Luxurious self-catering holiday cottage on Exmoor 

Withypool is mentioned in the Domesday book and during the 14th century, it was looked after by Geoffrey Chaucer, forester for the North Petherton estate.  Its settlements stretch back to the Bronze Age and a short walk up Withypool Hill will reveal the remains of the Bronze Age Withypool Stone Circle. One of only two that remain on Exmoor, the Withypool Stone Circle is characteristic of the traditional stone circles that spread throughout much of Britain during the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age over a period between 3300 and 900 BCE.

Withypool was the administrative capital of Exmoor from the 13th to the 17th century. It is home to the Church of St. Andrews, dating from the late medieval period and is a listed bulding, as is Garliscombe Mill, an early 19th century corn mill which closed in 1920. The Royal Oak Inn is a lovely 17th century pub which has seen more than its fair share of history. RD Blackmore is said to have written part of his famous Exmoor novel Lorna Doone in the bar whilst the artist Alfred Munnings, one of England's finest painters of horses had a studio in the inn's loft. In the 1930's the inn was owned by Maxwell Knight, a spy-ring leader and the inspiration for Ian Fleming's character of James Bonds' boss, "M". During World War II, nearby Woolacombe beach was used to simulate the invasion of Normandy, and American General Dwight Eisenhower planned much of the D-Day landings while staying at the inn. Drop by The Royal Oak Inn and drink in the history - as well as an Exmoor Ale!

Today, Withypool has a well-stocked village shop, a post office, and popular tearooms open from early spring until late autumn. It is situated next to a set of iconic early 20th century Shell petrol pumps, thought to be the last of their kind in the UK. Withypool is unrivalled for the breath-taking walks that start right from the village. A popular four mile stroll along the river brings you to the ancient clapper bridge, Tarr Steps, set in a beautiful riverside nature reserve. Walk to the medieval Landacre Bridge utilizing a section of the Two Moors Way footpath to reach the ancient monument spanning the River Barle. Along the way there are lovely views across the National Park and grazing Exmoor ponies to admire. The Exe Valley Way also passes through the village and you can follow it north to Exford and enjoy views of the River Exe. The Old Chapel has several walking books for you to peruse to plan the walks you will best enjoy.