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The Exmoor Forest Inn Simonsbath, Somerset, TA24 7SH

  • 11 bedrooms

Wild Exmoor, wonderful food and fireside comfort

The Exmoor Forest Inn sits deep in the Exmoor National Park, surrounded by open moorland, wooded valleys and some of the West Country’s wildest landscapes. Food is a compelling reason to stay. The inn forms part of the wider Exmoor Forest Estate, including an organic hill farm, and that close connection between farm, landscape and kitchen has earned them many accolades. Upstairs, the beautifully decorated rooms have a relaxed country style that feels particularly welcome after a day on the moor. And then there is the location. The Two Moors Way passes through Simonsbath, the River Barle winds through the valley and walks towards Wheal Eliza, Cow Castle and the Doone Valley begin from the inn itself. Tarr Steps, Dunkery Beacon and the north Exmoor coast are also within easy reach.

Facilties & Amenities

  • Beer Garden
  • Breakfast
  • Dog Friendly Rooms
  • Family Friendly
  • Gastro Pub
  • Log Fires
  • Parking

Bedrooms

The Exmoor Forest Inn has 11 individually decorated en-suite bedrooms, comprising of ten Double Rooms and one Family Suite. Fully refurbished as part of the inn’s transformation, each room is comfortable and thoughtfully finished without losing sight of the fact that the landscape outside is the real star. Comfort comes in the form of pocket-sprung beds, deep baths in selected rooms and large showers. Bedrooms also have WiFi, TVs, tea & coffee, complimentary toiletries, hanging and storage space and somewhere comfortable to sit, while many have USB charging points. Well behaved dogs are welcome on request, with prior acknowledgement – additional charges apply.

Food & Drink

The Exmoor Forest Inn is a destination for food as much as somewhere to sleep. Its daily-changing menus are rooted firmly in Exmoor, taking their lead from the seasons, the surrounding landscape and what is available from the inn’s own organic hill farm and a network of small local producers. The result is thoughtful, generous pub food with an unusually short journey from field to plate. Sunday lunch is a highlight, with the farm’s own meat taking centre stage. The bar keeps things appropriately local too. Cask ales from Exmoor and Otter breweries are joined by lagers, pale ales, local craft beers, and cider from Sandford Orchards. An interesting, sensibly priced wine list provides plenty of choice with supper.

Nearby

River Barle and Two Moors Way – Riverside and long-distance walking begin virtually from the front door in Simonsbath (on the doorstep).

Wheal Eliza and Cow Castle – Follow the River Barle downstream to the remains of a historic mine and an imposing Iron Age hill fort (1–2 miles on foot).

Pinkery Pond – Remote three-acre moorland reservoir reached on a rewarding walk from the inn and popular for wild swimming in summer (approximately two hours on foot).

Doone Valley – Atmospheric Exmoor landscape associated with R. D. Blackmore’s Lorna Doone, with walking through the Badgworthy Water valley (6 miles).

Tarr Steps – Ancient-looking stone clapper bridge crossing the River Barle in a beautiful wooded valley (7–8 miles).