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