The Hay Barn, Brendon Hills

On the Doorstep

The Rest and Be Thankful Inn, Wheddon Cross -- A traditional Exmoor inn at the highest village on the moor, approximately 3 to 5 miles from most Brendon Hill properties. Good home-cooked food using local ingredients, real ales, and a warm welcome. Food served daily for lunch and dinner. Dogs welcome. The name comes from the old coaching days, when travellers would pause here to catch their breath after the long climb.

The George Inn, Brompton Regis -- A charming 17th-century village pub beside the church in the pretty village of Brompton Regis, close to Wimbleball Lake. Traditional pub food, local ales, and a lovely beer garden. A proper community pub with a relaxed atmosphere.

Raleigh's Cross Inn -- A historic roadside inn at the crossroads on the Brendon Hills ridge, dating back several centuries. A popular stop for walkers and cyclists, serving good pub food and real ales. Named after the nearby Raleigh's Cross, an ancient wayside cross.

Nearby

The Notley Arms, Monksilver -- A well-regarded village pub approximately 6 miles to the north-east, in the pretty village of Monksilver on the edge of the Brendon Hills. Good seasonal food with locally sourced ingredients, real ales, and a pleasant garden.

The Exmoor Forest Inn, Simonsbath -- Approximately 10 miles west. Awarded a Michelin Green Star for sustainable gastronomy. The daily-changing menu features beef and lamb from their own organic hill farm, sourced entirely within a twelve-mile radius. Booking strongly recommended.

Tarr Farm Inn -- A lovely 17th-century inn beside the famous Tarr Steps, approximately 8 miles from the Brendon Hills. Refined pub food using local produce -- Exmoor lamb, Devon beef, and Cornish seafood. Cream teas served throughout the day. Booking recommended.

Bampton and Dulverton -- Both within easy reach to the south, these small towns offer a choice of tea rooms, cafes, and pubs. The Bridge Inn in Dulverton and the Copper Key in Bampton are both worth seeking out.

Wimbleball Lake -- A beautiful reservoir set in a wooded valley just below the Brendon Hills, approximately 2 to 4 miles from most properties. Wimbleball offers sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing (rainbow and brown trout). There is a lakeside cafe, a play area, and several waymarked walking trails around the shore. A wonderful spot for a family day out in any season.

The West Somerset Mineral Railway -- The Brendon Hills were once a thriving iron mining area, and the remains of the incline railway that carried ore down to the harbour at Watchet can still be explored on foot. The old incline at Brendon Hill is a scheduled monument, and information boards along the route tell the story of this remarkable feat of Victorian engineering.

West Somerset Railway -- The longest heritage railway in England, running 20 miles from Bishops Lydeard near Taunton to the seaside town of Minehead. Steam and diesel trains run regularly, stopping at picturesque stations including Watchet, Dunster, and Blue Anchor. Approximately 8 miles to the nearest station at Watchet.

Dunster Castle -- A dramatic hilltop castle owned by the National Trust, approximately 10 miles from the Brendon Hills. Set within beautiful terraced gardens and parkland, with a medieval gatehouse, subtropical planting, and wonderful views over Exmoor to the Bristol Channel.

Tarr Steps -- An ancient clapper bridge across the River Barle, approximately 8 miles away. The bridge is formed from 17 massive stone slabs and is believed to be medieval in origin. It sits within a National Nature Reserve surrounded by beautiful oak woodland -- a wonderful spot for a riverside walk and picnic.

Red deer watching -- Exmoor is home to England's largest wild red deer herd, and the Brendon Hills and surrounding moorland are excellent places to see them, particularly during the autumn rut. Several local operators offer guided 4x4 safari tours to spot deer, ponies, and other wildlife.

Stargazing -- Exmoor was designated Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve, and the Brendon Hills, away from any significant light pollution, are a superb location for stargazing. On clear nights the Milky Way is visible overhead in spectacular detail.

Watchet -- A charming harbour town on the West Somerset coast, approximately 8 miles from the Brendon Hills. Watchet has a marina, a small museum, independent shops, and the Boat Museum. The harbour inspired Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, and a statue of the mariner stands on the quay.

Lynton and Lynmouth -- Often called 'Little Switzerland', these twin villages on the Exmoor coast are approximately 20 miles from the Brendon Hills. Connected by the famous cliff railway -- the steepest fully water-powered railway in the world -- they offer dramatic scenery, the Valley of Rocks, and excellent walking along the coast path.

Walks from the Doorstep

Wimbleball Lake Circuit -- A lovely waymarked walk around the shores of Wimbleball Lake, passing through woodland, over open hillside, and along the dam. The full circuit is approximately 8 miles, but shorter loops are available. Generally easy going with a few moderate climbs. Allow 3 to 4 hours for the full route.

The Brendon Hills Ridge Walk -- Follow the high ridge of the Brendon Hills along quiet lanes and bridleways, with sweeping views north across the Bristol Channel to Wales and south towards Dartmoor. On a clear day, you can see both coasts from the highest points. The route can be tailored to any length.

West Somerset Mineral Railway Trail -- Follow the course of the old mineral railway from the Brendon Hills incline down towards Watchet. This fascinating walk combines industrial heritage with beautiful countryside views. Approximately 5 miles one way, mostly downhill.

Brompton Regis and the River Haddeo -- A pleasant circular walk from the village of Brompton Regis, following the River Haddeo through the valley before climbing back through farmland with views across to Wimbleball Lake. Approximately 4 miles, allow 2 hours.

Haddon Hill -- A short walk from the car park near Wimbleball Lake to the summit of Haddon Hill, with panoramic views across the lake and surrounding countryside. The area is managed for wildlife and you may spot buzzards, ravens, and red deer. Approximately 3 miles circular.

Dunkery Beacon -- The highest point on Exmoor at 519 metres and the highest point in Somerset. Accessible from several starting points within a 20-minute drive. From the summit cairn, the views stretch to Dartmoor, Wales, and along the coast. A classic Exmoor walk.

Tarr Steps and the River Barle -- Drive to Tarr Steps (approximately 8 miles) and enjoy a circular riverside walk through the ancient oak woodland of the Barle valley. The popular loop is approximately 2.5 miles, with the option to extend further upstream towards Withypool.

Beaches

Blue Anchor Bay -- The nearest beach, approximately 8 miles north. A quiet pebble and sand beach with views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. The beach is backed by dramatic blue-grey cliffs and the hamlet has a pub and a holiday park.

Minehead -- Approximately 10 miles from the Brendon Hills. A wide expanse of sand at low tide, ideal for families. Also the starting point of the 630-mile South West Coast Path.

Dunster Beach -- A quieter sand and shingle beach near the historic village of Dunster, approximately 9 miles from the Brendon Hills. A pleasant alternative to busier Minehead.

North Devon beaches -- The golden sand beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands are within reach for a day trip, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car.