Exmoor has so much to offer its vistors that there has to be something for everyone.

Exmoor ponies
View from Dunkery
Malsmead
The beach at Minehead

Exmoor's scenery can be quite breathtaking and ever changing with moorland, wooded valleys, surfing beaches, secluded bays, trickling streams, fast flowing riverswide expanses of wild heather deep wooded coombes of ancient oak forest, a majestic coastline with the highest sea cliffs in the country quiet coves and beaches herds of wild red deer and Exmoor ponies and some 600 miles of way-marked walks .

We have railways, zoos, golf, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, walking and riding.

From the cottage you can walk to Snowdrop Valley and then up onto the moors and Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, from here you can look across the Bristol Channel to Wales and up towards North Somerset. In the other direction you can see right down into Dartmoor.

Hopefully you will see some Exmoor red deer on your walk. From Dunkery you can complete a circular walk eventually taking you back down the hill to the Travellers Rest.

Exploring Exmoor on horse back is probably one of the best ways to see and hear Exmoor at its best. Being that much closer to nature you are more likely to see red deer, Exmoor ponies, birds and butterflies living on the moor. There are several Riding Stables in the area or you could bring your own horse and we could arrange livery for you in the village. Or maybe a day's hunting with one of the local fox or staghound packs. Hunters are available to hire in the nearby village of Timberscombe.

If horse riding isn't your scene there are local Land Rover Safaris from Porlock and Exford most days. The guide knows all the best places to show you Exmoor at its best.

Fishing is also a great pastime on Exmoor. We have fishing in the local rivers and streams, fishing at Wimbleball Lake and being so close to the coast, as well as fresh water fishing, sea fishing trips are also very popular. Don't forget you need a fishing permit! If you don't want to fish but enjoy the sea try a trip on the Waverley or a boat trip to Lundy Island.

West Somerset and Devon has some excellent golf courses right beside the sea. Minehead, Taunton and Saunton Sands are probably the most well known locally.

We are lucky not being too far from the wonderful sandy surfing beaches of North Devon. Woolacombe Beach is with its golden sand and dunes and is a great family favourite. It is clean and safe beach with great surfing waves. Croyde Bay and Putsborough are favourite beaches with local families. Again lovely sandy beaches, surfing and sailing. Plus Croyde has rock pools which are popular with younger children. Saunton Sands has 3 miles of sandy beach and dunes - again with excellent surfing and is ideal for all water sports.

LISTED BELOW ARE A FEW LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Thomas the Tank engine visiting West Somerset Railway, Minehead

 

West Somerset Railway
Exmoor's most popular tourist attraction.
Enjoy 20 miles of glorious Somerset scenery as the train gently rolls back the years on its journey beside the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel coast. Just sit back in your seat and watch the steam and countryside drift past the window.
You can break your journey at any station and enjoy a country walk or coastal stroll. Why not seek out a village pub for lunch.

Dunser Castle

 

Dunster Castle
The castle and park were given over to the National Trust in 1976 by Lieutenant Colonel Walter Luttrell whose ancestors had been at Dunster for 600 years and overlooks the medieval village of Dunster. Dunster Castle has been a strategically important fixture to the Exmoor landscape for the last 1000 years.

Open from March to October

 

Watermouth Castle
Enter the castle & step back in time with museum, dungeons & the underground water spectacular. Stroll through gardens to gnomeland, mini golf, rides & play areas. With shop, cafe & free parking. An all-in admission price covers all attractions except antique coin operated machines, shop goods and catering outlets.

 

Tropiquaria near Minehead

 

Tropiquaria near Minehead
Tropiquaria Animal and Adventure Park is a great day out for adults and children of all ages. Hold a snake or tarantula in the Tropical Hall, visit the amazing puppet show and the newly redecorated aquarium. For a nostalgic experience see the Radio Museum. Outside play for hours on the full-size pirate ships or in the Indoor Play Castle and don't forget the animals all around our grounds. Hours of fun, rain or shine!

Cheetah at Exmoor Zoo

 

Exmoor Zoo
The zoo houses over 200 species of wildlife set in natural surroundings. Organised keeper talks orientated around animal feed times, encounter sessions and displays, make a relaxed, informative and entertaining day out. Designed for the family, inside the zoo is something for everybody interested in our living world, whether that is Rabbits, Spiders Monkeys or Birds.

Exmoor Steam Railway

 

Exmoor Steam Railway
This unique half size narrow-gauge railway nestles on the western slopes of the Exmoor National Park almost 1000ft above sea level & is the highest narrow gauge railway in England. The track was lengthened & an additional station opened during the summer of 97, making a two-mile return journey through our extensive gardens. Unlimited Number of Rides Children's Adventure Play area Trampolines & Model Railway.

Combe Martin Wildlife Park

 

Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosuar Park
30 acres of sub tropical paradise with 100's of exotic birds & animals and some of the most realistic Dinosaurs on the Planet! Also daily shows and a earthquake canyon train ride. The park is home to over 170 species of wildlife many of them endangered and on breeding programmes.

Other places to visit on Exmoor

Arlington Court, Nr Barnstaple
National Trust house and gardens. Built in 1822 it contains fascinating collections for every taste and is set in 11 acres of park and gardens.

Atlantic Village, Bideford
Under cover discount shopping outlet with Discovery Island family adventure park.

Barnstaple Heritage Centre
Hands on attraction that tells the story of the town's 1000 year heritage.

Barnstaple Pannier Market
Combining the best of fresh produce with value for money, general goods all under one roof.

The Big Sheep, Nr Bideford
Farm based attraction with entertainment programme throughout the day including sheep racing, duck trialling and sheep milking.

Brannams Pottery, Barnstaple
Tours of the famous Brannam Pottery. Shop, museum and pot throwing.

Braunton & District Museum
Fascinating hands on local heritage centre reflecting the area's agricultural and maritime past. Interest for all ages.

Brocklands Adventure Park, Nr Kilkhampton
Fantastic fun for all the family whatever the weather. Supa-karts, ball pools, bumper boats and lots more.

Clovelly
Cobbled streets, flower-strewn cottages, inns, craft workshops, working harbour, the famous donkeys, stunning views.

Cobbaton Combat Museum, Nr Umberleigh
Collection of fighting vehicles, guns and weapons and equipment set in realistic settings.

Dartington Crystal, Gt Torrington
See the world famous glassware being made. Museum and factory tours. Factory and gift shops.

Docton Mills & Gardens, Nr Hartland
Situated near Hartland, Docton Mill & Gardens takes its character from its surroundings - a secluded valley.

Eden Project, St. Austell
An unforgettable experience in a breathtaking location. Eden is a fascinating world of plants and people and a vibrant reminder of how we need each other for our mutual survival. This is a full day trip approximately 2-3 hours from North Devon.

Exmoor Brass Rubbing Centre, Lynmouth
Collection of over 100 brasses and rubbing plates. Instruction, supervision and materials provided.

The Gnome Reserve, Bradworthy
Meet over one thousand Gnomes and Pixies set in woodland and wild flower gardens.

Hartland Abbey
Fascinating 12th century lived-in family house with beautiful gardens and woodland walk to Atlantic Cove.

Ilfracombe Aquarium
Discover the wonders of the aquatic life living in and around the area at the old lifeboat house, Ilfracombe Harbour.

Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe
A state of the art theatre and pavilion offering a wide range of art and entertainment throughout the year.

Lets Go Superbowl, Barnstaple
Ten bowling lanes, megazone lazer tag arena, children's soft play area, American air hockey and pool tables.

Lundy Island
North Devon's own Atlantic Island. Day cruises depart regularly throughout the year to this remote island of outstanding natural beauty.

Marwood Hill Gardens, Nr Barnstaple
20 acre garden with 3 lakes. Wide range of plants to give year round colour and interest. Plants for sale.

Mortehoe & Woolacombe Golf Club
9 holes and 18 tees, practise nets, putting green, chippingarea and sea views, 4729 yds, par 66.

The Milky Way, Nr Clovelly
A galaxy of entertainment for the family. Includes Clone Zone Alien Encounter, Time Warp indoor adventure zone, Bird of Prey Centre and LynBarn Railway.

Plough Arts Centre, Torrington A multi-media centre with a varied programme of cinema, theatre, music, art and craft gallery.

North Devon Festival
150 main events in 50 towns and villages, the North Devon Festival takes place in June for 24 days

North Devon Leisure Centre, Barnstaple
Great choice of activities and facilities including large swimming pool and sauna, sports hall, fitness centre, squash courts and indoor bowling.

North Devon Karting Centre, Barnstaple
Enjoy racing on both 400m and 200m circuits, for beginners and experts. Helmets provided.

Once Upon A Time, Woolacombe
Fantasy land for children aged 3-11. Includes unique driving school, outdoor and indoor play area, Fairy Tale Carriages and many ides.

Pleasure Steamers - Waverley And Balmoral
Regular day trips depart from Ilfracombe harbour, offering the chance to view the spectacular Exmoor coastline.

The Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple
Year round programme of entertainment in newly refurbished theatre.

Quince Honey Farm, South Molton
Fascinating insight into the life and work of the honey bee with living exhibits and story of honey making.

RHS Rosemoor Gardens, Gt Torrington
Established as a garden of National importance. Over 40 acres of planting including many special features.

Surf South West, Croyde
Learn to surf with a British Surfing Association Approved school. All equipment supplied.

Tapeley Park Gardens, Nr. Instow
35 acres of gardens including an Italian terrace garden, walled kitchen garden and woodland walks to lakes. A labyrinth reached by a new walk.

Tarka Cruises
Pleasure trips from the ancient port of Appledore along the scenic estuary to see wildlife and scenery.

Torrington 1664
Travel through time to meet characters from 17th century Great Torrington.Tunnels Beach, Ilfracombe
Hand carved tunnels leading to unique sheltered beaches and tidal Victorian bathing pool.