Merrijig, Dulverton

In Dulverton (2 miles)

Woods Bar and Restaurant -- A much-loved restaurant and wine bar tucked away on Bank Square, named the Good Pub Guide's National Wine Bar of the Year. The hand-built wooden interior and stone fireplaces create a warm, personal atmosphere. Excellent food using locally sourced produce, with a strong wine list and local ales. Booking recommended.

The Bridge Inn -- A popular country pub beside the medieval bridge over the River Barle. Great ales, craft beers, a huge selection of gins, and modern British food. In summer you can sit on the terrace overlooking the river. Very dog-friendly.

The Lion Hotel -- A family-run coaching inn built in 1822, in the heart of Dulverton. The restaurant serves seasonal home-cooked meals using local produce, with venison a particular speciality. The lounge bar is a relaxed spot for local ales and ciders. Dog-friendly throughout.

Tongdam Thai -- An authentic Thai restaurant and B&B housed in a whitewashed cottage in the centre of Dulverton. A refreshing change from traditional pub food, with very good reviews.

The Copper Kettle -- Something of a Dulverton institution, this charming tea room on Fore Street has been running for over 40 years. Famous for homemade cakes, hearty breakfasts, and traditional cream teas.

Further Afield

Tarr Farm Inn -- A beautiful 17th-century inn right beside the Tarr Steps on the River Barle. Award-winning food using Exmoor lamb, Devon Red Ruby beef, and local game, plus their own Tarr Farm Ale. Themed food evenings and legendary Sunday roasts -- booking essential. Approximately 15 minutes by car.

The Exmoor Forest Inn, Simonsbath -- Awarded a Michelin Green Star and included in the Good Food Guide's 100 best pubs. At the very heart of Exmoor, with a daily-changing menu showcasing sustainable, local produce. Well worth the drive.

Tarr Steps -- Exmoor's most famous landmark, an ancient clapper bridge believed to be over 1,000 years old, spanning the River Barle deep in a wooded valley. A Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument, with 17 massive stone slabs -- some weighing over five tonnes. Surrounded by a National Nature Reserve with red deer, otters, and dormice. Approximately 15 minutes by car, or a spectacular 6-mile walk along the river from Dulverton.

Wimbleball Lake -- A 530-acre reservoir 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 site, and the area is part of Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve -- superb for stargazing.

Dulverton Town -- Browse over 40 independent shops, galleries, and boutiques in this charming market town. Visit the Guildhall Heritage and Arts Centre (free entry) or Exmoor House, the National Park Authority headquarters with exhibitions and a gallery. The Lorna Doone statue on Fore Street is a local landmark -- tradition says visitors should place flowers in her bronze hand.

Exmoor Pony Centre -- Located between Dulverton and Tarr Steps at Ashwick, this centre cares for Exmoor ponies and offers hands-on visits. A great family activity, approximately 10 minutes by car.

Fishing -- Dulverton is a centre for some of the finest salmon and trout fishing in the South West, on the rivers Barle and Exe. Day permits and tackle are available locally.

Horse riding -- Several riding stables in the area offer moorland treks across Exmoor, suitable for all abilities. An unforgettable way to experience the landscape.

Dulverton by Starlight -- A magical community festival held each December, when the town is lit by lanterns, candles, and fairy lights. Markets, music, and a wonderful atmosphere. Exmoor's Dark Sky Reserve status makes the evening skies particularly spectacular.

Knightshayes Court -- A Victorian Gothic mansion and garden managed by the National Trust, set in beautiful parkland near Tiverton. Impressive walled kitchen garden, topiary, and woodland walks. Approximately 25 minutes by car.

Dunster Castle -- A striking medieval castle set in beautiful gardens on the edge of Exmoor, managed by the National Trust. Approximately 25 minutes by car.

Walks from the Doorstep

Brushford to Dulverton riverside walk -- A gentle stroll along the riverbank from Brushford into Dulverton, ideal for a morning walk to collect papers and coffee. Approximately 2 miles each way on easy, flat terrain.

Dulverton to Tarr Steps along the River Barle -- One of the finest riverside walks in Exmoor. Follow the river upstream through beautiful oak woodland to the ancient clapper bridge. Approximately 6 miles each way, or drive to Tarr Steps and enjoy the shorter 1.8-mile circular walk around the bridge and through the National Nature Reserve. Watch for red deer, dippers, and otters.

Exe Valley Way -- This long-distance footpath passes through Dulverton, following the River Exe from its source high on Exmoor for over 60 miles to the coast at Exmouth. Walk a section in either direction for a wonderful day out along the river valley.

Two Moors Way -- A long-distance route linking Exmoor to Dartmoor passes through the area, offering far-reaching views across the Devon and Somerset countryside.

Winsford Hill and the Punchbowl -- Open moorland walking just a few miles north of Dulverton, with panoramic views across Exmoor. The Winsford Hill Punchbowl is a dramatic natural hollow. Look out for Exmoor ponies and red deer.

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 hills. Approximately 15 minutes by car.

Dunkery Beacon -- The highest point on Exmoor at 1,705 feet, with panoramic views stretching to the Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, and the Bristol Channel. Several walking routes lead to the summit. Approximately 30 minutes by car.

Beaches

Minehead -- A popular sandy beach with facilities and views across the Bristol Channel to Wales, approximately 25 minutes by car. Also the starting point of the South West Coast Path.

Dunster Beach -- A large, quieter sand and shingle beach with views across Blue Anchor Bay, approximately 25 minutes by car.

Porlock Weir -- A picturesque harbour village with a sweeping 3-mile pebble beach backed by marshland. Approximately 30 minutes by car.

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