Grab yourselves a huge slice of relaxed country living when you book a stay at Pitsworthy in Somerset. This centuries old farmhouse is set in a secluded valley just a mile and a half from the sleepy village of Exford. All around, for miles and miles is the beautiful countryside of Exmoor National Park – think steep wooded hillsides, vast sweeping moors and heather topped heaths where the many waters tumble and burble happily along, where red deer feed and wild ponies graze…
Pitsworthy lies within a 1,500 acre estate comprised mostly of farmland, so there is livestock in the fields year round - Red Ruby Devon cows and Exmoor horn sheep. There are some jolly good walks from the doorstep on tracks through fields and woods, and up to the gorse covered moors; take a picnic, go and explore. If you’re in need of provisions or a pint, wander along to Exford and stock up in the Exmoor Stores then go and try the local brew at The Crown Hotel or The Exmoor White Horse Inn. If you book in advance you can head off on an Exmoor Wildlife Safari from the White Horse – a wonderful way to get off the beaten trail and see the best parts of the National Park.
Head over to Dulverton for a mooch round, stop for a cream tea, and whilst you’re in that neck of the woods stop off at Tarr Steps and cross the much photographed clapper bridge over the river. Discover the splendour of the Lorna Doone Valley, climb up through the cliffs to tiny Culbone Church, amble along the river at Watersmeet, go and see the wild goats at the Valley of Rocks. Ride the Victorian Cliff Railway at Lynton, spend the day on the beach and catch the surf at Woolacombe, Ilfracombe or Croyde.
Take the kids to Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, to Exmoor Zoo or Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre; go see the unique carriage collection at Arlington Court, or the medieval castle at Dunster, get a taste of bee keeping at Quince Honey Farm near South Molton, take a boat trip to Lundy Island. See the idyllic thatched cottages on the green at Selworthy, watch the world go by at Porlock Weir, feel like the king of the world when you conquer Dunkery Beacon.
Heaps to see and do, and of course, you’ll find more further afield, but we think Exmoor is a big enough playground, and actually, we have every reason to suspect that you won’t go far at all because it’s just so wonderful at Pitsworthy; you can soak in the hot tub, play on the lake, try your hand at fly fishing (tuition available) and have a go at clay pigeon shooting (see Extras). To stay here is a dream anytime of year, far away from the push and shove of modern life. You’ll love it. Book today!
NB: The estate holds shoots from October to the end of January, though there are no drives in the fields adjoining the house.