Valley View Retreat Shepherd’s Hut

In North Molton

The Poltimore Arms -- A traditional village pub at the heart of North Molton. The Poltimore serves home-cooked food using locally sourced ingredients, with a menu of classic pub dishes alongside daily specials. Real ales, cider, and a good selection of wines. The pub has a welcoming atmosphere with a log fire in winter and a beer garden for warmer months. Food served at lunchtime and in the evenings. Dogs welcome.

In South Molton (3 miles)

The George Hotel -- A coaching inn in the centre of South Molton, offering traditional English food and Sunday roasts. A comfortable base for a meal while exploring the town.

South Molton Pannier Market -- Open on Thursdays, the market sells local produce, baked goods, and seasonal vegetables. A Saturday farmers' market also runs regularly.

Further Afield

The Exmoor Forest Inn, Simonsbath -- Approximately 12 miles from North Molton. Awarded a Michelin Green Star for sustainable gastronomy. The daily-changing menu features beef and lamb from their own organic hill farm, sourced within a twelve-mile radius. Booking strongly recommended.

Tarr Farm Inn -- A lovely 17th-century inn beside the famous Tarr Steps, approximately 14 miles from North Molton. Refined pub food using local produce -- Exmoor lamb, Devon beef, and game. Cream teas served throughout the day. Booking recommended.

The Mason's Arms, Knowstone -- Approximately 8 miles south of North Molton. A thatched 13th-century inn with an excellent reputation for food, known for using the finest Devon produce. A special-occasion destination.

Quince Honey Farm, South Molton -- A popular attraction and cafe serving light lunches, cream teas, and dishes featuring their own Exmoor honey. A lovely family outing combined with a meal.

Explore North Molton village -- Wander through the village square and admire the handsome stone buildings that reflect North Molton's prosperous mining past. Visit All Saints Church with its striking Perpendicular tower, fine medieval woodwork, and memorials to the Poltimore family. The churchyard offers lovely views across the village.

Walk on North Molton Ridge -- The ridge rising directly above the village gives access to open moorland with magnificent views across Exmoor to the north and rolling Devon farmland to the south. Exmoor ponies and red deer are regularly seen on the higher ground.

Red deer watching -- Exmoor is home to England's largest wild red deer herd, and the moorland above North Molton is one of the best areas for sightings. Several local operators offer guided 4x4 safari tours, typically lasting around three hours, to spot deer and Exmoor ponies in their natural habitat.

Tarr Steps -- An ancient clapper bridge across the River Barle, approximately 14 miles from North Molton. 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.

Fishing on the River Mole -- The River Mole runs through the parish and offers good brown trout fishing in a peaceful setting. Permits are available locally. The rivers Exe and Barle, both within easy reach, provide further excellent salmon and trout fishing.

Quince Honey Farm, South Molton -- Just 3 miles away, this unique attraction houses the largest colony of honey bees in Britain. Watch the bees at work behind glass, learn about beekeeping, and sample Exmoor honey. A great family outing, with a shop and cafe on site.

Exmoor Zoo -- Approximately 15 miles from North Molton, near Barnstaple. A small, friendly zoo specialising in smaller and rarer animals, including Exmoor's own beast -- the Exmoor cat. Interactive feeding sessions and keeper talks throughout the day.

Castle Hill Gardens, Filleigh -- Approximately 6 miles from North Molton. Beautiful Capability Brown-influenced parkland surrounding an 18th-century Palladian house, with woodland walks, a Sham Castle folly, and seasonal garden openings.

RHS Rosemoor -- The Royal Horticultural Society's garden near Great Torrington, approximately 18 miles from North Molton. Over 65 acres of stunning gardens including a rose garden, cottage garden, woodland, and arboretum. Open year-round.

Lynton and Lynmouth -- Often called 'Little Switzerland', these twin villages on the Exmoor coast are approximately 20 miles from North Molton. 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

North Molton Ridge -- A rewarding walk climbing from the village onto the open ridge above, with panoramic views across Exmoor to the north and the Taw valley to the south. The moorland is grazed by Exmoor ponies and is a fine place for spotting red deer. Allow 2 to 3 hours for a circular route of approximately 5 miles.

Heasley Mill and the River Mole -- A gentle circular walk from North Molton following quiet lanes and footpaths down to the hamlet of Heasley Mill on the River Mole, returning through farmland and woodland. Approximately 4 miles, allow around 2 hours. A peaceful riverside walk with good chances of spotting dippers and herons.

Anstey Gate and the High Moor -- Drive or walk to Anstey Gate, a well-known access point to the open moor above Molland. From here you can walk across wild, open moorland to Anstey Common and beyond, with vast views and a real sense of remoteness. Red deer and Exmoor ponies are frequently seen. Various routes from 3 to 8 miles.

Twitchen and Whitechapel -- A lovely circular walk through the quiet hamlets south-east of North Molton, crossing rolling farmland and following ancient Devon lanes. Approximately 5 miles, allow around 2.5 hours.

Two Moors Way -- This long-distance trail connecting Exmoor to Dartmoor passes through the countryside near North Molton. You can join the route for a day walk heading north onto the moor or south towards Knowstone and Witheridge.

Tarr Steps and the River Barle -- Drive to Tarr Steps (approximately 14 miles) and enjoy a circular riverside walk through ancient oak woodland in the Barle valley. The popular loop is approximately 2.5 miles, with the option to extend further upstream towards Withypool.

Beaches

Woolacombe -- One of the finest beaches in Devon, a three-mile stretch of golden sand backed by dunes. Excellent for surfing, swimming, and sandcastles. Approximately 30 miles from North Molton, around 50 minutes by car.

Croyde Bay -- A beautiful sandy beach popular with surfers and families, set in a picturesque cove. Approximately 30 miles, around 50 minutes by car.

Saunton Sands -- A vast expanse of golden sand backed by the Braunton Burrows dune system, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Approximately 28 miles, around 45 minutes by car.

Porlock Bay and Bossington Beach -- On the Exmoor coast, approximately 22 miles from North Molton. A dramatic arc of pebbles backed by the Porlock Marsh salt flats, with views across to the South Wales coast. A great walking beach in a wild, unspoilt setting.

Minehead -- The nearest sandy beach on the Exmoor coast, approximately 25 miles from North Molton. A wide expanse of sand at low tide, ideal for families. Also the starting point of the 630-mile South West Coast Path.