Sausage Cottage, Oakford

In Bampton

The Swan -- The oldest pub in Bampton and an AA Four Star Gold classic English country inn. Highly rated for its restaurant-quality food, great selection of local Devon ales, and relaxed atmosphere. Dog-friendly with a welcoming bar and outdoor seating.

The Exeter Inn -- A riverside pub set in a traditional Devonshire long house on the B3227. Old world charm combined with a modern finish, serving meals and drinks in a charming setting. Also has eight beautiful en-suite rooms for overnight stays.

The Quarryman's Rest -- A traditional country pub and B&B in the heart of Bampton, surrounded by beautiful countryside. Known for their hearty pub food and speciality curries, served in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Further Afield

The Exmoor Forest Inn, Simonsbath -- Awarded a Michelin Green Star and included in the Good Food Guide's 100 best pubs. Located at the very heart of Exmoor, the daily-changing menu showcases some of the most sustainable, local, and delicious food in any pub in the region. Well worth the 20-minute drive.

The Red Lion, Oakford -- A beautifully renovated pub, restaurant, and rooms situated close to Exmoor, retaining the atmosphere of a friendly local Devon pub. Approximately 10 minutes by car.

Tiverton -- The larger market town of Tiverton is approximately 6 miles away and has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and pubs, plus supermarkets and high street shops for anything you might need.

Bampton Heritage and Visitor Centre -- Housed in St Michael's Church in the centre of town, with modern displays telling the history of Bampton, themed exhibitions, activities for children, and a model of the old railway station. Free entry.

St Michael and All Angels Church -- A beautiful 12th-century church in the centre of Bampton with fine architectural details and a peaceful churchyard. The church tower offers lovely views across the town.

Bampton Charter Fair -- Held on the last Thursday in October, this annual fair dates back to a Royal Charter of 1258. Streets are closed for the funfair, market stalls, church craft fair, and riverside local produce tents -- a fantastic day out.

Wimbleball Lake -- A hub of outdoor activity set within the rolling hills of Exmoor, approximately 15 minutes by car. Kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, sailing, archery, high ropes, and excellent trout fishing. A 9-mile lakeside walk circles the 530-acre site. Cafe and children's play area on site.

Grand Western Canal, Tiverton -- Take a trip on the famous horse-drawn barge along this beautiful 11-mile canal country park. Winner of Devon's Best Small Attraction. You can also hire rowing boats and canoes, walk or cycle the flat towpath, or go fishing. Approximately 20 minutes by car.

Quince Honey Farm -- A unique visitor attraction just off the A361 near Tiverton, with exhibits about bees and honey production, plus the award-winning Nectary Restaurant. Open daily, suitable for all ages.

Knightshayes Court -- A spectacular Victorian Gothic mansion and garden managed by the National Trust, set in beautiful parkland near Tiverton. The gardens are particularly impressive, with a walled kitchen garden, topiary, and woodland walks. Approximately 20 minutes by car.

Tiverton Castle -- A historic castle with parts dating back to 1106, offering guided tours, beautiful gardens, and a collection of Civil War armoury. Approximately 15 minutes by car.

Dulverton -- A picturesque small town known as the southern gateway to Exmoor, with independent shops, galleries, pubs, and restaurants. A lovely base for riverside walks along the River Barle. Approximately 20 minutes by car.

Tarr Steps -- An ancient clapper bridge across the River Barle, believed to be over 1,000 years old, surrounded by wonderful woodland walks in the heart of Exmoor. Approximately 25 minutes by car.

Walks from Bampton

Exe Valley Way -- This long-distance footpath passes directly through Bampton, following the River Exe from its source high on Exmoor for over 60 miles to the sea at Exmouth. The route features canal towpath, quiet country lanes, fields, woodlands, and open moorland. Walk a section in either direction from town for a wonderful day out.

Bampton Woods Circular -- A popular local walk taking in the woodland above the town. At the highest point you can see hills towards Morebath and across to Raddon Hill, with Dunkery Beacon -- the summit of Exmoor -- visible on clear days. Keep an eye out for buzzards and red deer.

Two Moors Way -- This long-distance walking route linking Exmoor to Dartmoor passes through the Bampton area, offering stunning views of the Devon countryside. Walk a section for a taste of both moors.

Wimbleball Lake -- The 9-mile Lakeside Round Walk takes approximately 3 hours and circles the beautiful 530-acre reservoir. Gentle terrain with lovely views across the water and surrounding Exmoor hills. Approximately 15 minutes by car.

Tarr Steps and the Barle Valley -- Walk from the ancient clapper bridge along the River Barle through beautiful oak woodland. One of the finest riverside walks in Exmoor. Approximately 25 minutes by car.

Horner Woods -- A National Nature Reserve with beautiful riverside walking through one of the finest ancient oak woodlands in Britain. A top spot for autumn colour and wild red deer. Approximately 40 minutes by car.

Exmoor Coast

Valley of Rocks, Lynton -- A spectacular dry valley filled with dramatic rock formations and feral goats, with stunning views along the coast. Approximately 40 minutes by car.

Lynmouth and Lynton -- The famous cliff railway connects these twin villages on the dramatic north Devon coast. Walk the South West Coast Path in either direction for breathtaking scenery. Approximately 40 minutes by car.

Beaches

Minehead -- A popular sandy beach with facilities, approximately 30 minutes by car. Also the starting point of the South West Coast Path.

Porlock Weir -- A picturesque harbour village with a sweeping 3-mile pebble beach backed by marshland. Approximately 35 minutes by car.

North Devon -- The golden sand surfing beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton are within reach for a day trip, approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour by car.