The Wonders of Withypool | Village Guide

To look at Withypool on a map, you might not think there’s much to it. But this tiny village exudes character and really has everything you could want for an Exmoor holiday spot. There is much more here than meets the eye…

Spectacular Scenery

Situated on the River Barle, Withypool’s main attraction is its beautiful bridge (see above). Made from red sandstone and built in the 19th Century, this bridge is a Grade II listed structure. Can you picture a more picturesque place for a picture?!

A Legendary Local

A band is only as good as its drummer, and a village is only as good as its pub. Luckily for Withypool, it’s got The Royal Oak. More than 300 years old, this 18th century establishment serves not only local Exmoor ciders & spirits amongst its bevy of beverages, but delicious food also. With some dishes that look like they’ve come out of a fine dining restaurant, their extensive menu also boasts a host of pub classics. There’s lovely outdoor seating, with cover for wet weather, and if you’re traveling with Man’s Best Friend, panic not; they have dog beer and dog crisps too!

A Terrific Tea House

At the heart of the village is the darling traditional Tea Room. Soups, scones, sausage rolls… Pasties, pastries and cakes… All home made by local staff. This is where you go for award winning scrumptious snacks and a glorious cream tea. (Although, please note, they’re currently closed for the winter and reopen in Spring 2022.)

Enchanting Eccentricities

Outside the Tea Room, you’ll find some fabulous retro Shell petrol pumps, which fuel the quirky Wes-Anderson-feel that this part of the village has about it. Right opposite is the village shop & post office, with its hand painted turquoise sign, red telephone box and yellow Avery Hardoll pump splashing more colour and life into the scene. Here you will find all your usual conveniences, plus local Exmoor honey, handmade soaps and art!

Wonderful Withypool Walking

There’s glorious countryside in every direction from Withypool, but we highly recommend following the River Barle south from Withypool Bridge to the Tarr Steps. An absolutely stunning spot, and not far at all… Perhaps even dip a toe or two for a spot of wild swimming? There’s a nice circular route you can follow which will take you back to Withypool afterwards here.

Fantastic Fishing

Exmoor is a fabulous place to go fishing and if you’re staying in Withypool, the River Barle is quite literally a stone’s throw away for you. For Day Tickets you can simply visit the Tourist Information point at the Village Shop. But be careful not to go looking for fishing at Withy Pool, which is nearly two hundred miles away in Bedfordshire!

Classic Cars

With Exmoor Classics and the Minehead Motor Club just up the road, and The North Devon Sports and Classic Car Run which takes place in the area annually, Withypool is regularly frequented by some truly special vehicles. So, if you’re lucky, you’ll find one or two parked up outside the Tea Room, giving extra flamboyance to this already special village.

(Speaking of Parking…)

There’s a free public car park just south of the river, on the right hand side of the road if you’ve just come over the bridge from the village. There is also a customers’ car park at The Royal Oak pub.