Things to Do and Places to Visit

We will happily advise you on walking routes, days out and provide you with maps and guides.

There are too many places to list them all here but to give you a flavour of what is on offer in the local area we have chosen a few of our favourite places to visit. There is much more detail of local activities and events on the Exmoor National Park and Visit Exmoor websites

Walking

Situated in the middle of the National Park, Cutthorne is an ideal base for a walking holiday, indeed you could leave the car parked for a week and go for a different circular walk from here every day!

There are over 600 miles of waymarked walks, varying in grade from rugged and challenging to gentle and beautiful. The famous South West Coast Path starts on North Hill in Minehead, and the Two Moors Way in Lynmouth.

Exmoor National Park – Walking Guide.

Horner Woods – stunning ancient woodland with walks through the valley and tea shops

Dunkery Beacon – trek up to Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on exmoor, to build up an appetite for dinner.

The Barle Valley – lovely valley walk with points of historic interest including a prehistoric hill fort and Simonsbath Sawmill.

Wildlife Spotting

Exmoor has an abundance of wildlife to spot, including the famous Exmoor ponies, red deer and buzzards. Find out more from the National Park Website.

We recommend Barle Valley Wildlife Safaris – A Family owned business with extensive experience of the local environment and wildlife who provide 4×4 wildlife safaris across the Moor with pick ups from Cutthorne possible.

Places of Historic Interest

Dunster Castle – medieval castle set on a wooded hill overlooking the historic village of Dunster.

Dunster Yarn Market – 17th century timber-framed octagonal market hall, surrounded by local crafts shops, cafes and tea shops.

Cleeve Abbey – Ruins of The Cistercian abbey of Cleeve said to contain the finest cloister buildings in England.

Tarr Steps – Medieval clapper bridge crossing the beautiful River Barle. Delightful woodland walks.

Clovelly – Historic cobbled fishing village with delightful fishermans’ cottages.

Beaches

Dunster Beach – only 15 minutes drive, shingle beach, dogs allowed in certain areas. For local tide times please click here

Porlock Weir – 15 minutes drive, pebble beach, dog friendly, local shops and pubs, beautiful cottages and small harbour

Kilve Beach – pebble beach, famous for fossil hunting

Lynmouth – pretty small town surrounded by the tallest cliffs in the country. Wide selection of local shops, pubs and tea shops.

Woolacombe – huge sandy beach, great for surfing, brilliant for children.

Family Days Out

West Somerset Railway – Steam railway running from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard.

Tropiquaria – Animal park with puppet shows. Great for younger children.

Lynton Cliff Railway – Famous funicular cliff lift running between Lynton and Lynmouth.

Exmoor Zoo – Zoo with wildlife from around the world.

Quince Honey Farm – Beekeeping museum, indoor bee hives and huge indoor soft play area with cafe.

Wimbleball Lake – Perfect for various watersports activities including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and rowing. Excellent trout fishing. Nominated to be the first Dark Skies Discovery Site on Exmoor.

Gardens

Knightshayes – National Trust property with beautiful formal gardens and delightful walled kitchen garden.

Hestercombe – A unique combination of three centuries of garden design including the stunning Edwardian garden design by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll.

Marwood Hill Garden – A family owned garden in a valley setting, not dissimilar to Cutthorne’s, wonderful displays in Spring and High Summer. (Open April-September)

Cream Teas and Lunches

The Corn Dolly, South Molton – Fantastic tea shop with delicious home-made cakes and scones in the lovely market town of South Molton.

Periwinkle, Selworthy – A well-known village with picturesque cottages and stunning views. The famous Periwinkle tea-room and shop can be found here. The village is the starting point for several walks.

The Copper Kettle, Dulverton – A traditional tea room with old fashioned values. Great walks from Dulverton along the river.