The Barn, Timberscombe

Nearby Pubs and Restaurants

Timberscombe does not currently have its own pub or restaurant, but there is an excellent choice of places to eat and drink within a short drive.

The Luttrell Arms, Dunster -- A fine 15th-century coaching inn at the heart of Dunster village, approximately 2 miles from Timberscombe. The Luttrell Arms serves classic British food using locally sourced ingredients in a characterful setting of oak beams, flagstone floors, and log fires. Real ales and a good wine list. Food served daily for lunch and dinner.

Reeves Restaurant, Dunster -- A well-regarded restaurant on Dunster High Street, approximately 2 miles away. Reeves offers a seasonal menu of modern British cooking with a focus on West Country produce, including Exmoor beef and lamb, and fresh seafood from the Somerset coast. Booking recommended.

Cobblestones Tea Room, Dunster -- A charming traditional tea room in Dunster village serving homemade cakes, cream teas, light lunches, and excellent coffee. A lovely spot after exploring the castle or village.

Rest and Be Thankful Inn, Wheddon Cross -- A welcoming country pub approximately 3 miles from Timberscombe, at the crossroads in the centre of Wheddon Cross. Good pub food, real ales, and a friendly atmosphere. Popular with walkers and locals alike. Food served daily.

A Little Further

The Crown Hotel, Exford -- A Grade II listed 17th-century coaching inn in the heart of Exmoor, approximately 7 miles from Timberscombe. Freshly prepared food using locally sourced ingredients, a cosy bar with log fire, and a more formal restaurant. Real ales and good wines.

The Exmoor White Horse Inn, Exford -- A 16th-century inn beside the River Exe, approximately 7 miles away. Known for its excellent restaurant using locally sourced game, lamb, beef, and fresh seafood. Also home to one of the most extensive whisky collections in the south-west. Booking recommended.

Minehead -- Approximately 4 miles away, Minehead has a range of restaurants, cafes, fish and chip shops, and takeaways along the seafront and in the town centre.

Dunster Castle -- A dramatic hilltop castle owned by the National Trust, just 2 miles from Timberscombe. The castle dates back to at least the 11th century and is set within beautiful terraced gardens and parkland, with subtropical planting, a medieval gatehouse, and wonderful views across Exmoor to the Bristol Channel. Allow at least half a day to explore the castle, gardens, and grounds.

Dunster Village -- One of the finest medieval villages in Somerset, 2 miles from Timberscombe. Wander the picturesque High Street past the octagonal Yarn Market (built around 1600), browse independent shops and galleries, and visit the working 18th-century watermill owned by the National Trust. The Dunster Dolls Museum is a charming curiosity for families.

West Somerset Railway -- The longest heritage railway in England, running 20 miles from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. Minehead station is approximately 4 miles from Timberscombe. Enjoy a nostalgic journey through stunning Somerset countryside behind beautifully restored steam and diesel locomotives. Special events run throughout the year.

Grabbist Hill -- A lovely walk directly from Timberscombe village up through ancient woodland to the summit, with excellent views across the surrounding valleys and moorland. A perfect morning or afternoon walk straight from the cottage door.

Minehead Beach -- A wide expanse of sandy beach approximately 4 miles from Timberscombe. Ideal for families, with rock pools at low tide, a seafront promenade, cafes, and amusements. Also the official start of the 630-mile South West Coast Path.

Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve -- Exmoor was designated Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve, with some of the lowest levels of light pollution in England. The area around Timberscombe and the surrounding moorland offers superb stargazing on clear nights. Guided events are run throughout the year.

Red deer watching -- Exmoor is home to England's largest wild red deer herd. The moorland above Timberscombe and across towards Dunkery Beacon is excellent deer country. Several local operators offer guided 4x4 safari tours, typically lasting around three hours.

Horse riding -- Exmoor has some of the finest riding country in England, with an extensive network of bridleways across open moorland and through wooded valleys. Several riding centres in the area cater for all abilities.

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

Walks from the Doorstep

Grabbist Hill Circular -- A rewarding circular walk starting from Timberscombe village, climbing through ancient woodland and farmland to the summit of Grabbist Hill. Good views across the Avill valley and surrounding countryside. Moderate grade, approximately 3 miles. Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Croydon Hill and Timberscombe Common -- A longer circular walk from the village taking in Croydon Hill, with excellent panoramic views over the Bristol Channel, the Quantock Hills, and across Exmoor. The route crosses open common land where you may spot wild Exmoor ponies. Moderate grade, approximately 5 miles.

Avill Valley -- Follow quiet lanes and footpaths along the Avill valley from Timberscombe towards Dunster or upstream towards the open moor. Gentle, peaceful walking through farmland and woodland, with good chances of spotting buzzards, dippers, and deer.

Dunster Park and Castle Grounds -- A beautiful walk through the parkland surrounding Dunster Castle (National Trust), approximately 2 miles from Timberscombe. Waymarked trails wind through ancient woodland and open parkland, with views up to the castle and across to the coast.

Bat's Castle Iron Age Hillfort -- A circular walk from Dunster (2 miles) climbing through Dunster Park to the remains of Bat's Castle, an Iron Age hillfort on the ridge above the village. Superb views along the coast and across Exmoor. Moderate grade, approximately 4 miles.

Horner Woods -- A National Nature Reserve with beautiful riverside walking through one of the finest ancient oak woodlands in Britain. A wonderful spot for autumn colour and wild red deer. Approximately 6 miles from Timberscombe by car.

South West Coast Path -- The official start of the 630-mile South West Coast Path is at Minehead, approximately 4 miles from Timberscombe. Walk the first dramatic section eastward along the coast towards Porlock and beyond, with stunning views across the Bristol Channel.

Beaches

Minehead -- The nearest sandy beach, approximately 4 miles from Timberscombe. A wide expanse of sand at low tide, ideal for families, with a seafront promenade, cafes, and shops. Also the starting point of the South West Coast Path.

Dunster Beach -- A quieter sand and shingle beach near the village of Dunster, approximately 3 miles from Timberscombe. A peaceful spot with views along the coast.

Blue Anchor -- A sand and shingle beach approximately 5 miles from Timberscombe. A quiet, unspoilt stretch of coast with a pub and a stop on the West Somerset Railway.

Porlock Bay -- A dramatic arc of pebbles backed by the Porlock Marsh nature reserve, approximately 10 miles from Timberscombe. A beautiful walking beach with views to the South Wales coast.