The exmoor area
Our Location
Our Lakeside Lodges are set in the heart of the valley near one of Devon's most famous rivers (The Exe) which runs its course south from Simonsbath on Exmoor and joins the Exe Estuary just beyond Exeter. The location is perfect for visiting both West Somerset, Exmoor, the Somerset and Devon coasts as well as North Devon.
Exmoor
Exmoor National Park is wild and rugged with famous Exmoor ponies as well as being home to Lorna Doone country. There are plenty of walks to go on and some wonderful places to visit such as Tarr Steps where there is the award winning Tarr Farm which has a fantastic restaurant as well as great bar meals and local ales.
A unique landscape of moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland, shaped by people and nature over thousands of years. Where high cliffs plunge into the Bristol Channel, and cosy pubs and tearooms offer delicious local produce. On Exmoor it is still possible to find tranquillity and peace as well as rediscover your sense of adventure; to catch a glimpse of wild red deer, be amazed by dark skies full of stars, and explore villages full of character.
Wimbleball lake
Wimbleball is a hub of colour and activity throughout all the seasons. Nestled within the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park, there are plenty of ways to get active at Wimbleball. With an array of walking and cycling trails winding around the 530 acre site, and a fantastic range of watersports and other activities available, this is the perfect location to spend a day outdoors – whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging expedition.
NORTH DEVON
North Devon occupies a sizeable area of 850 square miles. To the east it blends into Exmoor and to the west is Cornwall.
There are some lovely towns including the popular ancient fishing village of Clovelly shown above. The village is only reached via the visitors area at the top of the village and no cars go into the village itself. Goods are taken into the village via sled!
Hartland is a wonderful cliff top area and walk, and you can also visit the bustling town of Barnstaple with its Pannier Market, and Bideford on the river estuary.
Dulverton & Bampton
The market town of Dulverton is just a short drive away, 3 miles north. Dulverton, in the heart of West Somerset sometimes known as the southern gateway to Exmoor.
Dulverton sits between the River Barle and the River Exe and is a popular, historic market town with a vibrant village community a selection of great pubs, shops with local produce and a picturesque church. There is also a monthly farmers market.
Bampton, a historic Charter Town, lies in mid-Devon close to the Somerset border, and is on the edge of the Exmoor National Park.
Bampton has a great range of local amenities - including shops, pubs and restaurants. It also has quite a history from the Romans to its early Saxon origins, the Norman castle, the wool and pony trade, the 12th century church, the quarrying of the local stone; now it is a thriving centre used by local villagers and visitors
Lynton & Lynmouth
The towns of Lynton and Lynmouth are a short drive. Two villages on the coast, one above the other, Lynton and Lynmouth were known by the Victorians as 'Little Switzerland'. Lynton is an attractive village with a museum and good range of restaurants, cafes, tea shops and artisan shops.
Six Hundred feet below Lynton is the small harbour of Lynmouth. The two villages are linked by a famous and ingenius cliff railway which is well worth a ride.
Two rivers - the East Lyn and the Hoaroak - combine just inland from the harbour at Watersmeet and sweep down a spectacular gorge and through the village to the sea. There are some lovely walks from Lynmouth, notably up the river gorge to Watersmeet where the National Trust have a shop and tea rooms or West along the coast path to the Valley of Rocks with its wonderful scenery and flock of wild goats or round Hollerday Hill overlooking Lynton.
You can download a printable map which shows you walks and sites around the area below.
Tiverton
The larger town of Tiverton, just 12 miles south is worth a visit. On the outskirts of Tiverton lies the Grand Western Canal with an amazing 24 bridges along its 11-mile stretch.
Built originally to transport lime, it is now a beauty spot with local wildlife, including yellow flags and arrowhead, darting dragonflies, coots, mallards, and moorhens. Enjoy the scenery with a walk along the towpath, or trips afloat on painted barges drawn by magnificent shire horses, courtesy of the Tiverton Canal Co.
