The Folly, Bratton Fleming

In Bratton Fleming

The White Hart Inn -- The village pub, serving food and drink in a friendly, traditional setting. A good choice for a relaxed evening meal without having to drive.

Exmoor Zoo Cafe -- A seasonal cafe at the zoo, handy for a light lunch or coffee during a visit.

Nearby

Arlington Court National Trust Tearoom -- Approximately 3 miles from Bratton Fleming. A lovely spot for cream teas, light lunches, and homemade cakes in the grounds of this Regency estate. Open during National Trust opening hours.

The Cedars Inn, Shirwell -- A village pub approximately 4 miles away, serving food and real ales in a pleasant rural setting.

Hunter's Inn, Heddon Valley -- Approximately 8 miles from Bratton Fleming, tucked into a dramatic wooded valley near the coast. A lovely National Trust setting with outdoor seating, pub food, and cream teas. A great stop before or after a walk down to Heddon's Mouth beach.

In Barnstaple (8 miles)

Barnstaple has a wide choice of restaurants, pubs, and cafes. The Pannier Market is well worth a visit for local produce, street food, and crafts. There are also several good pubs and restaurants along the riverside and in the town centre.

Exmoor Zoo -- Right in the village, this award-winning small zoo is home to an impressive collection of rare and exotic animals, including lynx, wolves, cheetahs, and red pandas. Known for its intimate, up-close encounters and daily talks by passionate keepers. A wonderful day out for families and animal lovers alike.

Arlington Court -- A Regency house and estate owned by the National Trust, approximately 3 miles from Bratton Fleming. The house contains an extraordinary collection of objects gathered by Miss Rosalie Chichester, from model ships to seashells. The grounds include a beautiful Victorian garden, a lake, and the National Trust Carriage Museum with over 40 horse-drawn carriages. A lovely half-day visit.

Exmoor National Park -- Bratton Fleming sits right on the edge of the National Park, giving easy access to some of the finest moorland scenery in England. Drive up to Blackmoor Gate (4 miles) and you are on the open moor, with sweeping views, wild Exmoor ponies, and red deer. The dramatic Exmoor coastline -- the highest sea cliffs in England -- is also within easy reach.

North Devon beaches -- The golden sand beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands are approximately 20 miles away (around 30 minutes by car). Woolacombe is regularly rated among the best beaches in Britain, and all three offer excellent surfing. The harbour town of Ilfracombe is 10 miles away and has a Victorian pier, Damien Hirst's Verity statue, and rock pool beaches.

Barnstaple Pannier Market -- Approximately 8 miles from Bratton Fleming. One of the finest covered markets in Devon, dating back to 1855. Open most days, with local produce, crafts, antiques, and a bustling atmosphere. The adjacent Butchers Row houses independent food shops.

Tarka Trail -- A flat, traffic-free cycling and walking trail following the route of the old railway line between Barnstaple and Bideford (and beyond to Meeth). Approximately 30 miles in total, with bike hire available in Barnstaple. A wonderful family day out along the Taw estuary.

Lynton and Lynmouth -- Approximately 16 miles from Bratton Fleming. Often called 'Little Switzerland', these twin villages on the Exmoor coast are connected by the famous cliff railway -- the steepest fully water-powered railway in the world. Dramatic scenery, the Valley of Rocks, and excellent walking along the South West Coast Path.

Combe Martin -- Approximately 8 miles away, this village has the longest high street in Devon and a sheltered beach. The Wildlife and Dinosaur Park is popular with families.

Walks

Bray Valley Walks -- The Bray valley offers gentle riverside walking from the village, following the river through peaceful farmland and woodland. A lovely way to explore the immediate area on foot.

Exmoor Moorland -- From Bratton Fleming it is a short drive up to the open moor. Blackmoor Gate (4 miles) gives access to sweeping moorland walks with far-reaching views. The area around Challacombe and the Chains is some of the wildest and most remote landscape on Exmoor, with excellent chances of spotting red deer and wild Exmoor ponies.

Arlington Court Grounds -- The National Trust estate at Arlington (3 miles) has pleasant waymarked walks through parkland and around the lake. A good option for a shorter, easier walk.

Heddon Valley -- Approximately 8 miles from Bratton Fleming. A beautiful National Trust valley with a waymarked walk from Hunter's Inn down through ancient oak woodland to the dramatic rocky cove at Heddon's Mouth, where the river meets the sea. Approximately 2.5 miles there and back. One of the finest short walks on the Exmoor coast.

Tarka Trail -- A flat, surfaced trail between Barnstaple and Bideford following the old railway line along the Taw estuary. Ideal for walking or cycling, and fully accessible. Bike hire available in Barnstaple (8 miles).

South West Coast Path -- The coast is approximately 25 minutes by car. The stretch between Combe Martin, Heddon's Mouth, and Lynmouth is among the most dramatic on the entire 630-mile coast path, with the highest sea cliffs in England.

Beaches

Woolacombe -- Approximately 20 miles (30 minutes by car). A vast sweep of golden sand backed by dunes, regularly voted one of Britain's best beaches. Excellent surfing, lifeguard-patrolled in summer, with cafes and surf hire at the beach.

Croyde -- Approximately 18 miles. A beautiful sandy cove popular with surfers and families. The village has a laid-back, beachy atmosphere with good pubs and a deli.

Saunton Sands -- Approximately 16 miles. Three miles of unbroken golden sand backed by the Braunton Burrows nature reserve. Quieter than Woolacombe, with a large car park and beach cafe.

Ilfracombe -- Approximately 10 miles. A Victorian seaside town with a harbour, tunnels beaches (tidal rock pools), and the landmark Verity statue by Damien Hirst.

Combe Martin -- Approximately 8 miles. A sheltered, family-friendly sandy beach in a pretty bay, the nearest beach to Bratton Fleming.