South Zeal - interior

St Mary, South Zeal

South Zeal is in a beautiful part of the Dartmoor National Park with direct access to good walking country and other pursuits. The village is part of the parish of South Tawton, also including the village of South Tawton and outlying hamlets. The larger community of South Zeal is home to St. Mary’s, a chapel of ease to the parish church of St. Andrew at South Tawton. The parish is overlooked by Cosdon (or Cawsand) Beacon which, at 1799 ft, dominates the skyline to the south of the village.

The Church

St. Mary’s is a Grade II* listed building of 15th century origin, rebuilt and re-ordered in the 18th and 19th centuries. St. Mary’s is an established Pilgrimage Chapel and forms a link on the Archangel’s Way walking route. The small churchyard was redesigned as a Sensory Garden in 2015 and provides a welcome quiet space in the centre of South Zeal.

Typical service schedule

The pattern of services at St. Mary’s is shared with both the Church House and with St. Andrew’s in South Tawton and varies according to winter and summer. The services rota can always be found on the railings notice board. Special events and services held in South Zeal are:

  • Open Gardens Moor Harmony Concert in June
  • Joint service with Sticklepath Community Church at the marquee during Zayle Fayre in July
  • Community carols on Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day Family Service
South Zeal - exterior
South Zeal - garden
South Zeal - clock & NW gabel

Upcoming services & events

Services are shared with South Tawton. All services and events across North Dartmoor Parishes.

Contact us

For matters relating to the Church, including inquiries re baptisms/christenings, weddings, funerals, or other events, please contact:

Otherwise, please use the information on the Contact Us or Safeguarding pages.

How to find us

Public transport, car parks

We very much look forward to welcoming you!