Explore Exmoor from Riscombe Farm

Recently, BBC TV's Autumnwatch (transmitted on BBC2 on October 21st, 2011) focussed on Exmoor, describing it as "An amazing place" ... "One of the wonders of the West Country" ... "A very special place" ... "A magical place" and "... it just makes you want to get in the car and head for Exmoor". Here is a clip summarising that programme:

And here is a video produced by Exmoor Tourism:

Porlock Bay	Exmoor ponies	Red deer

Throughout the year, Exmoor offers variety ...... crisp winter days and roaring log fires; February's drifts of snowdrops; picnics in cool shady woods beside clear streams; rock pools on a hot summers day; rolling moors cloaked in purple heather and yellow gorse; the crescendo of Autumn colour from the beech trees and hedges.

Our nearest village is Exford, 1.5 miles (2.4km) away. It has two pubs, a general store, a Post Office/off licence, a tea room and a lovely village green. Provisions, good meals, local ales and local crafts are all available. See our location map. Please note that 'The Exmoor Stores' in the village are very happy to put together a basket of provisions for you which will be in the cottage ready for your arrival - please email Trevor & Sally Gilbert at theexmoorstores@hotmail.co.uk or call them on 01643 831244.

Exford village green and shops	The Exford White Horse Inn beside the River Exe	The Crown Hotel at Exford

There's plenty to do, so treat yourself to a holiday at Riscombe Farm. We pride ourselves in providing quality accommodation, comfort and a friendly, helpful service. Take an opportunity to relax, unwind and enjoy this peaceful haven.

There are activities for young and old, active and less active! Whether it's walking, cycling, horse riding, mountain biking, sailing, fishing, messing about in rock pools, lying on the beach, relaxing in a pub, refreshing yourself in a tea room or restaurant, shopping for local produce, visiting an historic castle or abbey, or a water mill, or pretty village or quayside. Here are some examples:

	Discover the abundant wildlife: Exmoor is home to the largest herd of wild red deer in England, as well as the unique, rugged Exmoor ponies and wonderful birdlife.
	Walking ...... on the moors, in the valleys or along the coast, there are over 600 miles of way-marked paths to try. If you have a dog, then this is the place for you!
	Riding ...... Exmoor offers some of the best riding in England, on the moors, in the valleys or along the coast. Either bring your horse on holiday with you (see stabling) or hire a horse locally.
	Visit the many beautiful National Trust properties and gardens, including Dunster Castle, Knightshayes Court and Arlington Court.
	See the places made famous by R.D. Blackmore's classic tale of Lorna Doone, as well as those in Pandaemonium, a film about Wordsworth and Coleridge starring John Hannah. Watchet is believed to have been the inspiration of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem the Rime of the Ancient Mariner, where there is now a commemorative sculpture.
	Re-live Exmoor's history: Prehistoric barrows, stone circles, hill forts, a medieval 'clapper' bridge at Tarr Steps, medieval villages, castle, mines and museums.
	Cycling: Ride the Tarka Trail, or just tour the country lanes ...... but look out for Porlock Hill! Tour on the roads or do some mountain biking off-road.
	Fishing: In the sea, rivers, reservoirs or stocked ponds.
	Just tour by car and explore the country lanes and coastal roads, visit the historic villages and their pubs and shops.
	Travel back in time ...... treat yourself to a ride on the West Somerset steam train which runs to and fro from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard (with eight stations en route) and use the Victorian water-powered funicular railway on the cliff linking Lynton and Lynmouth.
	Family attractions for all weathers. Spend a day at one of the wildlife & farm animal centres; experience heart-stopping displays of birds of prey; cuddle a tarantula or take a dawn or dusk safari to seek out the red deer.