[2] Bickleigh, as Bicanleag, is recorded as the location of a charter issued in 904 during the reign of King Edward the Elder.

He was transported to Maryland but escaped back to Britain and joined Bonnie Prince Charlie's army on its 1745 march to Derby, before returning to Bickleigh until his death.

Major John Gabriel Stedman, author of A History of Surinam, d. 1797, was buried here in an unmarked grave near the vestry door.

On the northwest bank of the River Exe, and by Bickleigh Bridge, is a large inn called The Fisherman's Cot.

To the southeast of the bridge, and situated between the former railway station and the village, is Bickleigh Mill, which is a historic attraction with a restaurant and gift shops.

[10] Just to the north of Bickleigh is one of the biggest vineyards in the South-West of England, Yearlstone, which has a state-of-the-art winery, wine bar and cafe.