The Best of Exmoor

Another stunning long-exposure photo from Mark Asprey featured in the Tim Williams Fine Art exhibition at Lorna Doone Valley.

Autumn is coming and Exmoor becomes even more beautiful! This sublime picture is by Mark Asprey and is featured in the new gallery at Lorna Doone. Tim Williams Fine Art has taken over the beautiful building next to the Buttery Tea Rooms at Malmsmead. Head down for the exhibition of landscape photography: 7th September - 3rd October

Take a look at our blog post for more information about the forties weekend. You're in for a treat!

https://www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk/blog/40s-weekend-west-somerset-railway/

This weekend is the 40's weekend with the West Somerset Railway Put on your dancing shoes and best vintage tea dress or uniform!

There is a huge programme of events at every stop, with performances at the Boat Museum and Watchet Visitor Centre, vintage market and cars on the esplanade. Music at Minehead Station, reenactments and so much more!

Paws Explore North has shared her experience travelling in Exmoor with her dog, we love these pictures from Tarr Steps!

Watermouth by one of our lovely facebook followers Megan Marshall

Our winning photo from our Facebook competition is Helen Joanne Seymour

Congratulations! Our wonderful followers voted you as the winner.

We love your image of the Exmoor Ponies!

Distillery will be posting you a bottle of their incredible gin!

We need your help. Please vote for your favourite photo by liking or loving it! The image with the most reactions by Thursday at 10am will win!

We have had so many amazing entries to win a bottle of Exmoor Distillery Gin that we just can't choose. We have whittled it down to just three!

Image 1 - Claire Hauge, Hurlstone Point, Minehead. The perfect spot for Somerset & Exmoor Marine Mammal Sightings
Image 2 - Michael Lamb, Dunster Deer Park with an image of Dunster Castle and Watermill
Image 3 - Helen Joanne Seymour, Exmoor Exmoor ponies

(You're welcome to share this post to boost votes!)

You have 2 more days to enter our competition! Post a picture of the prettiest view to win!

You can still win gin!!! Check out our pinned posts to win a bottle of delivered to your doorstep!

What's on in Porlock?

The Information Centre has compiled a brilliant event schedule for September so you can explore all of the lovely things happening in the area.
https://mcusercontent.com/d078d420a0671e544117d3f86/files/914ee014-ff6b-629a-1a71-238649012dd4/Whats_On_September_2024.pdf

Photo by crabchick

Exmoor ponies up on Porlock Hill.

Do you have any pony pictures to share? 🐴

Photo by Nilfanion

Freshly sheared sheep, we love our animals on Exmoor. What is your favourite animal found on Exmoor?

Self-shedding Sheep in the coastal fields of North Hill above Grexy Combe and East Myne, Exmoor
Photo by Shaun Davey

Spot Dolphins, Porpoises and Seals from this old lookout point .

For more information on this exhilarating walk look here: https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/226/

Photo of Hurlstone Point by Shaun Davey

Sunset magic, valerian flowers on the beach.

Best Enjoyed with chips and a cheeky tipple!

Photo by Shaun Davey

What is your favourite thing about Porlock Weir?

Aurora is in the air again; head to a dark spot with your phone camera to spot the sky dancing with colours.

This is Shaun Davey 's magical shots from last month, we've been seeing similar this week.

Our competition has launched, we are delighted to be working with Exmoor Distillery on this one.
Exmoor Distillery’s flagship gin is infused with local heather, gorse, and juniper berries and embodies the moorland’s scents and taste

Their Gin is incredible and produced in the heart of Exmoor. You can even go and visit where it is made! They offer guided tours of the distillery. There's a bar on site that gives tastings to customers and the chance to purchase a bottle! They are open to the public 7 days a week 10AM-4PM.

Have a look at our review on the blog: https://www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk/blog/exmoor-distillery/

Share a picture of your favourite view to try and WIN a bottle of the Northmoor Exmoor Gin (70cl, 44%ABV) posted to your door.

All participants receive a £40 off discount code - FBCOMP1, for booking holidays with The Best of Exmoor. This code will be valid until Sat 31 Aug 24.

How to Enter:
Comment with a photo of the prettiest view you have seen and the location. You get a bonus entry if it is a picture of Exmoor.

Follow and and like this post

A bottle of Exmoor Gin will be delivered to the winners' addresses. All participants can use a £40 off discount code - FBCOMP1, for booking holidays with The Best of Exmoor. This code will be valid until Sat 31 Aug 24.

T&C’s:
One unique photo, one entry (more photos = more entries)
You must be over 18 to enter
The prize will be sent to a UK address
The competition ends on 31st August
Winner will be selected on 3rd September and announced on a post on our page and receive a DM
By entering the competition, participants consent to their submitted content being used by The Best of Exmoor for future marketing purposes.

We love spotting these beautifully printed magazines around!

& Exmoor Magazine

Have you explored Exmoor’s ancient woodlands? 🌳 These hidden gems are perfect for peaceful walks and wildlife spotting. Book your stay and discover the magic of Exmoor!



Photo by Andrew Urquhart

The 'peak' de résistance! Dunkery Beacon is the Summit of Somerset; the views are something else! Would you happen to have any pictures of the views up here?


Photo by Matthew

Are you a fan of historic sites? 🏰 Don’t miss a visit to Dunster Castle and its beautiful gardens. Book your stay with us and explore this historic gem!

Photo by John Parsons, Jr.

Have you explored Watermouth? 🚣‍♂️ This hidden gem offers stunning coastal views and a charming harbour. Perfect for a peaceful day out. Book now and use code FB20 for £20 off your stay!
Photo by Andrew Bone

This is a wonderful book to help you explore Exmoor, whether your a local, regular visitor or first-timer - its packed full of amazing ideas for kids and grown-ups too!

The are here and if you are looking for ideas of what to do with the children...look no further than this book, "237 ideas for stuff to do and places to go in Somerset". It is available from our Exmoor National Park Centres for £14.99. Visit Somerset Visit Dulverton Discover Dunster Dunster Info

The winding roads of Exmoor offer some of the most breathtaking views you'll ever see. From lush green valleys to dramatic coastal cliffs, every turn reveals a new marvel. If you're on a motorbike, the twists and turns will give you that adrenaline rush you're craving. And for car drivers, the smooth, scenic drives are pure bliss.

This weekend, you have a choice between the ever-popular Blue Anchor Car Boot, Roadwater Village Fete and Watchet Carnival! What will you choose?

The Watchet Carnival has a kids' disco, a fancy dress parade, and hula hooping workshops. See the website for more details: https://www.watchetcarnival.co.uk/

Roadwater Village Fete, promises a greasy pole, egg throwing, Morris Dancers, a Duck Race, a possible reappearance of Donatella the Dalek,

has collated a wonderful timetable of in August. From Opera to Flower Shows, Family Fun Shows, and Stargazing, there's a cracking variety of events occurring.
https://mcusercontent.com/d078d420a0671e544117d3f86/files/e08db210-2688-6795-0028-6e5c910951f8/Whats_On_August_2024.pdf

*** SPOTLIGHT ON MILL HOUSE, BAMPTON ***

Nestled amidst the picturesque countryside, The Mill House, once a functional water mill, beckons with versatile accommodations for up to six guests. Impeccably renovated and tastefully redecorated, this charming abode features a capacious kitchen-dining room on the ground floor, two double bedrooms (one with an ensuite bathroom), a shared family bathroom, and an inviting sitting room on the upper floor adorned with a wood-burning stove. The third bedroom is furnished with twin beds and an ensuite, assuring all guests a cosy retreat.

The Mill House extends its allure to a quaint paved courtyard at the rear, complete with a welcoming picnic bench for al fresco moments. External access to both levels ensures convenience throughout your stay.

This enchanting retreat comfortably accommodates up to six individuals, with the option of a cot and highchair, ideal for families. The well-lit kitchen-dining room on the ground floor is perfect for gatherings and delicious home-cooked meals. The sitting room on the upper floor, featuring a wood-burning stove, sets the scene for warm and memorable evenings. The three bedrooms consist of two double beds and a twin room, promising a restful night's sleep. The property is also pet-friendly, allowing up to four dogs to accompany you for a supplementary fee of £10 per dog, covering cleaning costs.

Located in a tranquil rural setting, The Mill House remains within walking distance of Bampton, striking a harmonious balance between seclusion and accessibility.

Whether you're eager to explore the scenic countryside, unwind by the wood-burning stove, or simply savour quality time with loved ones, The Mill House provides a warm and inviting sanctuary for your getaway.