Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Base in North Devon/Somerset

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Base in North Devon/Somerset

My wife and I are planning to visit this area, for six days, at the beginning of October. At the moment we are looking at one of the following towns to base ourselves: Dunster, Winsford, Lynmouth, Dulverton or Porlock. We are open to suggestions though. As you can see we prefer to stay in villages or small towns. We plan to do day excursions into Exmoor National Park and into other parts of Devon. I have searched the archives and while there is a fair amount of information on Devon there does not appear to be too much on this particular area. Maybe I am doing the search incorrectly. We plan to visit Knightshayes Court, Killerton House and Garden and travel on the West Somerset Railway as well as the one in Lynmouth. Other than that we are completely open to all suggestions. To give you some idea on what we like: we love visiting gardens, although I don't know how good they will be this time of year, manor houses, going on scenic drives especially on the smaller secondary roads, as well as visiting picturesque towns and villages. We also love to go on walks, but I do have a small knee problem, so no huge hikes for us at the moment. We will then be touring Cornwall for a further 6 days, but I will post for information, under a seperate heading. I thank you and look forward to your suggestions.

Personally,having stayed there on 2 trips, I like Lynton/Lynmouth - very scenic,lots of B&Bs and Guesthouses - especially in Lynton. Dont miss the short hike to the Valley of the Rocks and the hike (or short drive)to Watersmeet. The coastal drive from Dunster to Lynmouth is very scenic. I am sure you will enjoy this area.

Devon and Cornwall is one of my favorite areas in England. Early October is a perfect time to visit gardens for the beautiful fall colours. The Rosemoor Garden near Great Torrington is very educational for garden lovers. Barnstaple is a nice old town with interesting market, from the town there are many trails to the coasts. Clovelly(used to be a tiny fishing village) is so picture perfect,it's almost unreal. In October, there shouldn't be too many tourists. Castle Drogo(the newest castle in U.K.) has a very beautiful park,but it is in Dartmoor.

Hello Bill, This is a lovely area. The Exmoor coast is spectacular. You've chosen some lovely villages. The Lynmouth area - the 'little Switzerland' of England - is hard to beat for setting. Dunster too is very pretty. If you decide to stay in Porlock, choose somewhere OFF the main road. JMM and Judy have given you some great tips. Between Porlock and Minehead is a turning for SELWORTHY - a delightful National Trust village of thatched cottages, one of the loveliest in England. If you've read Lorna Doone, the Doone Valley is a turn off the Lynmouth-Porlock road towards Brendon/Oare. From Dunster the Exe Valley to Bampton is very picturesque. The road from Lynton to Valley of the Rocks and Heddon Valley is also scenic. At Tiverton you can take a horse-drawn barge. There are many lovely places in South and East Devon too, - Dartmouth, Totnes, Salcombe/Bolt Head, Newton Ferrers/Noss Mayo, Sidmouth, Bicton Gardens, Brixham, ... and Dartmoor. If you're interested in steam trains, don't miss the Kingswear-Paignton ride. The boat trip from Totnes to Dartmouth is lovely. Hope this helps ... Steve

JMM, Judy and Steve, thanks for all the information, much appreciated.

An informative article: "Sea views and cream teas" on north Devon and Somerset. http://WWW.timesonline.co.uk/printFr...853002,00.html

Hi Bill, we've just come back from a stay in Berrynarbor near Combe Martin, stopping at a great B&B called Bessemer Thatch. You can't miss it, it's not thatched. V. comfortable rooms and an option on a first rate evening meal. Alternatively Ye Olde Globe is 20 yards away, founded in 1675 and still selling good beer and excellent value meals. Tel: 01271 882296 Fax: 01271 882296. Enjoy.

Hi again Bill, don't miss the Dartington Glass factory, no really, it's fascinating. Also, Hartshead Abbey, I'd recommend Rosemoor, outstanding gardens. Dunster Castle Arlington Court There's loads to do, as well as the Coastal Path.