Barn Owl Cottage, Wheddon Cross

In Wheddon Cross

The Rest and Be Thankful Inn -- The village's 19th-century coaching inn, open seven days a week, serving hearty home-cooked food from freshly battered cod and chips to prime beef burgers. Their Sunday carvery is popular with locals and visitors alike. A full bar offers local ales, wines and a wide selection of gins. Log fires in winter and a patio with views to Dunkery Beacon in summer. The inn also has a skittle alley, pool table and dartboard.

Nearby

The Lion Inn, Timberscombe -- A traditional Exmoor village pub approximately 2 miles from Wheddon Cross, dating back to around 1600. Serving real ales and quality pub food in a welcoming, dog-friendly setting. A lovely spot for a relaxed evening meal.

The Crown Hotel, Exford -- A 17th-century coaching inn at the heart of Exford village, approximately 5 miles away. An excellent reputation for freshly prepared food using quality local ingredients, served alongside real ales and fine wines. Roaring log fires in winter and outdoor dining in summer. Dog friendly.

The Exmoor Forest Inn, Simonsbath -- Approximately 8 miles from Wheddon Cross, this remarkable pub holds a Michelin Green Star for sustainable gastronomy. The daily-changing menu features beef and lamb from their own organic Exmoor hill farm, with all ingredients sourced from within a twelve-mile radius. Booking recommended.

Tarr Farm Inn -- A lovely inn beside the famous Tarr Steps clapper bridge, approximately 8 miles away via Winsford. Refined pub food with a modern twist using local produce -- cream teas, riverside terrace, and a beautiful woodland setting. Booking recommended.

In Dulverton (approximately 10 miles)

Dulverton offers a wider choice of dining, including the Tongdam Thai restaurant, several traditional pubs, cafes and tea rooms. The town makes a pleasant day out combined with a walk along the River Barle.

Dunkery Beacon -- The highest point on Exmoor at 519 metres, just 3 miles from Wheddon Cross. A straightforward walk to the summit rewards you with views stretching to Dartmoor, the Brecon Beacons and across the Bristol Channel to Wales. Several routes start from nearby car parks at Dunkery Gate and Webber's Post.

Snowdrop Valley -- A privately owned valley close to Wheddon Cross that opens to the public each February when a spectacular carpet of wild snowdrops comes into bloom. The event has been running since 1998, with waymarked walks, a pop-up cafe and volunteer marshals. A true Exmoor highlight in late winter.

Exmoor Wildlife -- The moorland around Wheddon Cross is prime territory for spotting wild red deer, England's largest native mammal. During the autumn rut (October), listen for the roaring of stags on the hills above the village. Wild Exmoor ponies -- one of Britain's rarest native breeds -- can also be seen grazing freely on the surrounding moor.

Dunster Castle -- A National Trust property approximately 7 miles from Wheddon Cross, blending 1,000 years of history from medieval fortress to Victorian country house. Explore the castle rooms, sub-tropical gardens and working watermill. Open seasonally.

Tarr Steps -- An ancient clapper bridge across the River Barle, approximately 8 miles via Winsford. At 55 metres long with 17 stone spans, it is the longest clapper bridge in Britain and a Grade I listed monument. A beautiful spot for a riverside walk and picnic.

Wimbleball Lake -- A scenic reservoir on the southern edge of the National Park, approximately 15 minutes by car. Managed by South West Lakes Trust, it offers kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, fly fishing, cycling trails and lakeside walks. A great family day out.

Exmoor Pony Centre -- Based near Winsford, approximately 6 miles from Wheddon Cross. Run by the Moorland Mousie Trust, the centre offers the chance to meet and ride Exmoor ponies. Moorland treks and taster sessions available. Open seasonally -- booking essential.

Stargazing -- Exmoor was designated Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve. With very low light pollution, the area around Dunkery Beacon and Wheddon Cross is one of the finest places in England to see the night sky. Thousands of stars are visible to the naked eye on a clear night.

Walks from the Doorstep

Dunkery Beacon Circular -- The classic walk from Wheddon Cross, crossing farmland and climbing to the open moor before reaching the summit cairn at 519 metres. Approximately 8 miles with varied terrain -- fields, heathland, and rocky paths. Wild Exmoor ponies and red deer are frequently seen along the way. Allow 4 to 5 hours.

Dunkery Gate Short Walk -- For a quicker route to the summit, drive to Dunkery Gate car park (approximately 2 miles). From there the path to the top is just over half a mile -- a rewarding walk that most people can manage. Allow about an hour for the round trip.

Snowdrop Valley Walk -- A seasonal walk each February through the private valley near Wheddon Cross, following waymarked routes of approximately 1 to 2 miles through a stunning display of wild snowdrops. Muddy paths -- sturdy footwear essential.

Horner Woods -- One of the largest ancient oak woodlands in Britain, part of the Dunkery and Horner Wood National Nature Reserve. Several waymarked trails follow the stream through a magical landscape of moss-covered oaks, some over 500 years old. Look out for red deer, dippers and the rare heath fritillary butterfly. Approximately 5 miles by car via the moorland road.

Tarr Steps and the River Barle -- A beautiful riverside walk from the ancient clapper bridge through the Barle valley woodland, a designated National Nature Reserve. The short circular is approximately 2.5 miles. Extend upstream towards Withypool for a longer day out.

Wimbleball Lake -- A 9-mile lakeside trail around the reservoir, suitable for walking and cycling. Approximately 15 minutes by car from Wheddon Cross.

Beaches

Minehead -- The nearest sandy beach, approximately 8 miles (around 20 minutes by car). A wide expanse of sand at low tide, ideal for families. Also the starting point of the 630-mile South West Coast Path and the terminus of the West Somerset Railway.

Dunster Beach -- A quieter sand and shingle beach near the village of Dunster, approximately 8 miles away. A peaceful alternative to Minehead with free roadside parking.

Porlock Weir -- A picturesque 15th-century harbour with a shingle beach, approximately 10 miles via the scenic road over Dunkery Hill. Walk along the coast to Bossington Beach for dramatic views across Porlock Bay.

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