The statue of Lorna Doone in Dulverton.

Dulverton and Dunster are two villages close by, which support a variety of high quality shops in beautiful old market settings. They both enjoy good tearooms and restaurants with Dulverton positioned by the River Barle, and Dunster lying beside its famous castle maintained by the National Trust.

The seaside town of Minehead is a bustling town with an indoor swimming pool, small harbour and interesting shops. It is also home to the West Somerset Railway which runs restored trains the 20 miles between Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and Minehead. The coastal scenery is stunning and a return trip makes a memorable day out.

Beyond Minehead you can travel through the picturesque villages of Selworthy and Porlock - both are well worth a visit - and on to Lynmouth and Lynton.

Porlock Weir
 

Tarr Steps

The view from Countisbury Hill is breathtaking. Take the water operated Cliff Railway up to Lynton and walk the Valley of Rocks - an outcrop of strange shaped rocks which rise above the cliffs and are full of legends.

Further along the coast are the beaches of Croyde, Woolacombe and Saunton - all voted Best Beaches and home to surfing, swimming, sand yachting or just paddling. Favourite outings include a visit to the mystical Tarr Steps, or a day spent fishing at Wimbleball Lake.

National Trust properties close by include Arlington Court and Knightshayes Court, whilst English Heritage owns the thirteenth century cloister buildings at Cleeve Abbey.