Your Guide to Dulverton's Moorland Charm
Tucked away in the heart of Exmoor, Dulverton offers a delightful base for exploring Somerset’s natural wonders and historical sites.
Located in the idyllic, steep, wooded Barle Valley in the heart of Exmoor, Dulverton holiday cottages offer a perfect retreat for families and couples seeking a memorable escape. This picturesque moorland town, with its rich history and stunning natural surroundings, punches well above its weight in the experiences it provides for visitors. It’s also an attractive base for exploring the beautiful West Somerset and North Devon countryside and its sleepy little villages.
Shopping without Dropping
Dulverton’s small town centre bristles with local shops, but you don’t have to walk far –plenty of on-street and two nearby car parks – convenient when shopping bags get too heavy.
Here are a few of our favourite shops:
The Exclusive Cake Company offers a variety of baked goods, including gluten-free options.
The Exmoor Deli offers high-quality local produce. This unsurprisingly popular and busy deli offers various traditional delicatessen fare. The owners are keen to offer local produce as much as possible. Indulge your tastebuds with Kendle Farm meat, homemade ‘Exmoor Bakehouse’ cakes, pastries, sausage rolls and Scotch eggs, Exmoor Tea, local cheeses, West Country olives and… well, visit them and see for yourself (and take a large shopping bag!
R & N Greengrocers is a well-stocked traditional fruit and vegetable shop, the kind that only exists in the memories of today’s High Street shoppers. It offers beautifully displayed fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Lloyd Maunder, the butchers, have been the purveyors of superb organic meat since late Victorian times.
Rothwell & Dunworth Books is a literary treasure trove of good reads.
Boutique shops offer unique gifts and local crafts and art galleries showcase works by local artists. These shops contribute to Dulverton’s picturesque village atmosphere.
Eating and Drinking – Exmoor Style
- It is hard to see how visitors could ever go hungry in Dulverton. It appears to be awash with healthy, gastronomically inspiring dining options to suit various tastes and preferences. From cosy cafes to traditional pubs and restaurants- a goodly few award-winners - visitors can experience the local flavours and hospitality. Many establishments emphasise the use of fresh, seasonal local ingredients.
- For a charming dining experience, visit the atmospheric interior at Woods Bar and Restaurant. It is known for its friendly staff, award-winning wine list, and British cuisine with a French twist. Seasonal menus incorporate local and seasonal ingredients, while its atmospheric hand-built wooden décor and antique oil paintings evoke an 18th-century country coaching inn. Recently recognised as the Good Pub Guide’s ‘Wine Bar of the Year’, it provides a charming setting for a memorable dining experience.
- Scoff an Exmoor afternoon cream tea: The Copper Kettle Tea Rooms is an exceedingly cosy spot with a reputation for delicious cream teas.
- International palates can indulge at the Tongdam Thai Restaurant, which offers authentic Thai cuisine in the heart of Dulverton. On warm evenings, dine outside in the courtyard under an age-old grapevine and a canopy of stars while you enjoy an authentic Thai foodie experience.
- For those seeking a light lunch or afternoon tea somewhere a little different, The MadhatteMadhatter’s is an Alice-in-Wonderland tearoom where the tea party is always going on. And why wouldn’t it? It serves excellent light lunches and delicious puddings using local award-winning produce; try this and draw your own conclusions: Sicilian Lemon, Spotty Dog and Sticky Toffee, all served with Cream, Ice Cream or Custard.
- More scrumptious platefuls await in Mortimer’s on the High Street, which offers a range of British dishes and vegetarian-friendly options in a warm and cosy atmosphere.
- How about The Bridge Inn? This quintessential country pub by The River Barle prides itself on a wide range of ales, craft beers, and a notable selection of gins. Its menu features modern British cuisine with an emphasis on quality ingredients. In warm weather, eat outside on the waterside terrace.
- The Farm Table at Darts Farm is renowned for its exceptional farm-to-table cuisine. Its menu changes frequently to highlight the best produce available in each season.
- These dining options cater to various tastes and contribute to DulvertoDulverton’s culinary scene, making it an ideal destination for food enthusiasts exploring Exmoor.
Walking Holidays in Dulverton
There are easy or challenging photogenic riverside and moorland walks all around Dulverton. The Heritage Centre bookshops and Newsagents will all stock the latest guidebooks brim-full of Exmoor footpaths, walks, and trails all over the Moor. If you want to go online, All Trails has ten walks beginning or ending in Dulverton worth exploring (the walk out to Winsford and back is one of our favourites.
The most popular walk is the Dulverton and Looseall Lane Circular Trail in Dulverton. It offers a perfect blend of riverside scenery and woodland charm. In spring, it is a mass of bluebells and wild garlic. This 5.5-kilometre route starts and ends in Dulverton town centre. It meanders alongside the River Barle, offering glimpses of local wildlife. The trail passes through wooded areas and open fields, all diverse landscapes to enjoy. The walk takes approximately 2 hours, plus photo stop and picnic time.
For a unique coastal experience, ride the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, which connects to two invitingly explorable towns offering breathtaking views of the Bristol Channel. OK, it's not a walk, but you can turn it into one if you complete the return trip on foot!
The West Somerset-North Devon coast is accessible for walkers thanks to the Southwest Coast Path, which winds along all the scenic bits from the start (or finish) of this 560-mile Trail that runs from Minehead to Poole.
Discover Dulverton’s Vibrant Annual Events and Festivals
Dulverton, a charming town in the heart of Exmoor National Park, offers a delightful array of annual events and festivals celebrating its rich culture, history, and community spirit. If you’re planning a holiday in this picturesque corner of Somerset, these events provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions and create lasting memories with your family or partner.
Website links are embedded in the titles to enable you to plan your holiday around a Festival’s dates.
These annual events showcase the best of Dulverton’s community spirit and cultural offerings. Whether you’re drawn to the twinkling lights of the winter festival, the intellectual stimulation of the literary gathering, or the joyous sounds of the music festival, there’s something for everyone in this charming Exmoor town.
When planning your holiday cottage stay in Dulverton, consider timing your visit to coincide with one of these wonderful events. It’s a brilliant way to enhance your experience and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Book your accommodation well in advance, as these popular events attract visitors from far and wide.
Dulverton by Starlight
As Christmas approaches, Dulverton transforms into a magical wonderland during the enchanting ‘Dulverton by Starlight’ festival. Held annually in December, this festive celebration brings the community together and welcomes visitors to experience the town’s warm hospitality.
Highlights of the event include:
- Extended shop opening hours for festive shopping
- A bustling craft market showcasing local artisans
- Live entertainment and music
- A spectacular fireworks display illuminating the night sky
For more information about this heartwarming winter festival, visit the Dulverton by Starlight event page.
Dulverton Literary Festival
Book lovers and aspiring writers will be in paradise at the Dulverton Literary Festival, typically held in November. This cultural event celebrates the written word and offers diverse activities for all ages.
The festival features:
- Engaging author talks and book signings
- Interactive storytelling sessions for children
- Writing workshops for budding authors
- Literary-themed exhibitions and displays
Check out the Dulverton Literary Festival information page for more on this writers’ feast.
Dulverton Sounds Music Festival
For music enthusiasts, the Dulverton Sounds Music Festival in May is an absolute must-attend event. This relatively new addition to Dulverton’s cultural calendar promises a day filled with musical tunes and family-friendly entertainment.
The festival offers:
- A diverse range of musical genres to suit all tastes
- Performances in marquees set against the backdrop of the River Barle
- Local food and drink vendors
To stay updated on the latest information about this toe-tapping event, visit their website.
Where to Stay: Your Dulverton Holiday Home Awaits
With so much to see and do, you'll want a comfortable base for your Dulverton adventure. Holiday homes in Dulverton provide a home away from home in this charming little town.
Explore our portfolio of Dulverton cottages at My Favourite Holiday Cottages
Find your ideal accommodation and create lasting memories in this enchanting corner of Exmoor. With its natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, Dulverton promises an unforgettable holiday experience for all who visit.
