Smythen Farm Holiday Cottages is on the fringe of Exmoor, an extensive National Park covering relatively wild open and unspoilt countryside.
It is situated in the northern part of Devon and West Somerset and covers 267 square miles, extending from the Brendon Hills in the east to Combe Martin in the west.
Whether you are an experienced walker or someone who prefers a short stroll, Exmoor National Park is the ideal place to explore the outdoors on foot. With over 1000km of footpaths and bridleways, through woodlands, past tumbling rivers and on open heather-covered moorland, the variety is vast.
There are a number of guided walks available in the National Park, where experts can help you explore the fascinating history and wildlife of Exmoor. There are walks to suit everyone, including some that wheelchair users and families with small children may find suitable.
Here at Smythen Farm Holiday Cottages, our favourite places in Exmoor National Park are the Tarr Steps and the Valley of the Rocks, as we believe that they offer the very best in contrasts that the Park has to offer.
The gateway to 'Doone Country', Brendon is a lovely whitewashed and thatched village surrounded by trees. 'Doone Valley' can be found nearby - named as such after the countryside in which R.D. Blackmore set his novel Lorna Doone. You can also visit Badgeworthy Water, where there is a memorial to the famous author.
Situated amongst some of Exmoor's most beautiful scenery, Dulverton is a small market town, with a 13th century church tower, a market square and the river Barle flowing through it.
A quaint, small town with many 'olde world' houses, Dunster is dominated by a 19th century red sandstone castle that has existed for over a thousand years. Originally a Norman castle, most of the original structure was replaced in the 19th century with the exception of the 13th century gatehouse. The castle and park were given over to the National Trust in 1976 by Lieutenant Colonel Walter Luttrell, whose ancestors had been at Dunster for 600 years.
Dunster was a port during the 16th century, but the sea has since receded about two miles. Dunster has a wide main street, a 17th century yarn market and many tea shops to allow for the crowds that arrive each summer.
Exford is a town that lies along the River Exe. North of the village is Exford Common, which leads onto Dunkery Beacon - about a five mile trek. Dunkery Beacon, owned by the National Trust, is the highest point on Exmoor, with outstanding views over (it is said) 17 counties.
Once a medieval port, Minehead is now a large traditional seaside resort with a wide sweeping bay that offers good bathing.
Sitting on top of a 500 dome shaped cliff, overlooking Lynmouth. This mainly Victorian town enjoys spectacular views out to sea.
Once a medieval port, Minehead is now a large traditional seaside resort. There is a wide sweeping bay that offers good bathing.
A pretty little village on the River Barle, in the middle of Exmoor National Park.
A small hamlet, home to Exmoor's highest church, just two miles from Dunkery Beacon via a small footpath.
A lovely little village on the River Exe with a thatched pub and seven bridges, Winsford also includes a pack horse bridge. The Tarr Steps are only 3 miles away, a particularly fine clapper bridge consisting of 15 spans of stepping stones, each weighing around 2 tonnes, not of local origin.
Honey Pot is a beautiful, compact cottage ideal for couples. Honey Pot is dog-friendly and fully equipped for a comfortable break in North Devon.
Primrose Lane cottage is a dog-friendly, compact cottage. Boasting a double bedroom, Primrose Lane cottage can sleep up to 3 with a pull out sofa bed ideal for children
Buttercup Cottage is an ideal cottage for families, especially those with fury members as its dog-friendly. Located in the courtyard, Buttercup cottage can sleep 4
Located in the courtyard, Honeysuckle Cottage is dog-friendly and ideal for families of up to 4.
Sea View cottage is a superb, dog-friendly holiday cottage with stunning views across the North Devon coast. Ideal for families of 5. The bedrooms have the amazing view across the Sterridge valley and the Bristol Channel to Wales
Sunalways Cottage is a spacious, family-friendly cottage sleeping 5 with beautiful views of the Sterridge valley. The vaulted ceilings give a large bright spacious living area
Fisherswood Cottage is a large and spacious cottage with beautiful vaulted ceilings. Sleeping up to 5 guests.
Forest View Cottage is a large, spacious cottage ideal for large families. This cottage is dog-friendly and can sleep up to 6 guests.
Meadow Sweet is dog friendly and the largest cottage at Smythen Farm. Book this cottage early as its well sort-after for large families or 2 families sharing. Meadow Sweet boasts stunning views across the Sterridge Valley.