Things to Do

A romantic picnic

One of our favourite things to do on holiday is to shop charcuterie, local cheeses and wine and create an at-home picnic in front of the woodburner. But you can also enjoy it out of doors too. Or even make it kid-friendly, as kids love to nibble lots of different things. After a long day exploring, a picnic may be the easiest - and also the most delicious - option available. Don't forget the olives, hummus and other spreads, chutneys and crackers you will find at these fine establishments!

Cheese Shops and Delis: Withypool Village Shop, The Big Cheese in Porlock, Exmoor Deli in Dulverton, The Deli in Dunster, Bampton Delicatessen in Bampton

Wine: Withypool Village Shop, Corks and Cru in Bampton, Majestic Wine in Barnstaple. Locally grown sparkling wine can we found at Wellhayes Vineyard and is normally available at the Withypool Village Shop.

Add some smoked salmon and cream cheese from the Withypool Village Shop along with some of the fresh, locally made bread you will find there.  And there is some great serving ware in the cupboards of The Old Chapel for your romantic picnic including wooden boards, platters, spreading knives and small bowls.

Walking, of course!

Explore the walking books in the desk at The Old Chapel. There are many different walks for people with a wide variety of physical capability and ambitions. Make sure you dress properly as the weather on Exmoor can be very unpredictable and bear in mind that if you use a walking app, mobile signal can be unreliable in places. Exmoor National Park website has lots of walking route options as well.

Antiques anyone?

Some local favourites - Browns Antiques and Reclamation near South Molton is a great spot for antiques and architectural salvage and is open daily. Make sure you have lots of time as there is lots to see! Many of the items in The Old Chapel were found there. Shop Atlas in South Molton is a smaller shop with very tastefully chosen items, as is Paul Hardy Antiques and Acorn Antiques, both in Dulverton. Check opening times though as the smaller shops may not be open daily. The South Molton Pannier Market is another spot for antique shoppers open on Thursdays and Saturdays and is also home to the Salvage Fair on specific Sundays.

Attention all adrenaline junkies!

Fancy something a little more action-packed? Exmoor is the place for you! Exmoor Adventures is a one-stop shop for all things for the outdoor enthusiast including archery, kayaking, mountain biking (including bike and e-bike hire), paddleboarding, tree and rock climbing. You can even arrange team events customized to size and duration. Horseback riding is available for both beginners and experienced riders, as well as children, at Pine Lodge Riding, Brendon Manor, Exmoor Horse Riding and Trekking Centre to name just a few. Calvert Exmoor is an organization whose mission is to enable people with disabilities to achieve their potential through the challenge of adventurous activities - with fully accessible activities for people with physical, learning, behavioural and sensory disabilities. How wonderful is that!

Commune with nature - the Exmoor way!

Exmoor Pony Centre is a must-visit for everyone who is visiting Exmoor for the first time. Or the hundredth! Connecting with nature is important for everyone - and what better way than on safari. Exmoor Wildlife Safaris and Red Stag Safari are both great choices. The Exmoor Zoological and Conservation Centre has the only black leopard on exhibit in the UK and is open 362 days a year. If fishing is your thing, then visit Wimbleball Fly Fishery, SW Lakes Trust, Fish South West or Exe Valley Fly Fishing for more information. North Devon Hawk Walks is a great way to experience Lady Macbeth and Cassius, both Harris Hawks, as you "walk with hawks".  Their introductory one-hour walk leaves from Withypool but there are other walks up to three hours in length leaving from other localities. Exmoor star gazing and dark skies research can be done on the Exmoor National Park site, while star gazing, guided walks, and Exmoor bird identification can been found at Wild About Exmoor.

Dine out and enjoy the local pubs

As a guest, you can consult our electronic guest information for all of our personal favourites! Most of the pubs source local meats and produce and are proud to do so to support local growers and farmers. Nearly all are dog-friendly and welcome muddy wellies! The guest information also includes information about local tipples to consume and to take home after your holiday.