Become a member
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
Loughwood Meeting House
Atmospheric 17th-century thatched Baptist meeting house
Dalwood, Axminster, Devon, EX13 7DU
Opening times for 4 July 2025
Asset Opening time Meeting house 10:00 - 17:00 MTWTFSS3012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123OpenPartially openClosed- Assistance dogs only
- Car park
A small 3 space car park with gravel surface, is available for visitors. There are no designated blue badge parking spaces available.
Level access. Uneven flooring in some parts. No toilets. Undulating terrain outside.
- Narrow corridors
Inside, narrow aisles, approximately 80cm wide, maybe unsuitable for wheelchair users.
- Seating available
Inside the Meeting House there is pine bench seating, which are the original pews used by worshipers. Outside is a picnic bench, which is accessed up two uneven steps and along a short grassy path.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Entrance to the chapel graveyard is through a gate, with small step up. Access to the upper level of the graveyard is via steep concrete and grass covered steps. There is no handrail. On the upper level of the graveyard a mown, uneven grassy path follows a short route around the gravestones. The upper level of the chapel is accessed by a steep stairway.
- By road
Travelling from Exeter follow the A30 turning off onto the A35 at Honiton and follow the signs for Axminster. Turn left onto Studhayes Road and take the next left onto Loughwood Lane and left again to arrive at the Meeting House.
- By train
Axminster station 3 miles away, Honiton 9 miles away.
- Cycling
Highlights
Religious meeting house
17th-century thatched Baptist meeting house. Set into the hillside, hidden and left virtually unchanged.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do at Loughwood Meeting House
Explore the historical features of Loughwood Meeting House, one of Britain's earliest surviving Baptist meeting houses, as well as what to see and do in the surrounding area.
Places to stay
Shute Barton
Dine in style or explore the grounds at this impressive manor stay.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Loughwood Meeting House
Discover Loughwood, one of the earliest surviving Baptist churches in the country. Founded in secret during a time of great persecution towards non-conformists, this beautiful chapel is set into the hillside and looks out over the rolling east Devon countryside with views of the Axe Valley.
Step through the front door to travel back in time and explore this place of worship which has remained virtually unchanged since the 18th century.
The chapel is used twice a year by the local Kilmington Baptist Church and is available for prayer and burials.
Please note:
The main door to the meeting house turns the other way. No toilets are available at this site.
History
Article
History of Loughwood Meeting House
The history of Loughwood Meeting House is one of secrecy and religious persecution dating back 300 years. Discover more of its story up until it was handed to the Trust in 1969.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Loughwood Meeting House.