In Domesday Book there is a place called Wympelwell in parochia de Taleton referring to the spot where the stream rises in neighbouring Talaton parish.

Whimple is large enough to support two public houses [pubs], a village shop and a Church of England primary school.

Outlying hamlets of Whimple include Cobden, Hand & Pen, Woodhayes, Slewton Combe, Strete Ralegh and Marsh Green.

The ceremony stopped during World War II but was revived by the Whimple History Society in 1980 and has grown into a popular tradition attracting visitors from all over the country.

After visiting the last orchard, the wassail party finish up at the cricket club on the other side of the village where the full song is sung followed by much music-making and consumption of cheese, apple cake and cider.