Withypool

Withypool is a quiet un-spoilt village in the centre of the Exmoor National Park with one shop and one Inn. Opposite the shop is a Tea-Room which opens from Easter to October and a very rare set of ancient  "Shell" petrol pumps.  Beside the old, 6-arch stone bridge over the River Barle is a picnic spot with a small car park.  There is a lovely riverside walk North from here towards Landacre and Simonsbath.

Dominating the village to the South West is the wide open moorland of Withypool Common topped by Brightworthy Barrows, and the adjacent Withypool Hill (1,306 feet).  The views from the summit are superb.
400 paces SW from the summit a large diameter, Bronze Age stone circle can be found.

The Two Moors Way passes through the village and there are a number of excellent short walks including a 9 mile circular route down the river to Tarr Steps returning high over Withypool Hill with many superb views en-route.

The River Barle in Withypool

HISTORY
Withypool is mentioned in the Domesday Book in an entry that refers to Dodo, Almer and Godric, three "foresters of Widepolla".  
A Swainmote Court (associated with the Free Suitors) was held in Landacre Fields or Withypool Inn until James Boevey moved it to Simonsbath towards the end of the seventeenth century.  Withypool had, until then, been the 'moorland capital'.
R.D.Blackmore wrote part of Lorna Doone  in the bar of the Royal Oak Inn and  the famous artist Alfred Munnings had a studio in the loft.  During the 1940's General Eisenhower planned much of the D-Day landings in the Inn. (The American forces used Woolacombe Beach for exercising the invasion and there is a memorial to them on the headland at the North end of the beach).

Withypool from Withypool Hill

Riverside walk in Withypool

On a traditional Exmoor hill farm 1.5 miles from the village of Withypool, a comfortably furnished cottage sleeping up to 6. Dining room/lounge with a stone feature fireplace. Well equipped kitchen. Three bedrooms, one en suite and a family bathroom. 
105 hectares to explore including woodland, which is full of beautiful bluebells in May.
Ideal access to moorland, footpaths and North Devon coast. 
Off season discounted breaks are available.

Bridge Cottage is ideally situated for exploring the beautiful heartland of Exmoor. This romantic cosy cottage boasts rare and extensive river frontage in delightful gardens. Let yourself be absorbed by the magic and beauty of this cottage and the surrounding countryside of Withypool on Exmoor.
1 double bedroom, 1 twin, 1 sofa bed. Central heating. Private, off road parking.  Short walk to shop and pub/restaurant.  No smoking. Pets welcome. see website or tel: 01643-831279

King's Farm is beautifully situated along side the River Barle in the village of Withypool, in the heart of Exmoor National Park. The farm itself can be found along a tree-lined avenue, surrounded by its own land, facing south across beautifully landscaped gardens. We offer on-site stabling and fishing. It is an idyllic secluded retreat offering peace and tranquility.  AA5stars. 3 rooms.

Three bedroom cottage facing south across the River Barle in the centre of the village, two minutes walk from the shop and the Royal Oak Inn.  Superb moorland views and excellent walking.  1 double, 1 twin and 1 single bedroom. Log burner.  
'Home from home' regularly used by the owner between lets.  
ETC3*. No smoking. Cot and high chair. Private parking and garden. Short breaks low season.

Small, peaceful self-catering complex of 2 detached houses, 2 bungalows and 1 apartment in the grounds of Westerclose House,  overlooking the village.  Open all year.    Ideal walking base.  Stunning views. Pub/restaurant and village shop just 300 yards.   Open all year. No smoking.  ETC3-4*  

Complete accommodation directory listings for Withypool:   Hotels/B&B   Self Catering

PO & Stores. Fresh fruit, veg, bread, meat, diary.  Papers, off licence, gifts.  ENP Information Point.  Also has a Tea Shop.  01643-831178

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