Just off the busy A35 north of Axminster is a delightful oasis of calm and tranquillity. Since the mid-17th century, Baptists have been meeting here in this thatched chapel, often in secret to escape persecution. It’s though that the isolated site was chosen for secrecy, but I do wonder if it’s one of those spots that was always felt to be sacred, such is the special feeling of the place.
Today, it is looked after by the National Trust, and is, to my eyes at least, delightfully dilapidated and atmospheric. As well as the chapel itself, there are two spartan rooms at the back where travellers from afar stayed overnight
Find out more: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/loughwood-meeting-house
Dalwood, Axminster EX13 7DU, UK