Westcott Cross Cottage, Luxborough

In Luxborough

The Royal Oak Inn -- A 14th-century country inn at the heart of Luxborough, serving four cask ales, real West Country ciders, and freshly cooked seasonal food using local produce. The original flagstone floors, stone walls, and open beams give it wonderful character. There are three intimate dining areas including The Green Room (just three tables) and The Red Room for special occasions, plus a pleasant courtyard for sunny days. Dog-friendly and popular with walkers. The inn also offers ten ensuite guest rooms. Telephone: 01984 641498.

In Dunster (approximately 6 miles)

The Luttrell Arms Hotel -- A historic hotel on the High Street with a restaurant serving modern British cuisine. The medieval hall makes an atmospheric setting for dinner.

Reeves Restaurant -- A popular independent restaurant on Dunster High Street offering seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients.

Tea rooms and cafes -- Dunster has several charming tea rooms and cafes along its medieval High Street, perfect for cream teas after exploring the castle.

In Watchet (approximately 7 miles)

Pebbles Tavern -- A welcoming harbourside pub in Watchet with real ales and good pub food, overlooking the marina.

The Star Inn -- A traditional 16th-century inn near the harbour serving pub classics and local ales in a cosy setting.

Walking from the doorstep -- Luxborough is surrounded by superb walking country. Head north to Croydon Hill for panoramic views, follow the Coleridge Way long-distance trail, or explore the ancient woodland paths that thread through the Brendon Hills. See the Walks tab for detailed routes.

The Royal Oak Inn -- Even if you are not staying here, the 14th-century village pub is well worth a visit for a pint of local ale or a meal by the fire after a day on the hills.

Church of St Mary -- Visit the 13th-century parish church in Churchtown with its medieval stone cross in the churchyard, a scheduled ancient monument. The church has Norman origins and a window added as recently as 2002.

Croydon Hill -- Managed by Forestry England, the woodland at Croydon Hill above Luxborough offers walking trails and birdwatching with stunning views across the Brendon Hills and beyond. Free parking at Nutcombe Bottom car park.

Wider Exmoor

Dunster Castle -- A striking medieval castle set in beautiful gardens, managed by the National Trust. Approximately 20 minutes by car. The village of Dunster itself is one of the finest medieval villages in England.

Dunkery Beacon -- The highest point on Exmoor at 1,705 feet, offering spectacular 360-degree views. Accessible from several walking routes in the Brendon Hills.

Wimbleball Lake -- A beautiful reservoir on the southern edge of Exmoor with walking trails, fishing, sailing, and kayaking. Approximately 20 minutes by car.

Tarr Steps -- An ancient clapper bridge across the River Barle, surrounded by wonderful woodland walks. Approximately 30 minutes by car.

West Somerset Railway -- Heritage steam railway running 20 miles from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, with stations at Watchet, Dunster, and Blue Anchor.

Watchet -- A characterful harbour town with maritime museums, fossil-rich beaches, and connections to the poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Approximately 20 minutes by car.

Walks from Luxborough

Croydon Hill -- Head north from Churchtown through ancient woodland to Croydon Hill, the site of an Iron Age hill fort. Forestry England manages the woodland here, and the hilltop rewards with panoramic views across the Brendon Hills and Somerset countryside. Free parking at Nutcombe Bottom. Approximately 3 miles circular.

The Coleridge Way -- This 51-mile long-distance footpath passes through Luxborough on its route from Nether Stowey in the Quantocks to Lynmouth on the Exmoor coast. Walk a section from Luxborough to Wheddon Cross via the Brendon Hills ridgeline for far-reaching views, or head east towards Roadwater. The route is well waymarked throughout.

Brendon Hills Ridge Walk -- Climb from Luxborough to Lype Hill (1,388 feet), the highest point in the Brendon Hills range, for lovely views over the Exmoor and Somerset countryside. Continue along the ridge via Lype Common and Colly Hill. A quieter, less-visited alternative to the busier parts of Exmoor. Approximately 9 miles circular via Wheddon Cross.

Washford River Valley -- Follow the Washford River downstream from Pooltown through pastoral farmland and wooded valleys. A gentle, level walk suitable for most abilities.

Dunkery Beacon -- The highest point on Exmoor (1,705 feet) is accessible from the Brendon Hills. Drive to Wheddon Cross and walk up via Dunkery Gate for a spectacular summit with views to Wales, Dartmoor, and the Quantock Hills.

Beaches

Dunster Beach -- A pebbly beach with a National Trust car park, approximately 20 minutes by car. A quieter alternative to nearby Minehead.

Minehead -- Sandy beach and traditional seaside town approximately 25 minutes by car. The start of the South West Coast Path.

Blue Anchor Bay -- A wide, quiet beach with views across the Bristol Channel to Wales, approximately 20 minutes by car.

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