Lorna Doone Valley, Lynton, Exmoor, Somerset
Lorna Doone Valley, owned by the National Trust, is a beautiful part of Exmoor National Park on the borders of Somerset and Devon, immortalised by R D Blackmore in his romantic novel ‘Lorna Doone’. At its heart is Lorna Doone Farm where there’s a riverside tea room and a shop; go and have a cream tea in the garden - big fat scones with lashings of jam and cream, all washed down with a lovely pot of tea.
It’s up to you how you choose to explore Lorna Doone Valley – there are cycling and walking trails, or you can go horse riding across the purple heathery heaths; either way, it’s a fantastic opportunity for nature spotting - if you’re quiet you might well see red deer or Exmoor ponies feeding in the wild. The area is also home to rare birds and butterflies so keep your eyes open because you don’t know what you might spot.
Possibly one of the nicest ways to spend a day in the Lorna Doone Valley is to stroll along the East Lyn River to Watersmeet; take a picnic and whatever you do, don’t forget your camera.
All information correct at the time of writing