Garden Cottage Guidebook
Great walks
Dunkery Beacon
Great views !
https://exmoorwalks.org/explorers/Dunkery-Beacon
Ancient woods - National Trust walks and tea room
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/horner-wood
7 locals recommend
Horner Wood
Ancient woods - National Trust walks and tea room
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/horner-wood
Watersmeet Road
Watersmeet RoadNational Trust valley with lovely tearoom
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/watersmeet
Lovely walks for dogs, in Forestry Commission woods, historical interest about Exmoor Mineral Line
https://www.forestryengland.uk/chargot-wood
Chargot Wood
Lovely walks for dogs, in Forestry Commission woods, historical interest about Exmoor Mineral Line
https://www.forestryengland.uk/chargot-wood
Nutcombe Bottom, Tall Trees Trail
Broadwood RoadVery near to a Timberscombe - a real must do!
Bossington
Scenic walks leading to views over the sea at Porlock
Kennisham Hill
Another great Forestry Commission walk on the top of Exmoor
A fantastic cliff edge walks, superb views, goats, a cricket pitch and cafe in the valley
Choose a bright day to visit
115 locals recommend
Valley of Rocks
South West Coast PathA fantastic cliff edge walks, superb views, goats, a cricket pitch and cafe in the valley
Choose a bright day to visit
Allerford
Beautiful village
Yet another great local walk from Dunster, beautiful when covered in heather, wonderful wildlife
https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/learning/the-moorland-classroom/grabbist
Grabbist Coppice
Yet another great local walk from Dunster, beautiful when covered in heather, wonderful wildlife
https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/learning/the-moorland-classroom/grabbist
Church of St Petrock
Village church, short walk
Lovely quiet walking at local reservoir, dogs not permitted though
http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/clatworthy-reservoir-walking-route
9 locals recommend
Clatworthy Reservoir
Lovely quiet walking at local reservoir, dogs not permitted though
http://www.gps-routes.co.uk/routes/home.nsf/RoutesLinksWalks/clatworthy-reservoir-walking-route
Wimbleball Lake
Local reservoir
Visit Exmoor walks.org
Exmoor is an official ‘Dark Sky’ location look for the Dark Sky Discovery Trail.
During late October to early November Exmoor holds its Dark Skies Festival, see here for more information, https://www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk/
Exmoor Walks
2 Blakes Hill RoadVisit Exmoor walks.org
Exmoor is an official ‘Dark Sky’ location look for the Dark Sky Discovery Trail.
During late October to early November Exmoor holds its Dark Skies Festival, see here for more information, https://www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk/
Days Out
Great day out, start at Lynton, take the cliff railway down to Lynmouth, have fish and chips, play golf and buy seaside goodies.
97 locals recommend
Lynton and Lynmouth
Great day out, start at Lynton, take the cliff railway down to Lynmouth, have fish and chips, play golf and buy seaside goodies.
Cleeve Abbey
Abbey RoadEnglish Heritage, lots to look at
Busy seaside resort, lots of things to do, especially for kids.
Nice walk to harbour where you can watch fisherman and buy a cuppa or visit The Old Ship Aground pub, which serves good food.
12 locals recommend
Minehead Seafront
West Somerset Coast PathBusy seaside resort, lots of things to do, especially for kids.
Nice walk to harbour where you can watch fisherman and buy a cuppa or visit The Old Ship Aground pub, which serves good food.
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Gardeners Paradise
Ideas for families
Tropiquaria Wildlife Park
Washford CrossGreat day out for children
Dunster Castle
Great day out for family!
Small harbour, inspired Samuel Coleridge to write the Ancient Mariner.
Wednesdays are market day, (May to September).
28 locals recommend
Watchet Harbour Marina
10 The EsplanadeSmall harbour, inspired Samuel Coleridge to write the Ancient Mariner.
Wednesdays are market day, (May to September).
Great steam railway running through stunning countryside, offering short trips and specialist trips (Harry Potter, Murder Mystery and Christmas Specials.
https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/
37 locals recommend
Bishops Lydeard Station
Great steam railway running through stunning countryside, offering short trips and specialist trips (Harry Potter, Murder Mystery and Christmas Specials.
https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/
Butlins
What you would expect :)
https://www.butlins.com/resorts/minehead
The nearest (and best!) beach.
Dog friendly, sandy, with food and hot drinks for sale.
Sadly you have to pay for parking (use debit card)
Can walk from here to Blue Anchor ( or reverse it)
Quaint beach huts
7 locals recommend
Dunster Beach Holidays Ltd
Dunster BeachThe nearest (and best!) beach.
Dog friendly, sandy, with food and hot drinks for sale.
Sadly you have to pay for parking (use debit card)
Can walk from here to Blue Anchor ( or reverse it)
Quaint beach huts
The Original Exmoor Safari
Chapel StreetFood scene
One of the best cream tea's in England served in a thatched cottage, lovely walks and views nearby.
7 locals recommend
Periwinkle Cottage Tea Room
68 Selworthy GreenOne of the best cream tea's in England served in a thatched cottage, lovely walks and views nearby.
Great 1930s beach hut converted to cafe, great coffee, cake and dog friendly with out door eating area.
Great to take cover after a blustery walk along the prom or on the beach when the tide is out.
14 locals recommend
Driftwood Cafe
Blue Anchor Bay RoadGreat 1930s beach hut converted to cafe, great coffee, cake and dog friendly with out door eating area.
Great to take cover after a blustery walk along the prom or on the beach when the tide is out.
Sightseeing
Fantastic display of snowdrops in February
Very popular
http://www.wheddoncross.org.uk/snowdropvalley.htm
Snowdrop Valley
Fantastic display of snowdrops in February
Very popular
http://www.wheddoncross.org.uk/snowdropvalley.htm
Porlock Weir
https://www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk/blog/porlock-weir-visitors-guide/
Traveler advice
Getting around
Dog friendly local beaches
There are lots of them!
https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-west-england/somerset/dogs-allowed
Getting around
Timberscombe Village Website
Local history and information
https://timberscombevillage.com/
Getting around
Walking Tours of Dunster
Exmoor Walking Tours
Come wander through time with us !!
90 minute walk every Tuesday 10.30 or 2.00 tours start at the Dunster steep car park.
Email exmoorvillagewalks@gmail.com or phone Jackie 07789 767710 to book
Getting around
Exmoor Coaster, open top bus tour - spectacular!
https://www.firstbus.co.uk/adventures-bus/services/exmoor-coaster. This is a great way to see the wonderful scenery of Exmoor, including the ascent and descent of Porlock Hill. Hop on/off. Can join at Dunster Steep or many other local stops.