The area abounds with places of interest
EXMOOR was Europe’s First International Dark Sky Reserve so views at night are great, too. You can hire a telescope in advance from either Dunster or Dulverton National Park Centre or directly from Dark Sky Telescope Hire.
Caratacus Stone
On Folly’s doorstep is the Caratacus Stone, believed to have been erected by Pagan inhabitants of Winsford, and which dates from late Roman times.
(It was once stored in Folly after vandalism)
Punchbowl
Only a few hundred yards away from Folly is the deep combe known as the ‘Punchbowl’ which is thought to be on the southernmost point of the last ice age, and at its summit are the ‘Wambarrows’, bronze age burial mounds. From these you can see the highest point on Exmoor, the famous Dunkery Beacon, and –
Royal Oak Inn
The village of Winsford, just a mile down the hill, is home to the famous thatched Royal Oak Inn, dating from the 16th century but with its origins in the 12th. Part of the pub is the Oak Shop for newspapers and essential provisions, with a Post Office.
The Bridge Cottage Tea Rooms
The Bridge Cottage Tea Rooms is another very popular attraction, with menus to cover Breakfast, Lunch, and Tea. (With cream, of course.)
Win Brook
The Win Brook makes the Ford giving Winsford its name, before flowing into the mighty Exe in the village. Between them they have 8 bridges, some many hundreds of years old.
Dulverton
The town of Dulverton, about 10 minutes drive away, has numerous shops, including a late-opening supermarket, and also a Post Office, Doctors and Vets.
If you don’t want to sit quietly at home enjoying the wonderfully silent peace and lovely views, then copious footpaths and bridleways make the whole of Exmoor a walkers’ and riders’ paradise with endless delights to explore.
Exmoor is perfect for walking, riding, cycling, bird watching, fishing, and many other leisure activities.
For the more energetic there are cycle routes mapped out in the area, and canoeing on the nearby River Barle.
If you are really venturesome, you could try more vigorous activities like Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, or Tree Climbing on land, or Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddle Boarding or even Coasteering at sea., all organised by EXMOOR ADVENTURES.
Our local Pubs and Restaurants are pretty good, too!
Attractions & Things to Do
North Hill, Minehead
At the end of North Hill looking out towards Porlock.
Watchet Marina
Located within Watchet Harbour which has a centuries’ old tradition.
Hestercombe Gardens
Discover Somerset and lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks.
Porlock Bay
Climb one of the steepest roads in England for the view from the top of Porlock Hill. Exmoor ponies are often grazing here.
Minehead Station
First opened in 1874 as the terminus and headquarters of the Minehead Railway
West Somerset Railway
Offers 20 miles of heritage railway through stunning Somerset countryside.
Dunster Castle
An ancient castle and comfortable country home with dramatic vistas and subtropical gardens
Dunster Mill
Fully restored 18th-century working watermill
Barrington Court
Tudor manor house, beautifully restored in the 1920s.
Hestercombe Gardens
Discover Somerset and lose yourself in fifty acres of lakes, temples, cascades, tranquil woodland walks.
Church steps, Minehead.
Fascinating glimpse of the old village.
Arlington Court
Intriguing Regency house and impressive collection of horse-drawn vehicles.
Selworthy
The charm of Selworthy is the wonderfully preserved thatched cottages and the historic All Saints church.
Wimbleball Lake
Wimbleball Lake is one of Exmoor’s most popular tourist attractions
Kilve Fossil Beach
A very unusual beach, with lots of irregularly shaped rocks covering it. Excellent spot for fossil hunting
Watchet Beach
Below the cliffs of the harbour town of Watchet, low tide exposes a vast flat, rocky area.