Rockford Cottage, Brendon

EATING OUT – A FEW TIPS
The Rockford Pub opposite offers standard pub food with great local beer from the barrel. Its child and dog friendly but we advise booking in advance especially if you are big group and they also offer some takeaway items as well. 

One of my favourite walks (45mins -1hr) is to the Blue Ball pub on Countisbury Hill, you go down the river from the cottage towards Lynmouth but before you reach Watersmeet take one of paths signposted to Countisbury Hill.

The Stag Hunters in Brendon is also within walking distance, but we recommend you check closer to time whether they serving food to non- resident guests.

For something more foodie we’d recommend the Exmoor Inn, Simonsbath, again definitely worth booking for dinner but also a great spot for walks and lunch stop. the Black Venus in Challacombe is also very good for lunch or dinner.

In Lynmouth, The Mariners pub was good when we went and the Esplanade fish and chips is our favourite take away after walking the river.

In Lynton, The Oak Room does great authentic Spanish Tapas and Charlie Fridays is a fun place for lunch or coffee and cake. It’s a good idea to book for dinner anywhere you decide to go. Also most recently , there is the Kensington Steakhouse, it's priciest option but the locally reared steak is one you'll remember.

A little further afield but an ideal if you are coming back from day at Woolacombe Beach, is the Pyne Arms in East Down - EX31 4LX / 01271 850 055. 

There’s also the National trust cafes at Watersmeet and Malmesmead.

Where to start!
First see Walks and Beaches 

Wild swimming in the River
Fly Fishing 
Cycling and Mountain Biking  , electric ones can be hired locally.
Horse Riding - there stables 5mins from the cottage.

For kids  , there are loads of attractions
Watermouth Castle - quirky almost victorian style amusement park
Exmoor Beast - greta local zoo
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park - another great zoo with Dinosaurs

to be continued 

Walks / Hikes
There numerous walks from the front door. The classic one being the river walk  to Lynmouth (1.5 hrs) with a stop halfway at Watersmeet.
There are also several routes to Countisbury Hill that begin along the river but then take up onto the moor and the sea headland.

You can also drive or walk upriver to national trust cafe at Lorna Doone Farm , Malmsmead made famous by the R .D Blackmore's novel Lorne Doone.

Beaches 

Close by 
Lee Bay is on the coast road reached through the Valley of Rocks from Lynton. This beach is rocky at high tide with sand becoming exposed at low tide. There is a picnic site above the beach with a toilet block. Lee Abbey overlooks this most attractive sheltered corner.

Woody Bay 
A beautiful  rocky cove is backed by steep, heavily wooded cliffs, there is waterfall and a victorian tidal pool.

A little further afield - ie day trip 

If you want lifeguards , sand and surf 
Woolacombe is about a 40mins and Croyde is 50mins.

Broad sands Beach between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin is stunning and an on sunny , you might think you are in Thailand.
This area with its many hidden sandy coves is ideal for paddle boarding.

Another "Lee Bay: Beach near Ilfracombe, is also great spot for paddle boarding and snorkeling.