Rockford Cottage, Brendon

In and Around Brendon

The Rockford Inn -- A characterful 16th-century pub nestled in the East Lyn valley at Brendon Two Gates, a short walk from Brendon village. The Rockford Inn serves traditional pub food using locally sourced ingredients, with real ales and a riverside setting. Dogs welcome. A lovely spot for a pint after a walk along the river.

Staghunters Inn, Brendon -- A traditional Exmoor inn in the hamlet, offering food and accommodation on a seasonal basis. Check locally for opening times as these can vary throughout the year.

Blue Ball Inn, Countisbury -- Approximately 2 miles from Brendon, perched high above Lynmouth on the old coaching road. A 13th-century inn with excellent food, real ales, and spectacular views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. A popular stop for walkers on the South West Coast Path.

Lynmouth and Lynton (3--4 miles)

The Rising Sun, Lynmouth -- A thatched 14th-century harbourside inn with a strong literary history. Serves fresh seafood, local game, and West Country classics in the oak-panelled restaurant or the sheltered garden overlooking Lynmouth harbour. Real ales and a good wine list. Booking recommended.

The Oak Room at Lynton Cottage Hotel -- A refined dining experience with panoramic views over Lynmouth Bay. The menu features locally sourced Exmoor produce, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Booking recommended.

Lynton and Lynmouth -- The twin villages offer a good selection of pubs, tea rooms, fish and chip shops, and restaurants. The Esplanade in Lynmouth and Lee Road in Lynton are the main areas to explore for dining options.

Watersmeet -- One of the most celebrated beauty spots on Exmoor, approximately 2 miles from Brendon. Owned by the National Trust, Watersmeet is where the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water meet in a dramatic, deeply wooded gorge. The Victorian fishing lodge houses a tea room and information point. The surrounding woodland walks are spectacular in every season.

Valley of Rocks -- A dramatic dry valley on the coast approximately 5 miles from Brendon, just west of Lynton. Towering rock formations, wild feral goats, and sweeping views along the coastline make this one of Exmoor's most memorable landscapes. Free to visit at any time.

Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway -- The steepest fully water-powered railway in the world, connecting the twin villages of Lynton (at the top of the cliff) and Lynmouth (at the harbour) since 1890. A short but thrilling ride with wonderful views. Open daily from mid-February to early November.

River Lyn walking -- The East Lyn River flows right through Brendon, and the valley offers some of the most beautiful riverside walking on Exmoor. Follow the river downstream towards Watersmeet and Lynmouth, passing through ancient oak woodland and dramatic gorge scenery.

Brendon Two Gates and moorland access -- From the road above Brendon at Brendon Two Gates, you can walk directly onto the open moorland. This is excellent country for spotting wild red deer, Exmoor ponies, and birds of prey. The views from the high moor are superb.

Doone Valley -- The valley said to have inspired R.D. Blackmore's famous novel Lorna Doone. Accessed via Malmsmead (approximately 4 miles), the walk up Badgworthy Water to the ruined medieval settlement is one of Exmoor's classic excursions.

Red deer on the moor -- Exmoor is home to England's largest wild red deer herd, and the moorland around Brendon is one of the best areas to see them. Autumn is particularly spectacular during the rutting season. Local operators offer guided safaris.

Lynmouth harbour -- The picturesque harbour at Lynmouth (3 miles) is the starting point for boat trips along the dramatic Exmoor coast, including trips to see seals, seabirds, and the towering coastal cliffs.

Walks from the Doorstep

East Lyn River from Brendon -- Walk downstream along the East Lyn River through ancient oak woodland towards Watersmeet and Lynmouth. The path follows the river closely, crossing bridges and passing through dramatic gorge scenery. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Watersmeet (approximately 2 miles one way). The full walk to Lynmouth harbour is approximately 4 miles.

Watersmeet from Lynmouth -- One of the most popular walks on Exmoor. Follow the East Lyn upstream from Lynmouth through the spectacular wooded gorge to Watersmeet, where two rivers meet beneath towering oaks. The National Trust tea room at Watersmeet makes an excellent halfway point. Allow 1.5 hours for the circular walk.

South West Coast Path at Lynmouth and Countisbury -- Pick up the South West Coast Path at Lynmouth (3 miles) for dramatic clifftop walking. The section east from Lynmouth climbs steeply to Countisbury and then on to Foreland Point, the most northerly point in Devon, with breathtaking views across the Bristol Channel. Allow 2 to 3 hours for the Countisbury to Foreland Point circuit.

Doone Valley via Malmsmead -- Drive or walk to Malmsmead (approximately 4 miles) and follow Badgworthy Water upstream into the Doone Valley. This atmospheric walk through open moorland and secluded combes leads to the ruins of a medieval settlement. Allow 3 to 4 hours for the full circuit.

Countisbury to Foreland Point -- A dramatic coastal walk from the hilltop hamlet of Countisbury (2 miles from Brendon) to Foreland Point lighthouse, the most northerly point in Devon. Spectacular sea views and a chance to spot seals and seabirds. Allow 2 hours for the return walk.

Beaches

Lynmouth harbour beach -- The nearest beach, approximately 3 miles from Brendon. A small pebble and rock beach at the foot of the cliffs beside Lynmouth harbour. Good for rock-pooling and watching the boats. The harbour itself is a lovely spot to sit and enjoy an ice cream.

Lee Bay -- A small, sheltered cove between Lynton and the Valley of Rocks, approximately 5 miles from Brendon. A quiet spot with rock pools and clear water, accessed by a steep path from the road.

Porlock Bay -- A dramatic arc of shingle backed by salt marshes, approximately 12 miles from Brendon by car (or accessible via a superb stretch of the South West Coast Path). Bossington Beach at the eastern end is a vast expanse of pebbles with views across to the South Wales coast.