Moor To Sea
Porlock is surrounded by hills and the climate is surprisingly mild due to the shelter afforded by Exmoor. Just two miles away is the quaint little harbour of Porlock Weir with a unique charm that has to be experienced. It boasts the remains of a prehistoric forest, small parts of which are occasionally visible at very low tide. Some remains of an Auroch (ancestor of a domestic cow) was found here, now on display in the Porlock Visitor Centre, and nearby Porlock Bay has received awards for the cleanliness of the sea-water.
Watchet is a charming little coastal town with an active Marina, an Old Port, quaint houses and shops. This is an ideal place to explore the Exmoor coastline or walk in beautiful countryside. Fishing is popular and there are boats to take you for a DAY OUT on the water. Not be missed is the Watchet Music Festival & Carnival and the Doniford Farm Animal Centre & Park where there are farm animals, including Alpacas, birds of prey, a ‘Meerkat Manor’ and fantastic farmyard buildings to explore.
Wheddon Cross is a thriving rural centre and a place to stay for those wishing to explore Exmoor. There are many opportunities for walking, riding and watching the wild red deer, Exmoor ponies and other wildlife in the beautiful surrounding countryside. The Exmoor National Park Authority operates a Park and Ride scheme from Wheddon Cross to Snowdrop Valley to enable visitors to avoid the narrow lanes. The high Dunkery Beacon overlooks Wheddon Cross and the pretty villages of Exford and Dunster are very close.
Minehead is a superb setting between the Exmoor National Park and the coast. The harbour, beach and promenade are all sheltered by the heather-clad hills inland of the town. North Hill is one of these and offers good views of both the town and the Bristol Channel. The South West Coast Path starts on the seafront here and follows the coast round Lands End in Cornwall and as far as Poole Harbour in Dorset.
There are some lovely parks in the town, particularly Blenheim Gardens where concerts are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons during the summer. The picturesque harbour has an old stone pier from where it is possible to take Bristol Channel cruises and local fishing trips.
The WEST SOMERSET STEAM RAILWAY operates trips from the seafront railway station along the coast as far as Bishops Lydeard, about twenty miles away. There are several steam festivals each year and there is attractive lighting on the seafront in the evenings.
Minehead has a wide range of entertainment and sports facilities. These include cinema, leisure centres, a fun fair and the famous Butlins with a Day Out free for the kids. There is also a wide choice of excellent walks from town into the lovely Exmoor countryside. Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor’s highest point, is close to Minehead and red deer can often be seen as well as shaggy Exmoor ponies. There are many pony-trekking centres in the area with well-trained horses on which is an ideal way to explore the moors. For the golfing enthusiast the Minehead & West Somerset Golf Club welcomes visitors.
WOODCOMBE LODGES AND COTTAGES offer six Lodges and two cottages set in a beautiful three acre garden set on the edge of the Exmoor and overlooking its slopes, yet within walking distance of Minehead and its shops, restaurants and beaches. The fully equipped four star accommodation is open throughout the year. There is disabled access levels M1/ M2 and dogs are welcome. Woodcombe Lodges and Cottages are to Dunster, Porlock, Lynton, Lynmouth, and the West Somerset Steam Railway with easy access onto Exmoor with fabulous walks, views and beauty spots. Putting green, games room and laundry. Free Wi-Fi available in the Lodges.
Woodcombe Lodges & Cottages Exmoor Coast & Country Self Catering
• Games room • Putting Green • Close to Dunster, Lynton, Lynmouth, Porlock, West Somerset Steam Railway
• Disabled access • Dog friendly Tel: 01643 702789
Email:
Nicola@woodcombelodge.co.uk www.woodcombelodge.co.uk
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Exmoor
No magazine can contain everything so the following is a potted selection of towns and villages.
The Exmoor National Park landscape contains important habitats for wildlife including the iconic red deer and pony, but Exmoor is not an untouched wilderness as farming, fauna & flora care play an important role in maintaining the biodiversity of the upland landscape. When visiting this expanse of wilderness please leave no more than a footprint.
Dunster is a gateway to Exmoor and one of the most visited villages in Somerset. There is a good selection of restaurants, pubs and tearooms. Historic buildings include the National Trust’s 11C Dunster Castle and the Old Yarn Market in the middle of the High Street. The Exmoor Visitor Centre, situated at the entrance to the village, has a wealth of visitor information. No visit to this very attractive village would be complete without a visit to DUNSTER CASTLE & GARDENS with an impressive medieval gatehouse, a ruined tower and spectacular views toward the Bristol Channel, the Quantock hills and up to the moors of Exmoor.
adventure Dunster Castle
and Gardens Discover 1000 years of history. Explore sub- tropical gardens, go wild in the natural play area or seek out spectacular views.
01643 823041
nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle
West Somerset Railway
Between Bishops Lydeard (nr Taunton) & Minehead Via Historic Watchet, Washford for Cleeve Abbey & Medieval Dunster with its Castle.
Plus our new - Heritage Hunter App.
Regular steam trains throughout the year
Steam Galas and lots of family days, including Wallace & Gromit, Thomas Days & Mike the Knight
Plus lots of other events to enjoy. Join us for a trip to the Somerset seaside
www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or call 01643 704996
© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.
Dunster Castle Express every Wednesday & Saturday. Starts 5th April
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