May Cottage, nr Huntsham

In Bampton (2 miles)

The Exeter Inn -- A traditional village pub in the centre of Bampton serving home-cooked food, real ales, and local ciders. A friendly, welcoming local with a pleasant beer garden. Food served at lunchtime and in the evenings.

The Quarrymans Rest -- A popular community pub in Bampton with a relaxed atmosphere, serving good-value pub food, real ales, and a well-chosen selection of wines. Regular quiz nights and live music events.

The Swan -- A cosy pub in Bampton's town centre, serving drinks and light meals in a traditional setting.

Further Afield

The Bark House Hotel, Oakfordbridge -- Approximately 5 miles from Huntsham, set in beautiful Exe valley surroundings. A relaxed restaurant with rooms, serving locally sourced seasonal food. A lovely spot for a special meal.

Bridge Inn, Dulverton -- Approximately 10 miles from Huntsham, in the gateway town to Exmoor National Park. A welcoming pub serving hearty food and local ales, popular with walkers and visitors to the moor.

Tiverton -- Just 5 miles south, Tiverton has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, takeaways, and pubs to suit all tastes. The Tiverton Pannier Market is a wonderful place to pick up local produce, artisan bread, cheeses, and West Country specialities.

The Stag, Rackenford -- A traditional country pub approximately 6 miles from Huntsham, well regarded for its home-cooked food and friendly atmosphere.

Knightshayes Court (National Trust) -- Approximately 5 miles from Huntsham. One of Devon's finest Victorian country houses, designed by William Burges in the Gothic Revival style. The house has richly decorated interiors, and the surrounding gardens are among the best in the West Country, with rare shrubs, a walled kitchen garden, topiary, and a beautiful woodland garden. Open seasonally -- check the National Trust website for times.

Grand Western Canal, Tiverton -- Approximately 5 miles from Huntsham. A beautiful 11-mile country park following the route of a 19th-century canal. Take a horse-drawn barge trip along the peaceful waterway, or walk and cycle the flat towpath through lovely Devon countryside. Ideal for families, birdwatchers, and anyone looking for a gentle day out.

Bampton Heritage Walks -- Just 2 miles away. Bampton is a historic Devon market town with a medieval castle motte, a fine parish church dating from the Norman period, and attractive streets of traditional buildings. Self-guided heritage walks explore the town's long history.

Tiverton Castle -- Approximately 5 miles from Huntsham. A Grade I listed castle with parts dating from 1106, including a medieval gatehouse, Civil War gallery, and beautiful walled gardens. Open to visitors on selected days.

Coldharbour Mill, Uffculme -- Approximately 10 miles from Huntsham. A working wool and textile museum set in an original 18th-century mill, with spinning and weaving demonstrations, a gallery, and a tea room. A fascinating glimpse into Devon's industrial heritage.

Exmoor National Park -- The open moorland of Exmoor is approximately 15 to 20 minutes' drive north from Huntsham. Explore wild heather moorland, deep river valleys, ancient oak woodland, and a dramatic coastline. Look out for wild red deer, Exmoor ponies, and spectacular Dark Sky stargazing opportunities.

Wimbleball Lake -- Approximately 12 miles from Huntsham, on the southern edge of Exmoor. A beautiful reservoir offering sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing. There is also a pleasant lakeside walk and a cafe.

Dulverton -- Approximately 10 miles north, known as the southern gateway to Exmoor. A handsome small town on the River Barle with independent shops, galleries, a cinema, and the Exmoor National Park Visitor Centre.

Walks

Exe Valley Way -- A long-distance trail following the River Exe from its source on Exmoor to the coast at Exmouth. The route passes close to Huntsham and offers beautiful riverside walking through the Mid Devon countryside. You can join the path locally for short sections or plan a full day's walk.

Bampton to Dulverton Riverside Walk -- Starting just 2 miles away in Bampton, this lovely walk follows the River Batherm and then the Exe southwards before joining the River Barle into Dulverton. A wonderful day walk through varied Devon and Exmoor scenery.

Grand Western Canal Towpath, Tiverton -- Approximately 5 miles from Huntsham. A flat, easy-going 11-mile towpath ideal for walking and cycling. The canal is a designated Country Park and Local Nature Reserve, rich in wildlife including kingfishers, herons, and dragonflies.

Knightshayes Parkland Walks -- Approximately 5 miles from Huntsham. The National Trust estate at Knightshayes has several waymarked walks through mature parkland and woodland, with views across the Exe valley. A gentle and rewarding outing, especially in spring and autumn.

Haddon Hill and Wimbleball -- Approximately 12 miles from Huntsham, on the southern edge of Exmoor. Haddon Hill offers superb open moorland walking with panoramic views. Combine with a circuit of Wimbleball Lake for a longer day out.

Two Moors Way -- This long-distance trail linking Exmoor to Dartmoor is accessible from Bampton. Walk a section northwards onto Exmoor or southwards through the Devon heartland.

Beaches

Exmoor Coast -- The nearest coastline is the dramatic Exmoor coast, approximately 40 to 50 minutes' drive north. Minehead has a wide sandy beach ideal for families, while Porlock Bay offers a more wild and secluded shingle beach backed by salt marshes, with wonderful views along the coast.

North Devon -- The golden sand beaches of Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands are approximately 50 to 60 minutes' drive to the north-west. Superb surfing, rock pooling, and family beach days.

South Devon -- Exmouth and the Jurassic Coast are approximately 60 minutes' drive south. Exmouth has a long sandy beach and a lively seafront, and marks the western end of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast.