OUT AND ABOUT
Fun - ideas for a great day out
Family holidays, for many of us, will evoke memories of
Wet and Wild
long hot summers, buckets and spades, picnics by
If it’s a wet day a visit to the Exmoor Brass Rubbing Centre in Lynmouth is
sparkling streams, walks through shady beech woods ideal. No skill or experience is needed and brass rubbing appeals to all ages.
and cliff top exploration. All these things are at hand, in
There are over 300 brasses to choose from – rubbings of kings and queens,
medieval knights, lions or
abundance, in Exmoor National Park and there is much,
dragons and a selection of
Celtic knot-work designs as well
much more. At any of the National Park Centres at
as local scenes and nursery
Dulverton, Dunster, Combe Martin and Blackmoor Gate,
rhyme plates for younger
children. You can take your
friendly, knowledgeable staff will provide information on
rubbing with you when you
all the favourite spots for paddling, fishing, walking and
leave.
riding. There, too, you can pick up brochures on many
A trip up Glen Lyn Gorge is both
attractions in the area and in this publication, ‘Exmoor
fun and educational! Here you
can learn how the power and
Visitor’, you will find a diary of events, many aimed at
force of water can be turned into
energy to generate electricity.
children. One favourite is the Seaside Safari with a
There is an absorbing Power of Water exhibition which includes a model of a
Ranger who introduces the young to marine life in the
harbour where, by rotating a moon from new to full and pressing buttons, a low
or high tide is produced. The water cannons sending jets of water right across
rock pools. the gorge and creating beautiful rainbows in the spray are equally fascinating.
Saddles and Paddles
Living History
Exmoor’s landscape is very varied. Moorland slopes lead to tempting streams
For those with a love of the historic, Dunster Castle is a must. This National
for paddling, Robbers Bridge is one such place with plenty of parking, another
Trust property is sited above the village and has some fine plasterwork from
is Landacre Bridge. The dramatic coastline has a number of sandy coves,
the 17th Century and a majestic oak staircase. The 15th-century gateway still
pebble beaches and Coast Path walks. Combe Martin, Heddon’s Mouth and
remains though most of the present building was restored in the late 1800s.
Lee Bay have a combination of sand, pebbles and rocks. At Nutcombe
There are wonderful views and gardens to explore. Children are given a family
Bottom, off the A396 outside Dunster, the Crown Estate has a selection of trails
trail booklet with questions and facts to discover in every room. The castle
through woodland for walkers or cyclists. The Family Cycle Trail is a mile of
each year has special activity days designed for all the family and sometimes
gently undulating track for younger riders whilst there is a six-mile Intermediate
there are tours of the Attics and Basement.
Trail for the more adventurous. There’s a large car park, play area and picnic site.
Not far from the castle is the privately owned working Watermill which
demonstrates the process of milling flour from the moment the water reaches
and turns the massive wheels which turn the stones and grind the wheat grain
Wonderful Wildlife
to the finished ground flour. All types of flour are on sale. There is a Mill shop
and tearoom with riverside garden serving teas and light lunches.
Walking can seem to be a bit of a no-no for children. The important thing is
not to try to go too far. The time will come when they do enjoy it! Whether
At Woody Bay Station, on the A39 from Lynton to Parracombe, is a length of
you’re out on the moor on North Hill near Minehead or in the ancient woodland
narrow-gauge railway, part of the old Lynton and Barnstaple line which was
at Horner there is always plenty to see. Look out for beetles and wood ants,
closed in 1935. Diesel and steam engines carry passengers along this section
strange plants and exotic fungi. If you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of
while dedicated staff enjoy sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm.
Red Deer or the herds of Exmoor Ponies. You can find out more about them at
the Exmoor Pony Centre at Ashwick just off Winsford Hill.
This article is based on a feature written by Heather Burnett-Wells which first
appeared in Exmoor-The Country Magazine, Autumn 2006.
Horse riding is a real
Exmoor pursuit and there
Contact Details
are plenty of riding stables
Remember that many places close in the winter and their opening hours vary.
where you can hire Charges vary as well. Please ring or check the website before setting out on a visit.
horses. See pages 14
and 15 for details.
Dunster Castle, Dunster, Minehead TA24 6SL. Tel:01643 823004
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Children love Exmoor
Dunster Watermill, Mill Lane, Dunster TA24 6SW. Tel: 01643 821759.
Falconry and Animal Farm
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
which lies just off the A39
Exmoor Brass Rubbing Centre, Woodside Craft Centre, Watersmeet Road,
between Minehead and
Lynmouth, North Devon, EX35 6EP. Tel: 01598 752529
Porlock at Bossington.
www.exmoorbrassrubbing.co.uk
Here children can feed
Exmoor Falconry Centre and Animal Farm, Bossington, Porlock TA24 8HJ
and handle a variety of animals and birds, but the emphasis is on falconry.
Tel: 01643 862816 www.exmoorfalconry.co.uk
There are twice-daily flying displays with opportunities for children to fly the
Glen Lyn Gorge, Lynmouth, Devon, EX35 6ER. Tel: 01598 753207
specially trained birds. Farmhouse lunches and teas are served.
www.theglenlyngorge.co.uk
Woody Bay Station, Martinhoe Cross, Parracombe, Devon EX31 4RA
Tel: 01598 763487 www.lyntonrail.net
Exmoor Visitor 2007 27
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