As a non-commercial Community web site we rely totally on people in the community to send us information and photos that will add to other people's knowledge of Exmoor and its surrounding area. Many thanks to the thousands of people who have contributed information so far to Everything Exmoor.Do you know the history of a particular place or have a story to tell about a local character? If so please send it along.
Implements and Crafts of Bygone Days in
West Somerset. A Victorian schoolroom with children's cloths for dressing
up, craft demonstrations, photograph collection, croquet and
picnic area.
A 'House of Collections' including model ships,
shells, pewter, furniture. Carriage rides and carriage driving school.
Parkland, woodland, and lakeside walks. Shetland ponies and Jacob sheep.
Victorian Gardens. Original stables with horse-drawn carriage collection.
The Bakelite Museum brings the past to life with a
fascinating display of the largest collection of vintage plastics in the
country. Lovely water mill setting, tea rooms, vintage caravans,
rural life collection and play area.
One of the West country's premiere indoor adventure
playgrounds for children of all ages from 1 to 100! Also Sheep Racing Derby,
Sheepdog and Duck show, home cooked food and fast food restaurants.
One of the few 13th-century monastic sites where
you can still see such a complete set of cloister buildings. Some of
England's finest cloisters. Magnificent architecture. Unique wall paintings.
Peaceful, riverside location.
An amazing collection of militaria is the life-time
work of one man who started collecting as a schoolboy. Displays
from World War Two, there are also sections devoted to the First World
War, the Falklands and the Gulf Wars, making this both an entertaining
and educational attraction.
Working Wool Museum. Step back and experience life
in the past. All-weather attraction with so much to see and do. Impressive
industrial heritage museum in the heart of Devon. Exciting guided tours
of working spinning & weaving machines in a Victorian factory. Two
giant mill engines and 1888 Lancashire boiler. Fantastic New World Tapestry.
Mill Shop, selling gifts, souvenirs, knitted yarn, woven cloth and Devon
Tartan
Offers artifacts, photographs, maps and pictures of
the village industries of silver mining, lime quarrying and burning, agriculture
and horticulture together with details of its maritime history.
Fourteen life size animated dinosaurs (including a
40ft Triceratops), Earthquake canyon ride, zoo with all manner of animals
incl. snow leopards, sea lions, meerkats and chipmunks, falconry, separate
children's zoo. Animal feeding areas, cafeteria, kids adventure playground.
Great day out for all the family.
1580 Elizabethan manor house, garden
and restored medieval corn mill, set in its own country park. Mountain
bikes welcome. Nature trails and 4x4 tuition. Experience the country
in Sir Francis Drake's hidden valley of romance. Walk the many miles
of woodland walks and see nature at its best. We have Picnic sites and
a children's play area too. Guided tours of the West wing of the house
and gardens. Mountain Bikes are welcome. Courses to challenge the best
riders. Annual permit available with free parking.
Off Road 4x4 courses: experience the potential of your
4x4 and gain confidence at our training centre. Must be accompanied
by one of our staff. Many different courses - easy to extreme. 10 miles
woodland tracks. Coarse fishing will be available at our lakes.
Visit the Dartington Crystal factory
and watch skilled craftsmen blowing and shaping beautiful crystal glass.
Free Parking. 12,000 sq.ft. of world class shopping in the factory shops.
The highest point on Exmoor is 'Dunkery Beacon' - 519
metres. In the valleys surrounding Dunkery Beacon lie numerous rivers and
streams, the main one being the River Exe after
which Exmoor is named after.
Rising dramatically above the village of Dunster
and set between the wooded hills of Exmoor and the sea. With 13th
Century Castle Building and a Norman Motte; 17th Century staircase and
fine plaster work ceilings. Beautifully terraced gardens and riverside
walks surrounded by a 28 acre park
Built on the site of a mill mentioned in the Domesday
Survey of 1086, the present mill dates from the 17th century and was
restored to working order in 1979.
The West Country's finest working water mill. Built 1680, the mill is set
in magnificent surroundings alongside the River Avill, only minutes from
Dunster Castle and the High St. See how flour is produced as the wheat
grain is fed down to the grinding stones before being bagged up for local
bakeries. Fascinating collection of ancient agricultural machinery in the
integral museum."
Shop, Tea room and Garden
Founded by Mollie Hardwick there are over 800 dolls
from many periods. Historic to modern, costume and foreign, artists' and
fashion dolls. Costumed "Sasha" collection; a Victorian Dolls
House and "Britains" garden.
The Original Exmoor Safari. Established 1983. Viewing
Wild Red Deer. All aspects of local wildlife explained. Morning, Afternoon
and Evening excursions. 2 - 2.5 hours.
This unique half size narrow-gauge
railway nestles on the western slopes of the Exmoor National Park almost
1000ft above sea level & is the highest narrow gauge railway in England.
Come and enjoy a delightful 2 mile ride on Exmoor's great little trains.
Unlimited no. of rides, cream teas, light lunches and gift shop. Children's
Play area, trampolines and model railway.
North Devon's premier wildlife collection. 170 species
of wildlife. 12 acres of gardens. Keepers talks; Animal encounters; Feeding
times; Hands on activities; Conservation in action.
Fun for all the family. Over 150 brasses
and Special Rubbing Plates. Instruction, supervision and materials provided.
Exciting Hobbycraft and gift section. Fun for all ages. Spacious Lynmouth
premises. School, Youth Group and Disabled Parties welcome.
The Power Of Water. A Site of Special Scientific Interest,
don't miss this spectacular gorge, through which poured the waters of the
1952 Lynmouth Flood Disaster. The informative 'Power of Water' exhibition
shows some of the water from the West Lyn River producing environmentally
friendly hydro-electricity for the community. Lovely woodland walks by
the waterfalls. Children can operate the giant water wheel. Water cannons
too!!
Set amid truly rural countryside
(8/10 miles south of Clovelly/Bideford) the 4 acre Reserve comprises
woodland, stream, 30 yard pond, meadow and garden - home to 1000+ gnomes
and pixies, and about 250 labeled species of wild flowers, herbs, grasses
and ferns.
Gnome hats are loaned free of charge together with
fishing rods, so you don't embarrass the gnomes! Take your cameras
and embarrass the family with some truly memorable photos for the family
album!
The children will love it because there is so much for
them to discover from a woodpecker in a tree to a pixie flitting over
clumps of comfrey. Recommended also for adults whose sophistication can
have robbed them of a freshness of vision...The Gnome Reserve will rejuvenate
you!
Information Centre and NT shop in beautiful valley
running down to the sea. Many cliff and woodland walks. Car
park with public toilets. Also the famous Hunters Inn Hotel.
The Helicopter Museum is Weston-super-Mare's largest undercover all weather attraction
and a fun place for all the family, with a coffee shop, children's play area and a gift shop
The Holnicote Estate covers 5042 hectares (12,500
acres) of Exmoor National Park and includes the high tors of Dunkery
and Selworthy Beacons, with breathtaking views in all directions.
West Ilkerton Farm Travel across farmland and open
moorland in a purpose built wagon pulled by friendly Shire horses. Beautiful
scenery. Ideal for all ages and abilities (including wheelchair users).
Picnic, cream tea and Birthday rides a speciality Discount for large groups.
An elegant 18th C house which still retains a warm
atmosphere, with a large hillside garden which slopes down to the spreading
lawns and herbaceous borders with extensive views over the Devon countryside. Landscaped
from the 18th C the garden contains a wealth of rare trees and gems like
the Victorian rock garden, an ice house and bear's hut, a woodland walks
in the surrounding parkland. The house contains the renowned Killerton
dress collection, one of the finest collections of costume in the South
West. A great day out for all the family.
Home of the Heathcoat-Amory family. This striking
Victorian Gothic mansion is just N of Tiverton. A rare survival
of the work of William Burges, flamboyant 19th Century architect, this
mansion has a rich mixture of medieval romanticism and lavish decoration. Includes
a billiard room and smoking room. Of equal beauty are the 20h gardens
which are full of colour throughout the year. There is also a lovely
park and woodland walk, formal terraces, unusual topiary and the "Garden
in the Wood"
Famous Rhododendron Gardens
An unspoilt Island 10 miles off Baggy Point where
the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic. 3 miles long and half a mile
wide. No Cars. Ideal place to escape for the day. The
Island is a natural fortress with a tempestuous history as a pirate lair. There
is now a small community. Marisco Tavern is the heart of the island
and serves Lundy's own beer as well as fine food and perpetual shelter. Also
a medieval castle and 3 lighthouses. A place of outstanding natural
beauty and wildlife. (Lund-ey is Norse for puffin island).
The ferry ship MS Oldenburg does day trips to Lundy from both Ilfracombe
and Bideford. It is also possible to stay on Lundy. Sailing
times, fares and prices are available from the Islands' web site www.lundyisland.co.uk or
telephone Lundy shore office (01237)470422 for details of sailings
and accommodation. NOTE: pets are not allowed to visit the island.
Display includes an Exmoor kitchen, a collection
of tools and agricultural implements, natural history, archeological
and geological exhibits Paintings, prints and photographs of the locality
and a model of the Lynton/Barnstaple Railway which closed in 1935.
A Unique Victorian water powered Lift linking Lynton
with Lynmouth for foot passengers. Devon's top tourist attraction. A
remarkable and unique ride, which is also very useful.
"One of the best 50 Theme Parks in the world" -
Independent on Saturday 5/5/99
Heart stopping Slides and amazing Rides. 'An Alien Encounter - Europe's
first interactive adventure ride! Then ride the Batflyer rollercoaster...Train
Ride, Golf Range, Laser target shooting, archery, puppet shows, sheepdog
displays, toddlers play, birds of prey displays.
"Fun for all the family-whatever the weather!"
The Pottery is a delight to visit, set in ancient buildings that were part of a Domesday Mill, and surrounded by the beautiful peaceful countryside of the Exmoor National Park in West Somerset.
Where Children's Dreams Come True!
Themed around the old Railway Station at Woolacombe, "Once Upon a
Time" is a paradise of fun and entertainment for children from 2 years
to 13 years. Twista Bikes, Huff n' Puff Ship Ride, Piggy-in-the -Middle
Ride, Pedal Roundabout, Pedal Snails, Auto-Kid-Wash, (over 65 degrees),
Driving School, Fairy Tale Carriages, Cinderella's carousel, Frog Ride,
Crazy Bikes, Piggy Train, Bumper Boats, Fantasy Train Ride, Disco Scooters.
Housed in a lovely 15th Century Manor building the
exhibits include an interesting collection of photographs, press cuttings
and displays of the Porlock Parish.
The world's largest exhibition of
living honey bees. Indoor apiary with 20 colonies of bees in natural
habitats. Hives which open at the touch of a button to show the bees
living and working inside. The complete honey production process explained
and demonstrated. An all-weather attraction.
Large Car park and picnic area. Britain's biggest honey farm.
Since the early 1800's the Sheppy family
has been making cider in the West Country. From 1925 they have been renowned
for their quality ciders, which have gained them over 200 awards and
2 gold medals. You've just got to taste it to see why!.Sheppy's have
a 370 acre farm, where there are 42 acres of cider orchards, producing
apples with such romantic names as Kingston Black, Yarlington Mill, Dabinett,
Stoke Red, Tremlett's Bitter and many more.
Recapture the memories of bygone times in the excellent Farm & Cider
Museum. Cider shop; Sampling; Museum; Nature walks; Licensed tea room;
pre-booked guided tours.
Skirmish Exeter is set in one hundred acres of woodland, forming part of a six hundred acre forest called Stoke Woods. It is situated just five minutes outside of Exeter and is easily found whether you are traveling from the M5, A30, or A303. There are eighteen separate game areas, providing unique combinations of natural and man made cover.
Somerset Light Infantry; North Somerset & West
Somerset Yeomanries; Militia; Rifle Volunteer corps; Territorial Army
and today's Regiment - The Light Infantry.
Natural history, geology, archaeology, social and
industrial history and art mainly relating to Somerset; Taunton Deane
Gallery; Colthurst Collection of Chinese pottery.
Enjoy the Peace & Quiet, the Scenic Beauty & Safety
of the Tarka trail.Up to 21 Miles of Level, Scenic, Traffic Free Cycle
Track. There's something to offer everyone from the cycling enthusiast
to railway buffs, scenic view's over river and estuary and is a bird
watchers paradise.
Extensive range of cycles to hire; Adults, kids, baby seats, trailer bikes
etc.
Booking advisable in the summer (can be by phone)
The famous Tarr Steps ancient Clapper bridge over
the River Barle . This wooded valley
is full of wild red deer and an abundance
of other wild life. There is a lovely walk beside the river to the village
of Withypool
Free cider tasting straight from the barrel. Enjoy
coffee, lunches, home-made cakes or cream teas in our new tea room.
Relax with a glass of country wine or traditional cider. Visit Cynthia,
our Gloucester Old Spot pig or feed the piglets. Browse through our farm
shop. View our video on the fascinating world of cider making.
History of this ancient port. Video: The Watchet
Story. Fossils from the local cliffs. Remains of the Woolly Mammoth. Coins
minted for Saxon and Norman Kings. The Iron Ore Mines and their unique
Railway. Sailors and Sailing Vessels. Paintings, photographs
and models.
Situated high on the cliffs overlooking Watermouth
Bay, Watermouth Castle is a unique family attraction where a whole day
can be spent enjoying the entertainment and fun designed for all ages:-
Mechanical Musical Instrument, Victorian Kitchen, Model Railway Layout,
Haunted Dungeons, Penny-Slot Arcade, Mighty Mortier Water Spectacular,
Steam Boat-Swings, Enchanted Walk, Junior Aviator Aeroplane Ride, Water
Play, Giant Tube Slide, Gnomeland, Carousel, Maze, And much, much more
!!!
Britain's longest preserved railway.
Steam trains to the seaside. 20 miles of steam through the Quantock Hills
and along the coast - Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) to Minehead. 10
restored stations. Plenty of 'olde world atmosphere'. Many regular services.
A great day out for all the family
Right before your eyes!. Fully illuminated above
and below ground. Comfortable hide at the edge of their natural sett.
Booking essential. Devon Badger Watch.
Large man-made reservoir which is well naturalised.
Lakeside walks and lovely views, picnic and play areas, camping. Lunches,
cream teas, locally crafted gifts and books. Trout fishing (boat & bank).
Sailing Club.
Open all year
Location Brompton Regis, Near Dulverton. Follow the brown signs.
Many gardens in the SW are woodland or spring gardens. Winsford was built as a summer flower garden – and still is. Offering outstanding colour for the summer visitor to North Devon. B and B too! Restored greenhouses.
A nostalgic experience of radio broadcasting history
set in the first high power BBC transmitting station in the SW. Enjoy
archive sounds from the fascinating display of over 100 wireless receivers.
Discover how radio was broadcast and see some of the equipment actually
used by the BBC in the 1930's
Paignton Zoo is home to thousands of amazing plants and animals. Walk through a world of wonder - visit the desert, cross the savannah, explore the forest and trek through the tropics. Use your senses to discover the wild world: look around, listen out - you'll even need your sense of smell! Find out about conservation and the world's endangered species.
Paignton Zoo is a great day out for everyone. There's a miniature train ride, indoor and outdoor play areas, places to eat and places to sit - all set 1 in an 80 acre valley.
