In my last blog post I mentioned some of the Exmoor events coming up in February, March and April. There’s still time to catch some March events if you hurry… and check out our website at http://www.exmoorhotel.co.uk/ for details of some great special offers we’re running this month.
Thursday 22nd March: Take Advantage of Your Future (the software programme for the brain). This seminar, run by Rollo Clifford, is at the recently-reopened Hobby Horse in Minehead. We were lucky enough to participate in one of Rollo’s seminars last December, and found it a fascinating and enlightening day. Book a place if you can! More details at http://www.theknowledgecloud.info/
Thursday 22nd – Sunday 25th March: The West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala continues, with a whole host of things happening. You can see when particular locomotives are appearing, download the brochure and book tickets online at
http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/section.php/4/1/spring_steam_gala
Going into April, we’ve still some rooms left at Exmoor House over the Easter weekend, 6th – 9th: we recommend that you book soon though! You can reserve rooms online or direct with us by phone.
The North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival (27th April – 6th May) is operating in a slightly different way this year, giving a flavour of some of the very diverse places within the National Park (both in Somerset and Devon) and slightly further afield. For the first two days, the walks are based around the Ilfracombe area. From the 29th until 1st May there are walks in the Lynton area. May 2nd, 3rd and 4th have walks around the Porlock area, and on May 5th and 6th the focus is on the Dunster area. So if you wanted to make a holiday of it, you could base yourself in Ilfracombe or Lynton for a few days, then move on to Wheddon Cross for the rest of the time! On the festival website at http://www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk/ you can search the walks by area, date and several other criteria (e.g. linear/circular; on bus routes).
We hope to see you soon!
Friday, 16 March 2012
Saturday, 4 February 2012
Spring 2012 events on Exmoor
What’s happening on Exmoor? Quite a lot, as ever! I keep saying this, but it does bear repeating: there is always something going on here, but the area remains peaceful and unspoilt. Here’s some information about things happening over the next few months, takuing us through the rest of winter and into spring.
The big event, from now until early March, is Snowdrop Valley, here at Wheddon Cross. Beautiful and unique – don’t miss it! More information on our website, in my blog post of 12th January and at http://www.wheddoncross.org.uk/ Our dining room opens each day as a tearoom from 4th February until 4th March, so you can enjoy our great food before or after your visit to the valley.
On 14th – 16th February, the West Somerset Railway is running a special Snowdrops & Steam service: combine a scenic ride on a steam train with your snowdrops viewing. For details of this and other railway events, visit http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/section.php?xSec=2&xPage=1&jssCart=e278a8fbb51ca16b9c3636d860c4b1c3
March 16th – 18th sees the 4 x 4 on Exmoor Jaunt & Challenge, in aid of Wooden Spoon children’s charity. The teams start and finish at Wheddon Cross and enjoy an active weekend while raising funds for a very good cause http://www.4x4onexmoor.co.uk/
Also in March is the West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala (17th – 18th and 22nd – 25th)
Easter weekend falls on 6th-9th April this year – book your break at Exmoor House now! Later in the month – on the 21st - there’s the Somerset Stages rally, which is always interesting to watch. More info here: http://www.btrdarally.com/2012-Somerset-Stages.asp And, new for this year, there’s the Exmoor Beauty Cycle Challenge on the 22nd (sister event of the infamous Exmoor Beast): http://exmoorbeauty.org/
The North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival starts on 27th April and continues until 6th May. A guided walk is a fantastic way of getting to know the countryside better, and on Exmoor we are extremely lucky to have an amazing choice of walks. Find details and updates at http://www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk/
There’s an active theme to these events, which is fitting as Exmoor is such a wonderful area for getting out and about. Later in the year, however, there’ll also be arts and cultural festivals – I’ll cover these in another blog post. In the meantime, for those of you with a taste for outdoor adventures, here are two more websites to check out:
http://www.activeexmoor.com/
http://www.exmooradventures.co.uk/
The big event, from now until early March, is Snowdrop Valley, here at Wheddon Cross. Beautiful and unique – don’t miss it! More information on our website, in my blog post of 12th January and at http://www.wheddoncross.org.uk/ Our dining room opens each day as a tearoom from 4th February until 4th March, so you can enjoy our great food before or after your visit to the valley.
On 14th – 16th February, the West Somerset Railway is running a special Snowdrops & Steam service: combine a scenic ride on a steam train with your snowdrops viewing. For details of this and other railway events, visit http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/section.php?xSec=2&xPage=1&jssCart=e278a8fbb51ca16b9c3636d860c4b1c3
March 16th – 18th sees the 4 x 4 on Exmoor Jaunt & Challenge, in aid of Wooden Spoon children’s charity. The teams start and finish at Wheddon Cross and enjoy an active weekend while raising funds for a very good cause http://www.4x4onexmoor.co.uk/
Also in March is the West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala (17th – 18th and 22nd – 25th)
Easter weekend falls on 6th-9th April this year – book your break at Exmoor House now! Later in the month – on the 21st - there’s the Somerset Stages rally, which is always interesting to watch. More info here: http://www.btrdarally.com/2012-Somerset-Stages.asp And, new for this year, there’s the Exmoor Beauty Cycle Challenge on the 22nd (sister event of the infamous Exmoor Beast): http://exmoorbeauty.org/
The North Devon and Exmoor Walking Festival starts on 27th April and continues until 6th May. A guided walk is a fantastic way of getting to know the countryside better, and on Exmoor we are extremely lucky to have an amazing choice of walks. Find details and updates at http://www.exmoorwalkingfestival.co.uk/
There’s an active theme to these events, which is fitting as Exmoor is such a wonderful area for getting out and about. Later in the year, however, there’ll also be arts and cultural festivals – I’ll cover these in another blog post. In the meantime, for those of you with a taste for outdoor adventures, here are two more websites to check out:
http://www.activeexmoor.com/
http://www.exmooradventures.co.uk/
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Exmoor House, Wheddon Cross, Somerset: reviews of our guest house
We’re famous! Well, getting there we hope… You may have spotted some reviews and mentions of Exmoor House in various publications (both in the paper-based press and online) over the last year. We love to blow our own trumpet(!) so in case you missed them, here are a selection of comments:
Exmoor Visitor 2011:
”Showing the way with their green credentials is the award-winning guest house Exmoor House in Wheddon Cross. In 2008 the business received a Best Performer award from Green Tourism and at the end of last year went on to achieve a Green Tourism Gold, the first one on Exmoor.”
The Exmoor Visitor is an essential (free) publication for anybody visiting the National Park; it's packed with useful information. We keep a supply at Exmoor House for guests to help themselves. The 2012 edition will be out soon.
Daily Post, June 2011:
In her article “Moor to Explore”, journalist Sarah Batley said:
”The house was once a tailor’s – there’s photos on the walls of the workers sitting cross legged on the cutting table. The comfy sitting room, with big squashy sofas and an honesty table laden with drinks, was previously the village reading room. Today owners Rosi Davis and Frank Velander run it as a thriving business – being right on the cross country Coleridge Way certainly helps. Frank, originally from Liverpool, used to be area manager for the YHA, so he knows what hungry ramblers need: a good feed. He makes his own bread and the breakfast showcases local produce, such as eggs with golden yolks from a neighbouring farm. We also ate in the first night, sampling the cheese tart that’s landed Frank prizes.”
The Daily Post is published in North Wales but articles are also syndicated to other areas: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/
Exmoor The Country Magazine, Autumn 2011:
Exmoor House featured in Simon Dawson’s article “On fire about food” (extolling the virtues of smoking):
“’I have a stove-top, hot smoker,’ Frank told me. ‘I love it and use oak chips for that very distinct oaky flavour and then maybe smoke a salmon fillet to make beautiful fish cakes, or a trout to make a gorgeous pate. But my favourite winter dish of all has to be smoked sausage cassoulet. Come in after a long walk and have a bowl of that and you feel as if you’ve conquered the world’.”
Simon continued: “Exmoor House is a complete and utter escape, a bolt hole from the stresses and hassles of everyday life. With no TVs, no internet access and little mobile reception, it’s a place to enjoy fresh, home-cooked Exmoor produce…”
There’s more information about the magazine (which is always a really good read), and updates about the area, at http://www.theexmoormagazine.com/
The Times, Saturday 29th October 2011 (Travel Section) 20 fabulous festive bolt holes:
”…At Christmas and New Year you can book the whole place for a house party, so not only do you get your own residence to share with family and friends but also – drum roll please Raymondo – someone else to do all the cooking and washing up… and with Exmoor on your doorstep there’s no excuse for not stepping out on plenty of bracing yomps o’er hill and dale.”
More info http://www.thetimes.co.uk/ (subscription necessary for this website)
The Wedding Genie’s blog, October 2011:
Julie says:
”I will let you into a little secret of a fabulous retreat which we think of as home away from home. Exmoor House in Wheddon Cross, Exmoor is just the most fabulous place to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or not! And eat the most delicious home made and home-grown produce you will ever taste…
What is also great if you want to hold your wedding reception somewhere a little more unusual and very homely please consider this an option. Frank will make you food to die for and you will have the run of the house. It is also a great place for a house party. I keep thinking about how Christmas would be here!! Pure heaven.”
Julie’s full blog post is here http://www.theweddinggenie.co.uk/venue/alternative-wedding-venue-exmoor-house/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%2BTheWeddingGenie%2B%28The%2BWedding%2BGenie%29
(and if you’re planning on getting married, do have a look at the rest of Julie’s site – she provides a fantastic range of wedding planning & organisation services, with great enthusiasm, professionalism, flair and friendliness)
What’s on Somerset, December 2011 – February 2012:
Exmoor for Less: Base Yourself at Exmoor House To Explore Our Wild West (Chris Inge).
Chris bemoans the fact that people tend to think of Exmoor as being in Devon, when most of it is in Somerset! He says:
”…ignore the lemmings and approach Exmoor through Somerset. If you stay at Exmoor House you’ll be just three miles from its high point, Dunkery Beacon…”
Chris continues, about Exmoor House: ”Nothing was too much trouble: an early cup of Earl Grey and the offer of cake; advice on walks; a phone call to book Sunday lunch at a busy pub. On the wall were credentials showing a wider, more considered professionalism: four stars from VisitEngland and a commendation for their walking and cycling facilities; gold in the Green Tourism Business Scheme and Best Performer in the 2008 Green Tourism Awards. I would add two others: one for the most comfortable bed I have slept in, ever, and a second for the most unexpected reminder of a kinder, nicer era: an honesty bar…”
Read the full review at http://www.whatsonsomerset.com/WOS%20ISSUE%2018.pdf - you can download the whole magazine – it’s a very useful resource covering events in the whole of Somerset. The review of Exmoor House is on page 6
Exmoor Visitor 2011:
”Showing the way with their green credentials is the award-winning guest house Exmoor House in Wheddon Cross. In 2008 the business received a Best Performer award from Green Tourism and at the end of last year went on to achieve a Green Tourism Gold, the first one on Exmoor.”
The Exmoor Visitor is an essential (free) publication for anybody visiting the National Park; it's packed with useful information. We keep a supply at Exmoor House for guests to help themselves. The 2012 edition will be out soon.
Daily Post, June 2011:
In her article “Moor to Explore”, journalist Sarah Batley said:
”The house was once a tailor’s – there’s photos on the walls of the workers sitting cross legged on the cutting table. The comfy sitting room, with big squashy sofas and an honesty table laden with drinks, was previously the village reading room. Today owners Rosi Davis and Frank Velander run it as a thriving business – being right on the cross country Coleridge Way certainly helps. Frank, originally from Liverpool, used to be area manager for the YHA, so he knows what hungry ramblers need: a good feed. He makes his own bread and the breakfast showcases local produce, such as eggs with golden yolks from a neighbouring farm. We also ate in the first night, sampling the cheese tart that’s landed Frank prizes.”
The Daily Post is published in North Wales but articles are also syndicated to other areas: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/
Exmoor The Country Magazine, Autumn 2011:
Exmoor House featured in Simon Dawson’s article “On fire about food” (extolling the virtues of smoking):
“’I have a stove-top, hot smoker,’ Frank told me. ‘I love it and use oak chips for that very distinct oaky flavour and then maybe smoke a salmon fillet to make beautiful fish cakes, or a trout to make a gorgeous pate. But my favourite winter dish of all has to be smoked sausage cassoulet. Come in after a long walk and have a bowl of that and you feel as if you’ve conquered the world’.”
Simon continued: “Exmoor House is a complete and utter escape, a bolt hole from the stresses and hassles of everyday life. With no TVs, no internet access and little mobile reception, it’s a place to enjoy fresh, home-cooked Exmoor produce…”
There’s more information about the magazine (which is always a really good read), and updates about the area, at http://www.theexmoormagazine.com/
The Times, Saturday 29th October 2011 (Travel Section) 20 fabulous festive bolt holes:
”…At Christmas and New Year you can book the whole place for a house party, so not only do you get your own residence to share with family and friends but also – drum roll please Raymondo – someone else to do all the cooking and washing up… and with Exmoor on your doorstep there’s no excuse for not stepping out on plenty of bracing yomps o’er hill and dale.”
More info http://www.thetimes.co.uk/ (subscription necessary for this website)
The Wedding Genie’s blog, October 2011:
Julie says:
”I will let you into a little secret of a fabulous retreat which we think of as home away from home. Exmoor House in Wheddon Cross, Exmoor is just the most fabulous place to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or not! And eat the most delicious home made and home-grown produce you will ever taste…
What is also great if you want to hold your wedding reception somewhere a little more unusual and very homely please consider this an option. Frank will make you food to die for and you will have the run of the house. It is also a great place for a house party. I keep thinking about how Christmas would be here!! Pure heaven.”
Julie’s full blog post is here http://www.theweddinggenie.co.uk/venue/alternative-wedding-venue-exmoor-house/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%2BTheWeddingGenie%2B%28The%2BWedding%2BGenie%29
(and if you’re planning on getting married, do have a look at the rest of Julie’s site – she provides a fantastic range of wedding planning & organisation services, with great enthusiasm, professionalism, flair and friendliness)
What’s on Somerset, December 2011 – February 2012:
Exmoor for Less: Base Yourself at Exmoor House To Explore Our Wild West (Chris Inge).
Chris bemoans the fact that people tend to think of Exmoor as being in Devon, when most of it is in Somerset! He says:
”…ignore the lemmings and approach Exmoor through Somerset. If you stay at Exmoor House you’ll be just three miles from its high point, Dunkery Beacon…”
Chris continues, about Exmoor House: ”Nothing was too much trouble: an early cup of Earl Grey and the offer of cake; advice on walks; a phone call to book Sunday lunch at a busy pub. On the wall were credentials showing a wider, more considered professionalism: four stars from VisitEngland and a commendation for their walking and cycling facilities; gold in the Green Tourism Business Scheme and Best Performer in the 2008 Green Tourism Awards. I would add two others: one for the most comfortable bed I have slept in, ever, and a second for the most unexpected reminder of a kinder, nicer era: an honesty bar…”
Read the full review at http://www.whatsonsomerset.com/WOS%20ISSUE%2018.pdf - you can download the whole magazine – it’s a very useful resource covering events in the whole of Somerset. The review of Exmoor House is on page 6
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Snowdrop Valley: February 2012, Wheddon Cross, Exmoor National Park
Snowdrops make everyone smile – they’re such a welcome sign of Spring. Exmoor’s Snowdrop Valley in Somerset, once a well-kept secret, is becoming more well known, and deservedly so.
The narrow road to Snowdrop Valley will be closed to traffic during snowdrop time, but there is a park and ride service from Wheddon Cross village down to the valley and back. This year’s dates for the park and ride buses are 4th to 26th February, with the road remaining closed for a week after that. Of course, you don’t have to get the bus – it’s a beautiful hilly walk (walking boots or wellies essential!).
You can find more information at
http://snowdropvalleyupdate.blogspot.com/
http://www.wheddoncross.org.uk/snowdropvalley.htm
To get to Wheddon Cross, why not use the West Somerset Railway Snowdrops & Steam service? It runs on February 14th 15th and 16th and will be a great day out! For more details and bookings information, visit
http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/section.php?xSec=58&xPage=1
And while you’re here, you could have morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea at Exmoor House. We’ll be opening our lovely dining room as a tearoom and serving delicious food, all home-made with care and local ingredients. If there are going to be four or more of you, we recommend that you book in advance. Exmoor House is also open for dinner most evenings – booking is essential for this. Find more information about our food at http://www.exmoorhotel.co.uk/FOOD.HTM
Looking for somewhere to stay for a few nights for your Snowdrop Valley visit? Do check out our place: comfy accommodation, great value dinner bed & breakfast packages: http://www.exmoorhotel.co.uk/
No need to just take our word for it, though: here’s a link to What’s on Somerset magazine, where there is a review about us on page 6. http://www.whatsonsomerset.com/WOS%20ISSUE%2018.pdf
Hope to see you soon!
The narrow road to Snowdrop Valley will be closed to traffic during snowdrop time, but there is a park and ride service from Wheddon Cross village down to the valley and back. This year’s dates for the park and ride buses are 4th to 26th February, with the road remaining closed for a week after that. Of course, you don’t have to get the bus – it’s a beautiful hilly walk (walking boots or wellies essential!).
You can find more information at
http://snowdropvalleyupdate.blogspot.com/
http://www.wheddoncross.org.uk/snowdropvalley.htm
To get to Wheddon Cross, why not use the West Somerset Railway Snowdrops & Steam service? It runs on February 14th 15th and 16th and will be a great day out! For more details and bookings information, visit
http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/section.php?xSec=58&xPage=1
And while you’re here, you could have morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea at Exmoor House. We’ll be opening our lovely dining room as a tearoom and serving delicious food, all home-made with care and local ingredients. If there are going to be four or more of you, we recommend that you book in advance. Exmoor House is also open for dinner most evenings – booking is essential for this. Find more information about our food at http://www.exmoorhotel.co.uk/FOOD.HTM
Looking for somewhere to stay for a few nights for your Snowdrop Valley visit? Do check out our place: comfy accommodation, great value dinner bed & breakfast packages: http://www.exmoorhotel.co.uk/
No need to just take our word for it, though: here’s a link to What’s on Somerset magazine, where there is a review about us on page 6. http://www.whatsonsomerset.com/WOS%20ISSUE%2018.pdf
Hope to see you soon!
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
We love Taunton, Somerset’s county town: things to see, shopping, places to eat
Since we moved to the country, the Big Metropolis for us is Taunton, the capital of Somerset. It’s our favourite place round here when we need to do a large shop or a large variety of shopping; more of shopping later, though, because there’s plenty else to tell. I temped in Taunton for a while when we first moved to Somerset, and during my lunch breaks I discovered some of its secret (and not so secret) places and things to see. Here’s a taster.
Vivary Park is great for a wander, well used but still peaceful, with lots of interesting corners. There are some gorgeous houses backing on to the park, at which I’ve cast many an envious look.
If you only have time to look at one of the churches in Taunton, make it St Mary Magdalene. The churchyard and surrounding streets are also very atmospheric, giving a feeling of what the town must have been like in the days before the car parks were needed.
The River Tone flows though the town (Tone-town, it must’ve been!) and it’s a nice stroll along the pathways at Goodland Gardens and French Weir. As I write this, there’s some renovation work going on by the riverside so not all the paths are accessible.
Through the archway at Castle Bow you’ll find a collection of historic and picturesque buildings. The castle itself contains the beautifully laid out Museum of Somerset, recently opened again after a massive redevelopment.
Shopping! The main retail areas in the town centre are the High Street, East Street, North Street and the adjoining arcades, where there are all the usual chain stores and independent shops too. There’s a good farmers market on the High Street every Thursday. For plenty of interesting individual shops, try the area around Middle Street and the back streets near the bridge, also Bath Place off the High Street.
Food is dear to our hearts, and we generally combine a visit to Taunton with a good lunch. Some of our favourite places to eat include The Sanctuary on Middle Street (their light lunch menu is very good value); Brazz on Castle Bow (part of The Castle Hotel); the Castle Green Inn (on Castle Green, would you believe?); the Flying Aubergine (great name!) by the river; there are many more too.
Find more information about Taunton, and a link to a heritage trail, at http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset-towns-and-villages/taunton-p500243
Vivary Park is great for a wander, well used but still peaceful, with lots of interesting corners. There are some gorgeous houses backing on to the park, at which I’ve cast many an envious look.
If you only have time to look at one of the churches in Taunton, make it St Mary Magdalene. The churchyard and surrounding streets are also very atmospheric, giving a feeling of what the town must have been like in the days before the car parks were needed.
The River Tone flows though the town (Tone-town, it must’ve been!) and it’s a nice stroll along the pathways at Goodland Gardens and French Weir. As I write this, there’s some renovation work going on by the riverside so not all the paths are accessible.
Through the archway at Castle Bow you’ll find a collection of historic and picturesque buildings. The castle itself contains the beautifully laid out Museum of Somerset, recently opened again after a massive redevelopment.
Shopping! The main retail areas in the town centre are the High Street, East Street, North Street and the adjoining arcades, where there are all the usual chain stores and independent shops too. There’s a good farmers market on the High Street every Thursday. For plenty of interesting individual shops, try the area around Middle Street and the back streets near the bridge, also Bath Place off the High Street.
Food is dear to our hearts, and we generally combine a visit to Taunton with a good lunch. Some of our favourite places to eat include The Sanctuary on Middle Street (their light lunch menu is very good value); Brazz on Castle Bow (part of The Castle Hotel); the Castle Green Inn (on Castle Green, would you believe?); the Flying Aubergine (great name!) by the river; there are many more too.
Find more information about Taunton, and a link to a heritage trail, at http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset-towns-and-villages/taunton-p500243
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Things to do on & around Exmoor when it's raining
Exmoor is fabulous for walking and cycling, as you know. But, this being England, you may get some rainy days during your stay (or there may be days when you’d rather take it easier but still get out and about). With this in mind, here are some suggestions for other things to do…
There are plenty of interesting towns and villages to mooch around, for example Dulverton, Dunster, Watchet, Porlock and Lynton/Lynmouth.
National Trust properties in the area include Dunster Castle, just a few miles down the road from us; Coleridge Cottage (at Nether Stowey in the Quantocks – recently refurbished and now with more rooms open); Knightshayes Court near Tiverton; Arlington Court near Barnstaple (so much to see, you can easily spend the whole day here).
How about a safari on Exmoor? The drivers know where to take you for the best chances of seeing wildlife, even if the weather’s not that good. There are several safari companies; the ones nearest to Exmoor House are Barle Valley Safaris and Red Stag Safari. They may be able to pick you up from our door.
Museums? At Watchet there is the Boat Museum and the Market House Museum. Allerford has the West Somerset Rural Life Museum – a fascinating glimpse into the past, including a Victorian schoolroom. In Porlock, Dovery Manor and the Exmoor Classic Car Collection are both recommended. The Bakelite Museum at Williton was described by some of our guests as ‘quirky, eccentric and amazingly interesting’.
A trip on a steam train might be just the ticket. The West Somerset Railway operates services between Minehead and Bishop’s Lydeard. Day Rover tickets allow you to hop on and off at any station; you can buy the tickets at a discount from us here at Exmoor House. There’s something of interest at every station stop and some great views en route, including a different perspective on Dunster Castle. My favourite bit is where the railway line hugs the coast: it feels incredibly remote.
Other interesting places to visit? To meet many creatures great and small, there’s Tropiquaria, near Watchet, as well as the Exmoor Zoo, Bratton Fleming (which even has its own Exmoor Beast) and the Owl and Hawk Centre near Allerford. A bit further away, you could visit Quince Honey Farm at South Molton in Devon, for all things bee-related; or the Willows and Wetlands Centre at Stoke St Gregory to discover the huge part that willow has played in people’s lives on the Somerset Levels through the years and the sheer variety of things that can be made out of willow.
Just a few ideas, then... hope they'll be useful!
There are plenty of interesting towns and villages to mooch around, for example Dulverton, Dunster, Watchet, Porlock and Lynton/Lynmouth.
National Trust properties in the area include Dunster Castle, just a few miles down the road from us; Coleridge Cottage (at Nether Stowey in the Quantocks – recently refurbished and now with more rooms open); Knightshayes Court near Tiverton; Arlington Court near Barnstaple (so much to see, you can easily spend the whole day here).
How about a safari on Exmoor? The drivers know where to take you for the best chances of seeing wildlife, even if the weather’s not that good. There are several safari companies; the ones nearest to Exmoor House are Barle Valley Safaris and Red Stag Safari. They may be able to pick you up from our door.
Museums? At Watchet there is the Boat Museum and the Market House Museum. Allerford has the West Somerset Rural Life Museum – a fascinating glimpse into the past, including a Victorian schoolroom. In Porlock, Dovery Manor and the Exmoor Classic Car Collection are both recommended. The Bakelite Museum at Williton was described by some of our guests as ‘quirky, eccentric and amazingly interesting’.
A trip on a steam train might be just the ticket. The West Somerset Railway operates services between Minehead and Bishop’s Lydeard. Day Rover tickets allow you to hop on and off at any station; you can buy the tickets at a discount from us here at Exmoor House. There’s something of interest at every station stop and some great views en route, including a different perspective on Dunster Castle. My favourite bit is where the railway line hugs the coast: it feels incredibly remote.
Other interesting places to visit? To meet many creatures great and small, there’s Tropiquaria, near Watchet, as well as the Exmoor Zoo, Bratton Fleming (which even has its own Exmoor Beast) and the Owl and Hawk Centre near Allerford. A bit further away, you could visit Quince Honey Farm at South Molton in Devon, for all things bee-related; or the Willows and Wetlands Centre at Stoke St Gregory to discover the huge part that willow has played in people’s lives on the Somerset Levels through the years and the sheer variety of things that can be made out of willow.
Just a few ideas, then... hope they'll be useful!
Monday, 10 October 2011
Walking on Exmoor: some walks we've done in summer and autumn 2011
Recently we’ve discovered more new (to us) Exmoor walks which I’d like to share with you.
Withypool to Landacre Bridge: about 4.5 miles. Along the River Barle to the bridge, then back to Withypool via lanes and fields. It was a sunny late-summer day when we went, and the riverbanks were full of meadowsweet and montbretia, which made a stunning contrast with the bright blue sky. A small herd of Exmoor Horn sheep were totally unfazed, idly watching us as we walked through their field; the Exmoor ponies grazing near Landacre Bridge were similarly unbothered. Withypool’s pub, the Royal Oak, is cosy and homely, with local beers and great food.
Dulverton and Court Down: about 4 miles. Another walk that starts off by following the river. Be warned: the riverside path is closed at one point, after a landslide a couple of years ago. Follow the diversion signs and you’ll stay on the right track, emerging near Kennel Farm. There’s a leg-stretching climb up to the trig point on Court Down and a different perspective on Dulverton as you go back down into the village.
Dunster and Grabbist Hill: about 4.5 miles. Starts near Frackford Bridge, just outside Dunster on the road going up towards Wheddon Cross. There’s a longish climb up Grabbist Hill, fabulous views from the top and from Knowle Hill, a meander through plantations and finally a choice between a very (and I mean very) steep descent down towards Dunster and a less steep one (which, personally, I would choose next time!).
Hawkridge: about 3.5 miles. This one passes Tom Lock’s workshop (he’s known as the Antler Man; you’ll see why) and the church (worth a look: one of those charming, simple moorland churches with a lovely peaceful atmosphere). Then it follows an ancient trackway through fields and woods, emerging by Castle Bridge. You can also take a diversion to visit the remains of Brewer’s Castle, an Iron Age fort. A bridleway takes you along part of Dane’s Brook before meeting up with the original track to return to Hawkridge.
All these walks except the Dunster one are in ‘Shortish Walks on Exmoor’ (Robert Hesketh) published by Bossiney Books http://www.bossineybooks.com/
Withypool to Landacre Bridge: about 4.5 miles. Along the River Barle to the bridge, then back to Withypool via lanes and fields. It was a sunny late-summer day when we went, and the riverbanks were full of meadowsweet and montbretia, which made a stunning contrast with the bright blue sky. A small herd of Exmoor Horn sheep were totally unfazed, idly watching us as we walked through their field; the Exmoor ponies grazing near Landacre Bridge were similarly unbothered. Withypool’s pub, the Royal Oak, is cosy and homely, with local beers and great food.
Dulverton and Court Down: about 4 miles. Another walk that starts off by following the river. Be warned: the riverside path is closed at one point, after a landslide a couple of years ago. Follow the diversion signs and you’ll stay on the right track, emerging near Kennel Farm. There’s a leg-stretching climb up to the trig point on Court Down and a different perspective on Dulverton as you go back down into the village.
Dunster and Grabbist Hill: about 4.5 miles. Starts near Frackford Bridge, just outside Dunster on the road going up towards Wheddon Cross. There’s a longish climb up Grabbist Hill, fabulous views from the top and from Knowle Hill, a meander through plantations and finally a choice between a very (and I mean very) steep descent down towards Dunster and a less steep one (which, personally, I would choose next time!).
Hawkridge: about 3.5 miles. This one passes Tom Lock’s workshop (he’s known as the Antler Man; you’ll see why) and the church (worth a look: one of those charming, simple moorland churches with a lovely peaceful atmosphere). Then it follows an ancient trackway through fields and woods, emerging by Castle Bridge. You can also take a diversion to visit the remains of Brewer’s Castle, an Iron Age fort. A bridleway takes you along part of Dane’s Brook before meeting up with the original track to return to Hawkridge.
All these walks except the Dunster one are in ‘Shortish Walks on Exmoor’ (Robert Hesketh) published by Bossiney Books http://www.bossineybooks.com/
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