Newton Poppleford

Newton Poppleford is a large village situated on the A3052 road between Exeter and Sidmouth on the west side of the River Otter in East Devon, England, within the East Devon AONB. Newton Poppleford is twinned with Crèvecœur-en-Auge in Normandy, France.The village is on the route of a Roman road from Axmouth to Exeter. It includes some whitewashed cob thatched cottages, one shop and St Luke's Church which was founded in 1331 (with the current structure dating from 1897). The town contains a village hall, primary school and sports pavilion. There was also a church hall, however it was burnt down in 2012 due to arson. A carnival procession used to travel through the village in the autumn, although this was stopped in 2014. Newton Poppleford railway station closed in 1967 and was subsequently demolished.The surroundings are known for market gardening because of the excellent soil quality in the area. A variety of daffodil (the King Alfred) was originated in the village and received an award from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1899. This renowned flower, with its large colourful trumpets, was first cultivated in the house of 'The Gardens' and premises, which is found in the centre of the village. It is one of the oldest houses in the village, dating back to the 15th Century, with cob walls and thatched roof with a quaint brook (small tributary) passing through the garden joining the River Otter. There are also fruit farms nearby.