritage
Inwardleigh has deep historic roots, with a settlement listed in the Domesday Book and a place-name deriving from early personal names and meadow/woodland descriptors.
Significant historic features include:
- St Petrock’s Church, a Grade II listed parish church dating back to the late medieval period and restored in the 19th century. St Petroc’s Inwardleigh serves the small village of Inwardleigh and the growing village of Folly Gate. It holds services every Sunday and it’s small but loyal congregation have worked hard to look after it and nurture its life.
- The tower can be seen from across the parish and the bells ring out calling us to worship. The church can be packed for special occasions and there are very few people in the area who don’t have some kind of connection there. Major efforts are currently underway to repair the crumbling tower and re-order the interior.
- There are a number of listed buildings in the parish, reflecting its architectural heritage.
Local Amenities and Facilities
Village Hall
The Inwardleigh and Folly Gate Village Hall is a central community facility available for hire. It offers:
- Main hall with kitchen and bar facilities
- Committee room
- On-site parking and accessible amenities
The hall supports local events, meetings and community activities.
Local Business
- Crossways Inn, a local public house located in Folly Gate, serves as a social hub and dining venue within the parish.
Other Local Services
Inwardleigh does not have its own supermarket, school or healthcare centre. Residents typically use facilities in Okehampton and other nearby towns for education, shopping, healthcare and major services.
Transport and Accessibility
Road Access
The parish is located on and around the A386, which provides direct access to Okehampton, Hatherleigh and onward to wider regional routes.
Bus services
Bus services operate on local routes, but frequency and coverage are limited. Connections are available toward Okehampton and surrounding towns, please check the following site for further details Bus times
- 5A Crediton – Hatherleigh – Okehampton run by Stagecoach South West
- 317 Bideford – Okehampton run by Stagecoach South West
- 630 Hatherleigh – Northlew – Okehampton run by MD Coaches
Rail
The nearest rail connection is at Okehampton railway station, providing services toward Exeter and beyond. Exeter railway station, provides regular services to the national rail network, services are also available to Barnstaple.
Trains run from Okehampton railway station to:
Operator: Great Western Railway timetable
Sundays: Reduced service
Live updates: National Rail
Recreation and Environment
Countryside Setting
Inwardleigh’s landscape comprises rolling farmland, lanes and open vistas typical of rural West Devon. Walking and cycling opportunities follow off-road tracks and public rights of way, connecting the parish to the broader countryside and Dartmoor fringe.
Proximity to Dartmoor
The parish’s location near the Dartmoor National Park boundary makes it a convenient base for outdoor pursuits including hiking, nature exploration and country drives.
Education and Healthcare
There are no education or healthcare facilities within the parish boundaries. The nearest:
- Primary and secondary schools are in Okehampton
- GP surgeries and dental practices are located in Okehampton and surrounding towns
- Hospital services are accessed in larger centres such as Exeter and Barnstaple.
Local Economy and Housing
Inwardleigh is primarily residential and agricultural in character. Recent data indicates:
- Higher proportions of larger homes compared with national averages
- A mix of owned and rented accommodation
- Ongoing development including future sites planned for market and affordable homes in Folly Gate
- High proportion of households working from home or within short distances
- A low population density typical of rural parishes in West Devon