Hillway Lodge, Withypool

The exceptional Withypool village shop is open throughout the year, stocking a wide range of items including fresh fruit and vegetables, locally source diary produce, fresh bread, alcohol, soft drinks, household items, cards, newspapers and magazines, gifts, guide books and souvenirs. It's also the local Post Office and opposite is the village tea room which offers the classic local cream team as well as light savoury meals. Please support our local traders.

The Royal Oak Inn, the village pub, has seen its share of history since its construction in the late 17th century. It is believed that R. D. Blackmore wrote part of the 'Lorna Doone' novel in this bar. The pub serves food and is dog and family friendly. The pub is just over a mile from the property.

A short scenic drive away are the lovely restaurants at Tarr Steps, or Woods in Dulverton. You might also like to try the Exmoor Forest pub and restaurant in Simonsbath. Another recommendation is Reeves restaurant in Dunster, near the famous yarn market.

Exmoor has a range of exciting producers from Styles ice cream to Porlock Bay Oysters.

Right in the village of Withypool is The Exmoor Feasting Company who provide delicious grazing boxes and platters with the highest quality fresh ingredients and homemade delicacies that  can be delivered direct to the cottage or collected in the village to enjoy at home or on a picnic.

For a great range of teas and coffees you can visit the Miles Tea and Coffee Roastery shop in Porlock, or their outlet in Minehead. Or, there's the Exmoor Tea Co. who produce beautifully crafted, organic teas. 

Alcohol
Founded in 1979 on the edge of Exmoor in Wiveliscombe, Exmoor Ales was one of the pioneer ‘Micro Breweries’. The Exmoor Distillery is a family run, small batch, artisan gin and spirits producer, based in Dulverton. Wicked Wolf Exmoor Gin™ is a premium craft gin made from botanicals distilled on Exmoor. Eleven botanicals are individually distilled and then expertly blended on the banks of the picturesque River Lyn, in North Devon. Or you can visit Wellhayes Vineyard, in Devon, to see how they make quality sparkling wine on the edge of Exmoor.

Dunster Castle, a former motte and bailey castle, now a country house, is a fine National Trust property nearby with a watermill, formal gardens and wide open parkland for dog walks.

On a Thursday or Saturday nearby South Molton Market is full of local produce and interest.

The Exmoor Pony Centre, 15 minutes by car, focuses on the the oldest native pony breed in Britain, currently listed as an endangered rare breed. Approximately 3,500 of these ponies survive worldwide, of which around 350 still live free on Exmoor. The Moorland Mousie Trust, based at the Exmoor Pony Centre, works to promote and protect the Exmoor Pony. 

You can ride from the Exmoor Pony Centre, or from West Anstey or many other local sites to enjoy the spectacular open country. 

The Exmoor pony 'gathering' happens annually right by the farm usually on the first Saturday on October, when all the ponies that live on the open moor in the region are rounded up and checked over.

The West Somerset Railway offers 20 miles of heritage railway through stunning Somerset countryside and coast (steam and diesel).

Watchet, an old fishing port, now has a marina, an arts centre and restaurant, plus a variety of independent shops. Nearby is the Tropiquaria Zoo and wildlife parks. The former "Art Deco" BBC radio transmitter station originally built in 1933, now houses a Reptile Hall, Nocturnal House and Aquarium.  Outside are 4 acres of animal enclosures, along with two life size pirate ships, and adventure castle,

The Rural Life Museum in Allerford is located in the former village school. This property is the last thatched school in the country and has a Victorian schoolroom to explore.

Lynton and Lynmouth are connected by a water-powered cliff railway funicular and a great day out when combined with The Valley of the Rocks.

For a rainy day, Sim Centre UK is a simulation entertainment venue in Dulverton, where you can experience the thrill of Sim racing and Sim flying using motion Simulators and VR.

Wimbleball Lake is a hub of colour and activity throughout all the seasons. It has 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. 

Stargazing is popular at Wimbleball or from Exford. Pay a visit after dark and look up to the sky! Located within Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve on Exmoor, 

You can fish from Hillway in the River Barle, at well-stocked Wimbleball Lake, or there are sea fishing options too.

Safari tours are available to visit the moor or track down the red deer.

The surfing at Woolacombe is a huge draw. In Minehead and Taunton there are Stand Up Paddleboarding and Kayaking lessons available. You can also hire quality mountain bikes or SUPs and go off and explore the National Park however you want to.

Walking:

Hillway is surrounded by brilliant walking. The celebrated Two Moors Way, passes the farm gate, a coast to coast path suitable for both long distance and day walkers.

England's longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail, the South Coast Path stretches for 630 miles, running from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset.

Whether you are a dedicated walker or looking for a short stroll, Exmoor is the ideal place to explore the outdoors on foot. With over 1000km of footpaths and bridleways, through oak woodlands, alongside tumbling rivers and across open heather-covered moorland, the variety is endless. 

Guided walks are offered by the National Park and the Exmoor Society.

Beaches:

Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor and Cloutsham valley below are particularly stunning locations to explore, on foot or by car.

There are a huge range of beaches to enjoy:

Dunster Beach. Sand and stone. 
Blue Anchor Bay with its popular cafe.
Minehead Beach. A popular family beach.

Bossington Beach (National Trust). 
Porlock Beach. 
Lynmouth Eastern and Western Beaches. 
Lee Abbey Bay Beach. 
Woody Bay Beach (National Trust).
Combe Martin, where silver was once mined.

For bucket and sand , surfing or SUP, Woolacombe and Puttsborough are outstanding along with Croyde and Braunton.