See red deer up close grazing in the fields around the cottage. Gaze at the stars in Europe’s first international dark sky reserve. Explore miles of open moor by foot or by horse. Practise your photographic skills on the stunning landscapes, flora and fauna. Look for otters and kingfishers on the upper stretches of the Rivers Barle and Exe. Explore the local seaside towns on a day out away from the moor, Relax in our cottage’s comfortable surroundings away from the noise and distractions of the modern world.
Exmoor is the perfect place for a riding holiday. If you are planning to bring your own horses on holiday, please contact us to discuss the availability of our stables prior to booking. Alternatively there are several good yards with hirelings available for hacking or hunting. The Exmoor Foxhounds and Devon & Somerset Staghounds frequently meet locally and provide a fun and fast day out. The British Horse Society has put together information leaflets for 8 self-guided rides which are available through their website. We recommend downloading the OS Mapfinder App which provides your exact location anywhere on the moor without phone signal or Wifi.
Exmoor has several hundred miles of footpaths, many of which cross the Exmoor Forest Estate. The Tarka Trail, Two Moors Way and Macmillan Way all pass within a mile of the cottage. The South West Coast Path is nearby. Or there are many other walks of varying intensity in the immediate area: to Pinkery Pond, to Landacre Bridge, the Doone Valley, Exe Head (with its views to Wales on a sunny day), the Fortescue Monument, Cornham Ford and Cow Castle – lots of options. Guides to some walks and maps are available free of charge to guests at Limecombe.
Exmoor is well suited for exploring by bicycle and there are several organised events to suit those of all abilities. The Exmoor Beauty Ride takes place each Spring whilst those looking for a serious challenge could try the 100 mile endurance race, the Exmoor Beast, or the panoramic Porlock Hill Climb (Link to national park webpage).
Fly fishing, coarse fishing and sea fishing are all available in the area. Boats go from many of the coastal villages. Salmon and trout may be fished on the Barle and Exe. More Information is available here and here and here
This is a firm favourite due to its delicious food and charming timbered bar and dining room. It makes a very good destination for a long walk or ride taking in Exe plain, the Chains and Pinkery Pond but you could leave your car in advance in the pub car park so you don't have to stagger too far home after an excellent lunch.
This 16th century coaching inn is next to a busy livery yard which makes it very busy with riders and those visiting the moor for country sports. The Exmoor Safari tours depart regularly from the inn and it is the perfect spot for a drink on the bank of the river Exe on a sunny afternoon.
Our local pub which is approximately one mile walk down the private track and through the farm into the village. Nestling just below St Luke's Church, the location of this pub makes it an attractive alternative to cooking supper in the cottage. We can also thoroughly recommend visiting it after working up an appetite by walking down the River Barle valley to visit the ancient Iron Age fort of Cow Castle.
Another good pub at the end of a beautiful walk or ride down the River Barle valley taking in the sights of the Wheal Eliza tin mines, Cow Castle fort, Picked Stones and medieval Landacre Bridge.
At Limecombe cottage you will be immersed in the local wildlife and red deer population, however if you wish to find out more about the local flora and fauna or try a course in wildlife photography, the specialists at Exmoor Safari are the people you need.
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Day excursions can be made to Lundy Island in the Bristol Chanel to see the puffins, dolphins and other amazing wildlife. The 1958 MS Oldenburg sails from either Bideford or Ilfracombe and there is plenty to do for all the family. Thoroughly recommended.
Elegant Regency country house and estate owned by the National Trust approximately 12 miles from Simonsbath. Visitors can tour the house and gardens and see the National Trust carriage collection of 19th century horse drawn vehicles.
The Victorians named these two villages ‘Little Switzerland’, they are situated at the mouth of the River Lyn. From Lynmouth you can access Lynton (the higher of the two villages) either via a Victorian water-powered cliff railway, or a coast path. You will find traditional fisherman’s cottages, shops and cafes. Along the coast nearby you will find the magnificent rugged setting of the Valley of the Rocks.
Porlock has a shingle beach, museum, weir, gardens and aquarium.
Seaside village with shops, pubs, and wildlife park with a sheltered sandy beach and rock pools.
The Victorian town of Ilfracombe has a good selection of pubs, shops and restaurants all sat around an attractive harbour. Visitors can also hop on board one of the daily boat trips to the stunning Lundy Island. Tunnels Beach is a Blue Flag family beach steeped in history where visitors reach the beach through tunnels carved out of the Cliffside rocks.
Located within a small rocky cove Lee Bay, overlooked by Lee Abbey, has a small sandy beach and many rock pools at low tide.
Woolacombe has a magnificent 3 mile stretch of golden sands. It has a Blue Flag status and lifeguards on duty during the summer, a safe environment for swimming, surfing and windsurfing. Woolacombe itself also has excellent pubs, cafes, restaurants and seaside shops.
An idyllically situated beach, Saunton Sands has over 3 miles of golden sand and has some of the best surf in the country.
Croyde, a smaller sandy beach but a paradise for surfers all year round.
Nestled in a beautiful wooded valley Tarr Steps form a clapper bridge across the River Barle. They are located in a national nature reserve about 2.5 miles south east of Withypool and 4 miles north west of Dulverton.
The historic market town of Dulverton (14 miles) is the southern gateway to Exmoor. With plenty of old houses and shops.
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