+44 (0)7765 916736 polly@westerclose.co.uk

Enjoying Exmoor

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things to do & eating out

Exmoor offers a vast array of interesting places and activities for both first time and returning visitors, whether you are looking for a quiet break away from the hustle and bustle or an active break for you and your family.

For an active holiday there are miles of wonderful walks or cycle rides, or horse riding across the myriad of bridleways over the moor. Fishermen can fish beautiful fast flowing rivers and still waters, or take a boat sea fishing from various coastal ports.

Or just unwind by visiting one of the fabulous open gardens or National Trust houses within a short drive of Westerclose.

There is nothing more satisfying than going to a cosy traditional pub for a delicious meal, after a long walk with the family, or ramble with the dogs. There are lots of lovely historic pubs and inns across the area offering pub classics and local ales and spirits.

If you are looking to head out for a delectable 3-course meal, for a romantic evening or to dine with friends, there are lots of restaurant options across the area sourcing quality local ingredients and offering a real taste of Exmoor.

Cafes, Tea Rooms and Gardens are scattered across the area serving fantastic breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas, and not forgetting cream teas! Most are walker, cyclist and dog friendly, so rest your weary feet and treat yourself to a tasty homecooked feast.

Walking

Withypool is an excellent location for a walking holiday, being at the centre of Exmoor National Park.

Westerclose is 100 yards from the Two Moors Way and there are numerous circular walks directly from your door, along the wooded Barle valley or over the beautiful heather-clad moorland. With over 650 miles of footpaths in the Park you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Our information room has details of popular walks suitable for all abilities. A very good guide to walks on Exmoor can be found here with easy to download maps/guides.

Cycling

Cycling on Exmoor is one of the most rewarding ways of seeing the countryside. Although hilly, Exmoor provides a wide choice of routes for both on-road and off-road cyclists, including the Exmoor Cycle Route.

The Ordnance Survey Map Outdoor Leisure 9, with its clear marking of the various rights of way, is a good starting reference. More specific leaflets showing designated cycle routes are available in our Information Room here at Westerclose. We also have secure undercover bike storage.

Fishing

There is excellent river fishing for trout and salmon on the Exe, Barle and tributaries.

The Dulverton Angling Association (DAA) has several beats on the Rivers Barle, Exe and Haddeo with the primary fish species being wild Brown Trout. The Association can also provide accessible Salmon fishing on other parts of the Exe via both the River Exe and Tributaries Association (RETA) and Fish the Exe scheme. DAA Membership can be obtained from Lance Nicholson Fishing & Guns, 9 High Street, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9HB   Tel. 01398 323409 

Wimbleball Lake is a South West Water Class 1 fly lake (about 20 minutes by car) and other trout lakes are nearby. Also excellent specimen carp and coarse fishing lakes with first-rate facilities – all within easy distance.

There is good sea fishing along the north coast and boat trips are available from Minehead, Lynmouth and Ilfracombe.

Horse riding

We have stables, loose boxes and turnout paddocks available on a DIY livery basis for those who want to bring their own horses on holiday to Exmoor. There is excellent hacking directly from our yard. See more information here.

Alternatively, horses and ponies can be hired locally by the hour or day – we are happy to advise on suitable local stables.

Stargazing

Exmoor National Park is home to some of the darkest skies in the country so it’s a great place to gaze at the stars.

The Exmoor Dark Skies Festival runs from 16 October to 1 November 2026. This annual festival comprises a series of stargazing events all over the National Park. Details of all events can be found on the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival webpage.

For thousands of years, humans have looked up at the night sky and wondered at what they saw. This wonder helped to define our sense of who we are, our myths and legends, our religious beliefs and a sense of our place in a wider cosmos.

But truly dark skies are becoming less common and in places like Exmoor, where there is minimal light pollution, on a cloudless night you can see thousands of stars and astronomical sights with the naked eye.

So why not take the time on Exmoor to look up and rediscover your sense of wonder?

The Dark Sky Discovery Trail at Larkbarrow near Exford is a self-led activity that you can enjoy all year round.

Wildlife

Exmoor National Park is renowned for its stunning herds of wild Exmoor Ponies and Red deer. There are occasional sightings of otters along the River Barle valley and more recently pine martens and beavers have be re-introduced onto Exmoor.

For birdwatchers, Exmoor is home to buzzards, merlin, harriers, chats, nuthatches & redshanks – to name just a few! It is a wonderful sight to see birds of prey in their natural habitat, watch kingfishers swoop along the waters of the River Barle just below Westerclose and hear the hooting of Tawny owls at night.

Dunster Castle

Attractions

Exmoor has many varied places to visit. There’s an endless choice of historic sites and glorious gardens, colourful family attractions, steam railway rides, craft workshops and wildlife parks as well as the acres of unspoilt countryside and beautiful coastline.

See below for some useful online links.