Withycombe

Why you'll love staying here

Situated in the Avill Valley, just over 2 miles from Dunster, Withycombe is a charming “upside down” barn conversion with beautiful views over the surrounding fields. The stone barn which used to contain cow stalls, a calves house, and a bull’s house, has been carefully restored and comfortably furnished. Ideal for a family looking to explore Exmoor National Park and the north Devon and Somerset coast.

Duddings Country Cottages have an excellent range of facilities on site including a games room, children’s play area, hard tennis court, games paddock, and an indoor heated swimming pool with a spa bath. Guests are also welcome to explore the grounds with spots for a picnic, a river with brown trout, and an abundance of wildlife. The owner keeps Shetland ponies who love occasional treats like carrots and apples.

Exmoor’s famous landmarks are all within easy reach. Hike through the Valley or Rocks, with dramatic, coastal scenery and feral goats, or climb Dunkery Beacon the highest point in the park with views towards Wales, Dartmoor, and the Bristol Channel. On the way keep an eye out for herds of red deer and iconic free roaming ponies.

There are plenty of beaches and coves nearby, many of which welcome dogs. Highlights include Porlock Weir with a pretty harbour; Combe Martin, a good spot for kayaking and paddle boarding; Minehead, a clean, sandy beach ideal for families; and the twin towns of Lynmouth and Lynton connected by a cliff-top water-powered funicular railway.

Dunster is a medieval village with a magnificent castle overlooking its high street, lined with independent shops, galleries, tea rooms, and welcoming pubs, as well as a 17th century yarn market, a reminder of the area’s once flourishing wool and cloth trade.

For supermarkets and more amenities, Minehead is a 15 mixture drive away.

Please note, Withycombe is not on a working farm, but has been picked because guests can meet Shetland ponies.