A SELECTION OF THINGS TO DO DURING YOUR STAY AT WEST ILKERTON
Our guests are welcome to walk over the farm, enjoy a barbecue or picnic, paddle and fish in the stream, look at the farm animals and wildlife and join in with farming activities when it's possible.
Enjoy shopping and eating out in Lynton and Lynmouth (c. 4 miles)
Lynton has a variety of shops, including two grocery stores, a fruit & vegetable shop (which also sells fresh bread), a butcher, an organic shop, an art shop, a Post Office, Tourist Information Centre and Lloyds Bank. There are also many interesting gift shops. Lynton Museum is fascinating. Lynton Cinema is open all year.
Lynmouth Harbour
Go on a boat trip along the Exmoor coast, sightseeing or sea fishing for pollack, mackerel, tope, skate and conger. Sailing times are advertised on Lynmouth Quay.
Small trout can be caught in the stream which runs through the farm. |
For freshwater fishing, the River Lyn is a beautiful river with a good run of salmon, as well as sea trout and brown trout. Please contact Lynton TIC for fishing permits. www.lynton-lynmouth-tourism.co.uk
Gainsborough said, “Lynmouth…the most delightful place for a landscape painter this country can boast." Painting is a popular hobby on Exmoor. Paints and art supplies can be purchased in Lynton. |
The natural beauty and wildlife of Exmoor provide endless inspiration to photographers of all abilities.
Visit the narrow gauge railway at Woody Bay Station, Martinhoe Cross. (2miles) www.lynton-rail.co.uk
Visit the beach at Lee Bay (4 miles). Our favourite local beach. Good car parking and access. Set in a beautiful cove below Lee Abbey. The beach has shingle at high tide and sand at low tide. For some good information on beaches in the area please see www.northdevon.co.uk
Visit the beauty spot of Watersmeet (5 miles). Spectacular waterfall in ancient woodland, with a tea room and shop owned by the National Trust. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main
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Go for a walk in any direction. The North Devon coast, with its spectacular coastal scenery, is about 4 miles north from West Ilkerton.
Bordering the farm to the south, some of the most beautiful open moorland on Exmoor waits to be explored.
If you would like a knowledgeable, fully qualified guide to accompany you, please contact Richard Medland. www.exmoorwalks.co.uk |
| The moorland to the south of West Ilkerton |
Here are four photos, taken within a few miles of West Ilkerton, by Matthew Byatt: |
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Moorland |
North Devon coast near Lynmouth |
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Farmland |
Ancient woodland |
| FURTHER AFIELD (5 - 50 miles away) |
The following is a very small selection of what’s on offer, based on personal recommendation:
Riding
The Exmoor Pony Centre (c.20 miles away, near Dulverton) Visitors can learn about Exmoor ponies, handle them and /or book a ride on one. Very popular, so book in advance www.moorlandmousietrust.org.uk
The photo is of the Stokes family enjoying an afternoon at The Moorland Mousie Trust when they stayed at West ilkerton last year. |
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* Outovercott Riding Stables (1/2 mile walk or two miles drive) Ideal for beginners. www.outovercott.co.uk
*Dean Riding Stables, between Parracombe and Combe Martin. A very well-run stables. Riding lessons for all abilities on quality horses and ponies. Escorted country rides (mostly lanes, fields and woodland). www.deanridingstables.co.uk
*Brendon Manor Riding Stables, near Brendon. Particularly recommended for competent riders who want a lovely ride over open moorland. www.brendonvalley.co.uk/BrendonStables.htm
*Liscombe Farm, near Tarr Steps, Dulverton. Offers escorted rides in the heart of Exmoor.
www.liscombefarm.co.uk |
Other Outdoor Activities
*Nick Hart fly fishing: tuition and equipment. www.hartflyfishing.demon.co.uk
*Exmoor Falconry and Animal Farm: falconry,hawk walks, clay-pigeon shooting. www.exmoorfalconry.co.uk
*South West Shooting School, near Ilfracombe: clay-pigeon shooting. Coaching and gun hire available. Tel: (01271) 862545.
*Barle Valley Safaris: Land Rover safaris over Exmoor www.exmoorwildlifesafaris.co.uk
*Surfing lessons at Croyde Bay and Saunton. www.surfsouthwest.com
*Wimbleball Lake, Near Dulverton: fishing and water sports. www.swlakestrust.org.uk
(click on lake 27 on the map)
*Golf courses, including Minehead, Ilfracombe, Saunton & Braunton and Woolacombe.
www.uk-golf.com
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*Beaches: shingle beaches, often with some sand at low tide, are dotted along the North Devon coast. For large, sandy beaches we recommend Woolacombe, Putsborough and Saunton Sands.
See www.northdevon.co.uk for information about local beaches. Croyde, Saunton, Woolacombe and Putsborough are the main surfing beaches.
See www.eyeball-surfcheck.co.uk for surf reports. |
*Cycling and Mountain Biking: Exmoor has many country lanes, bridleways and tracks cyclists can use, but you have to be fairly fit to cope with the hills! The Tarka Trail (especially where it follows a disused railway line between Barnstaple and Torrington)is particularly good for easy cycling and walking. Bikes can be hired from www.biketrail.co.uk
| Family Attractions (for wet or dry days) |
For young children:
*Watermouth Castle, near Ilfracombe, and Once Upon a Time, near Woolacombe. www.watermouthcastle.com
*The Big Sheep, near Bideford: highly recommended. www.thebigsheep.co.uk
*The Milky Way Adventure Park, near Clovelly. Large indoor adventure playground for all ages (including adults!). Highly recommended for all ages. The ancient fishing village of Clovelly is worth a visit while you’re in the area: www.themilkyway.co.uk and www.clovelly.co.uk
For older children:
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*Butlins, Minehead: day passes can be purchased.
Worth the money for the use of the large adventure swimming pool complex, although this can get very busy in the school holidays.
www.butlinsonline.co.uk |
Gardens:
*Marwood Hill Gardens, near Barnstaple.
*Tapely Park Gardens, near Instow.
*RHS Rosemoor, near Great Torrington.
See www.greatbritishgardens.co.uk for further details.
*Broomhill Sculpture Gardens, near Barnstaple. www.broomhillart.co.uk
National Trust Properties:
Arlington Court, near Barnstaple, Dunster Castle, near Minehead, Holnicote Estate, near Minehead, and Knightshayes Court, near Tiverton. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/
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