Northleigh

Northleigh is a small village and civil parish located in the South Hams district of Devon, England. The parish lies to the south of the town of Budleigh Salterton and is roughly five miles northeast of the coastal town of Sidmouth. As of the 2011 census, the population of Northleigh was approximately 120 residents, reflecting its character as a sparsely populated rural community.

The history of Northleigh dates back to at least the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is recorded as "Nordeleu." Over the centuries, the village has maintained its agrarian roots, with farming activities traditionally centred on pasture and small-scale arable production. In the 19th century, the building of the railway line through the nearby town of Budleigh Salterton brought increased accessibility, although the village itself remained largely unchanged in terms of its agricultural focus.

The parish church, dedicated to St. James, is a notable landmark. The Gothic-style building was largely constructed in the 15th century, with later additions in the Victorian era. Inside, the church contains a number of historic memorials and a 17th‑century pulpit. Northleigh’s landscape is characteristic of the Devon countryside, featuring rolling fields, hedgerows, and scattered common land.

Although there is limited public transport directly within the village, Northleigh is served by a weekly bus that connects it with Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth, enabling access to larger retail and educational facilities. The nearest railway station is in Budleigh Salterton, providing connections to Exeter, London, and other regional destinations.

The community remains tight‑knit, with local events often centred around the village hall and the parish church. Farming and a growing interest in rural tourism, such as bed‑and‑breakfast accommodations, are the principal economic activities. The quiet rural setting, coupled with its historical architecture, makes Northleigh representative of Devon’s small countryside villages.