Hartford Cottage, West Anstey

Nearest Pubs and Restaurants

There is no pub or restaurant in West Anstey itself, but several excellent options are within a short drive.

The Poltimore Arms, Kings Nympton -- Approximately 8 miles north-west. A wonderfully traditional thatched Devon longhouse pub with a devoted following. The Poltimore Arms serves hearty home-cooked food using local ingredients, with real ales straight from the cask and a warm, convivial atmosphere. No pretensions, just honest country pub food done well. Worth the drive.

The Bridge Inn, Dulverton -- Approximately 6 miles east. A popular pub in the heart of Dulverton, serving a good range of pub food, real ales, and local ciders. A friendly stop after a walk or a browse around the town's independent shops.

The Bark House Hotel, Oakfordbridge -- Approximately 5 miles south. A small country house hotel in a beautiful riverside setting on the edge of the Exe valley. The restaurant serves seasonal menus using locally sourced produce, and the terrace is a lovely spot in summer. Booking recommended for dinner.

The Exeter Inn, Bampton -- Approximately 5 miles south. A traditional village pub in the centre of Bampton, serving pub food and real ales in a relaxed setting.

Tarr Farm Inn -- Approximately 10 miles east. A lovely 17th-century inn beside the famous Tarr Steps clapper bridge on the River Barle. Refined pub food using local produce -- Exmoor lamb, Devon beef, Cornish seafood, and game. Cream teas are served throughout the day, and outdoor tables overlook the river. Booking recommended.

In South Molton

South Molton (approximately 8 miles) has several pubs, cafes, and takeaways. The town's pannier market, held on Thursdays and Saturdays, is a good source of local produce, artisan bread, and homemade cakes.

Explore Exmoor from the doorstep -- West Anstey sits right on the southern boundary of Exmoor National Park. Step outside and you are immediately in some of the quietest, most unspoilt countryside in England. The lanes, fields, and commons around the hamlet are perfect for gentle walks, birdwatching, and simply soaking up the peace.

Exmoor ponies on Anstey Commons -- The open moorland of Anstey Commons, just above the hamlet, is home to herds of wild Exmoor ponies. These rare native ponies have grazed the moor for thousands of years and can often be seen from the lanes and paths around West Anstey.

Red deer watching -- Exmoor is home to England's largest wild red deer herd, and the quiet hills around West Anstey are excellent deer country. Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot them on the surrounding moorland and in the wooded valleys.

Dulverton -- Approximately 6 miles east. Known as the southern gateway to Exmoor, Dulverton is a handsome small town on the River Barle with a fine selection of independent shops, galleries, a bookshop, and the Exmoor National Park Visitor Centre. A wonderful place to spend a morning browsing and picking up local produce.

Tarr Steps -- Approximately 10 miles east. An ancient clapper bridge across the River Barle, formed from 17 massive stone slabs and believed to be medieval in origin. The bridge sits within a National Nature Reserve surrounded by beautiful oak woodland, and makes a wonderful spot for a riverside walk and picnic.

Knightshayes Court -- Approximately 12 miles south. A striking Victorian Gothic Revival house owned by the National Trust, set in magnificent gardens and parkland above the Exe valley near Tiverton. The walled garden, topiary, and woodland walks are outstanding.

Fishing -- The rivers and streams around West Anstey offer excellent trout and salmon fishing. The Rivers Exe, Barle, and Yeo are all within easy reach. Day permits and local advice are available in Dulverton and South Molton.

Stargazing -- Exmoor was designated Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve, and West Anstey's remote location with minimal light pollution makes it a superb spot for stargazing. On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible overhead.

Walks from the Doorstep

Anstey Gate and Anstey Commons -- Walk directly from the hamlet up onto the open moorland of Anstey Commons. This is classic Exmoor landscape -- rolling heather, rough grassland, and wide skies. Wild Exmoor ponies graze freely here, and the views stretch across the moor in every direction. Various routes of 3 to 8 miles are possible, all starting and finishing from the doorstep.

River Yeo Valley -- Follow quiet lanes and footpaths along the valley of the River Yeo, which flows through the Anstey valley below the hamlet. Gentle, sheltered walking through farmland and woodland, with good chances of spotting herons, dippers, and kingfishers.

Two Moors Way -- This long-distance trail connecting Exmoor to Dartmoor passes close to West Anstey. You can join the route for a day walk heading north towards the open moor or south towards Bampton and the Exe valley.

Dulverton to Tarr Steps -- Approximately 6 miles east. A beautiful riverside walk following the River Barle upstream from Dulverton through ancient oak woodland to the famous Tarr Steps clapper bridge. The route is approximately 4 miles each way, or you can arrange transport and walk one way. One of the finest river walks on Exmoor.

Haddon Hill -- Approximately 8 miles east. A rewarding moorland walk with panoramic views over Wimbleball Lake and the surrounding hills. The route crosses open heathland rich in wildlife, with the option to extend down to the lake shore.

Molland Moor -- Approximately 5 miles north. Wild, open moorland that is one of the best places on Exmoor to see red deer. The moor offers expansive walking with few other people, and the sense of remoteness is remarkable.

Beaches

West Anstey is deep inland Exmoor, so the coast requires a drive, but there are rewarding options in both directions.

Porlock Bay and Bossington Beach -- Approximately 30 to 40 minutes north. A dramatic arc of pebbles backed by the Porlock Marsh salt flats, with Bossington Beach offering a vast shingle expanse and views across to the South Wales coast.

North Devon beaches -- The golden sand beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands are approximately 40 to 50 minutes by car. Excellent surfing, rock pooling, and family-friendly bathing. A wonderful day out from West Anstey.

Minehead -- Approximately 30 minutes north-east. A wide expanse of sand at low tide, ideal for families. Also the starting point of the 630-mile South West Coast Path.