Simonsbath Exmoor - Image 1
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Simonsbath Exmoor

4.6
·491k reviews·Simonsbath, United Kingdom

Tranquil village in Exmoor National Park, offering stunning moorland walks, a renowned inn, and artistic inspiration.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Wildflowers bloom, wildlife stirs

CrowdLow
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Simonsbath Exmoor - Image 1

Simonsbath Exmoor

Best Time

Spring mornings

Wildflowers bloom, wildlife stirs

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Tranquil village in Exmoor National Park, offering stunning moorland walks, a renowned inn, and artistic inspiration.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A perfect escape into Exmoor's heart, with incredible food and breathtaking scenery."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Scenic Drives

Explore Exmoor's winding roads; the A30 offers enjoyable stretches. Enjoy the moorland views!

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Trails can be uneven. Pack good walking boots for exploring Simonsbath's varied terrain.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exmoor Forest Inn

Exmoor Forest Inn

Simonsbath

Savor locally sourced, sustainable dishes in a charming inn nestled in Exmoor's heart. A true taste of the region.

Instagram
Cow Castle

Cow Castle

Near Simonsbath

Hike to this ancient mound for panoramic views and a refreshing wild swim spot. A rewarding adventure.

Instagram
Simonsbath Sawmill

Simonsbath Sawmill

Simonsbath

Discover local crafts and handmade goods at this community hub, especially during seasonal fairs.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Moorland Pace

Simonsbath offers a tranquil escape into Exmoor's heart. Expect quiet lanes, stunning natural beauty, and a slower pace of life. Book accommodation and popular dining spots like the Exmoor Forest Inn in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid disappointment. Instagram

Walks & Wildlife Wonders

This area is a walker's paradise with direct access to trails like the Two Moors Way. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and consider packing sturdy footwear for varied terrain. Instagram Many visitors enjoy exploring the surrounding countryside and discovering hidden gems. Instagram

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Wildflowers bloom, wildlife stirs
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Ideal for scenic walks & swims
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn evenings
Why
Golden light, cozy pub atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

EXMOOR FOREST INN Remembering this perfect lunch at @exmoor_forest_inn.. Gorgeous location in the heart of Exmoor National Park. We had venison sausages and exmoor beef ribeye from their organic hill farm. They are big on local and sustainable food and have a Michelin green star for the same. For pudding we had a brilliant crème brûlée and a rich chocolate marquise. Delicious food, lovely amb...
grubaroundtownuk
44 likes • 1.3K views

🚗 Scenic Drives

Explore Exmoor's winding roads; the A30 offers enjoyable stretches. Reddit Enjoy the moorland views! Instagram

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Trails can be uneven. Pack good walking boots for exploring Simonsbath's varied terrain. Instagram

Thank you everyone who came to our first spring fair in the sawmill in Simonsbath! We really really enjoyed it. Hope to see you all again soon! #exmoor #craftfair #handmadeonexmoor #countryside
thewildsofexmoor
61 likes • 2.4K views
A little trip to swimming Simonsbath
quantocks_girl
127 likes • 1.7K views

🏊‍♀️ Wild Swimming Spots

Discover refreshing spots like near Cow Castle for a dip on your walks. Instagram+1

🍽️ Book Dining Ahead

The Exmoor Forest Inn is popular. Reserve your table to avoid missing out on local flavors. Instagram

📍Cow Castle, Simonsbath ▪️How to get there: We walked from Ashcombe car park and followed the public bridleway before joining the two moors way footpath up to Cow Castle and back. ▪️Distance: It was roughly an 11km walk. ▪️Scenery: Despite saying ‘castle’, it’s actually more of a mound, but still a beautiful place to walk to and stop for a swim. The scenery was quite dramatic in places, althou...
abislifeinwriting
30 likes • 243 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Scenic Drives

Explore Exmoor's winding roads; the A30 offers enjoyable stretches. Reddit Enjoy the moorland views! Instagram

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Trails can be uneven. Pack good walking boots for exploring Simonsbath's varied terrain. Instagram

🏊‍♀️ Wild Swimming Spots

Discover refreshing spots like near Cow Castle for a dip on your walks. Instagram+1

🍽️ Book Dining Ahead

The Exmoor Forest Inn is popular. Reserve your table to avoid missing out on local flavors. Instagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration

Many areas around Simonsbath welcome dogs, perfect for a countryside adventure. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Simonsbath's stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect escape into Exmoor National Park. The Exmoor Forest Inn is a highlight for its delicious, locally sourced food and welcoming ambiance. Some find the limited public transport and occasional challenging terrain to be minor drawbacks.

What People Like

Beautiful moorland scenery
Excellent local food
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited public transport
Narrow, winding roads

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Simonsbath is best accessed by car. From the north, take the A396 and then smaller roads towards Simonsbath. From the south, routes via the A30 and then B3223 are common. The roads can be narrow and winding, offering scenic drives. Reddit Parking is available at designated areas, such as Ashcombe car park for walks towards Cow Castle. Instagram

Public transport options are limited in Simonsbath. Bus services may run to nearby villages like Exford, but direct routes to Simonsbath are infrequent. It's advisable to check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information, though many visitors find a car essential for exploring the area. Instagram

The roads around Simonsbath offer a classic Exmoor driving experience with plenty of twists and turns. While not strictly 'fast' roads, they are incredibly scenic. The B3223 and surrounding lanes provide beautiful moorland vistas. Reddit

Cycling is a popular way to explore Exmoor, and Simonsbath is accessible via various routes. Be prepared for hilly terrain and potentially narrow roads. Many cyclists enjoy the challenge and the stunning scenery. Instagram

The nearest major train stations are in Taunton or Barnstaple. From these stations, you would typically need to arrange onward travel by bus or taxi to reach Simonsbath, as direct public transport links are scarce. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Simonsbath itself is a village and the surrounding Exmoor National Park are free to enter and explore. There are no general admission tickets required for the village or most of the natural attractions. Instagram

While the village and most walking routes are free, specific attractions like the Exmoor Forest Inn have their own pricing for food and drink. Instagram Events at places like the Simonsbath Sawmill may also have entry fees. Instagram

The Exmoor Forest Inn typically serves food and drinks throughout the day. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current opening hours, especially outside of peak season. Instagram

Parking is generally available in Simonsbath, often in designated car parks or roadside areas. While some parking might be free, it's always wise to check for any signage indicating parking fees, especially in popular spots like near trailheads. Instagram

The Simonsbath Sawmill hosts events and fairs, which have specific opening times. Outside of these events, access may be limited. It's recommended to check their schedule for any upcoming fairs or markets. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Simonsbath is a gateway to numerous walks. Popular options include the walk to Cow Castle,Instagram sections of the Two Moors Way, and the Tarka Trail. Instagram Many circular walks offer varied scenery and terrain. Instagram

Yes, Exmoor National Park, including the Simonsbath area, is rich in wildlife. You might spot red deer, various bird species, and other native fauna. Instagram Early mornings and late evenings are often best for sightings. Instagram

Yes, there are opportunities for wild swimming. Cow Castle is a known spot where visitors enjoy a refreshing dip. Instagram+1 Always exercise caution and be aware of water conditions. Instagram

Expect classic Exmoor scenery: rolling moorland, ancient woodlands, river valleys, and open heathland. The landscape is dramatic and beautiful, changing with the seasons. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Simonsbath and its surroundings offer stunning photographic opportunities, from sweeping moorland vistas to charming village scenes and artistic inspiration. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Exmoor Forest Inn is a highly recommended dining spot, known for its local and sustainable produce, including venison and beef from their own farm. Instagram It offers a true taste of Exmoor. Instagram

Yes, the Exmoor Forest Inn prides itself on using local and sustainable ingredients, with many items sourced from their own organic hill farm. Instagram

While Simonsbath itself has limited options, nearby villages like Withypool and Winsford offer additional pubs and tea rooms. Instagram Exploring these can add to your Exmoor culinary adventure.

The Exmoor Forest Inn focuses on local and seasonal produce, so it's likely they offer vegetarian options. For specific vegan requirements, it's best to inquire directly when booking or visiting. Instagram

Yes, the beautiful Exmoor landscape around Simonsbath is perfect for picnics. Many scenic spots along walking trails offer ideal locations to enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Simonsbath offers diverse photographic opportunities. Capture the rolling moorland, the charming Exmoor Forest Inn, views towards villages like Withypool and Winsford,Instagram and the natural beauty along walking trails. Instagram

Golden hours, both sunrise and sunset, offer beautiful light for landscape photography. Misty mornings can also create a dramatic atmosphere. Instagram The changing seasons also provide unique photographic subjects.

Cow Castle provides a great vantage point for panoramic shots. Instagram The Exmoor Forest Inn itself is picturesque, and the surrounding natural landscapes are prime subjects. Instagram

A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is useful for landscapes and village scenes. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive moorland. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures. Instagram

Yes, Exmoor is home to wildlife. Bring a telephoto lens if you hope to capture shots of deer or birds. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Simonsbath offers a wonderful natural playground for families. The wide-open spaces of Exmoor are perfect for kids to run around and explore. Walks to places like Cow Castle can be an exciting adventure, and the chance for a wild swim (with supervision) is always a hit. Instagram+1 The Exmoor Forest Inn is generally welcoming to families, offering hearty meals that can satisfy young appetites. Instagram

When planning your visit, consider shorter, well-defined walks that are manageable for little legs. Bringing snacks and drinks is always a good idea, as facilities can be spread out. The slower pace of life in Simonsbath can be a refreshing change, allowing families to disconnect and enjoy quality time together amidst beautiful scenery. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers

Simonsbath is an ideal base for solo travelers and hikers looking for peace and stunning natural beauty. The direct access to trails like the Two Moors Way and Tarka Trail means you can set off on an adventure right from your accommodation. Instagram The Exmoor Forest Inn provides a welcoming atmosphere for solo diners, and it's a great place to meet other travelers or locals. Instagram

For safety, always inform someone of your hiking plans, carry a map and navigation tools, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. The sense of solitude and connection with nature is a major draw for solo visitors, offering a chance for reflection and rejuvenation. Instagram Consider joining a guided walk or a local conservation volunteer day for a social element. Instagram

🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts

If you love scenic drives, the roads around Simonsbath are a treat. While not high-speed routes, they offer breathtaking moorland vistas and a classic Exmoor driving experience. Reddit The lanes can be narrow and winding, so take your time and enjoy the journey. Instagram The Exmoor Forest Inn is a perfect stop for lunch or a break during your road trip, offering delicious local food in a picturesque setting. Instagram

Consider incorporating Simonsbath into a larger Exmoor road trip, perhaps linking it with visits to nearby villages like Withypool or Winsford. Instagram Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and be mindful of livestock that may be on the roads. The drive itself is a significant part of the experience here. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Exmoor's Trails from Simonsbath

Simonsbath is a fantastic starting point for exploring the vast network of walking trails across Exmoor National Park. Its location provides direct access to routes like the Two Moors Way, which connects Dartmoor and Exmoor, and the Tarka Trail, famous for its literary connections. Instagram Visitors can embark on anything from short, gentle strolls to more challenging multi-day hikes. The terrain varies from open moorland to wooded valleys and riverside paths, offering diverse scenery for every walker. Instagram

One of the most popular excursions from Simonsbath is the walk to Cow Castle, an ancient hill fort offering commanding views of the surrounding landscape. Instagram This route often incorporates sections of public bridleways and footpaths, making it a well-trodden but rewarding path. For those interested in conservation, participating in local volunteer days, such as tree planting initiatives with organizations like the National Trust, offers a unique way to connect with the environment and contribute to its preservation. Instagram

When planning your walks, it's essential to be prepared. Sturdy walking boots are a must due to the often uneven and sometimes boggy terrain. Instagram Carrying a map, compass, and sufficient water and snacks is also advisable, as mobile signal can be patchy in remote areas. The weather on Exmoor can change rapidly, so packing layers and waterproofs is always a good idea, even on seemingly clear days. Instagram

The Culinary Delights of the Exmoor Forest Inn

The Exmoor Forest Inn in Simonsbath is more than just a place to eat; it's a destination that embodies the spirit of Exmoor's local produce and sustainable practices. Holding a Michelin Green Star, the inn is committed to environmental responsibility and showcasing the best of what the region has to offer. Instagram Their menu frequently features dishes made with ingredients sourced from their own organic hill farm, including venison sausages and Exmoor beef ribeye, providing a true taste of the moorland. Instagram

Visitors consistently praise the quality and flavor of the food, highlighting dishes like the venison and beef as standouts. Instagram The inn's dedication to local sourcing extends to other elements of the dining experience, ensuring that guests are enjoying the freshest seasonal produce. This farm-to-table approach not only supports local suppliers but also offers a more authentic and delicious culinary journey for visitors. Instagram

Beyond the food, the Exmoor Forest Inn offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring. Whether you're seeking a hearty meal or a delightful dessert like their crème brûlée, the inn provides a memorable dining experience that is central to the Simonsbath visit. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during busy periods, to secure a table at this popular establishment. Instagram

Artistic Inspiration and Village Charm

Simonsbath and its surrounding Exmoor landscape have long been a source of inspiration for artists. The area has attracted numerous painters and creatives over the years, drawn by the dramatic scenery and tranquil atmosphere. Instagram This artistic heritage adds another layer to the visitor experience, encouraging appreciation for the natural beauty that has captivated so many. Instagram

The village itself, with its charming architecture and connection to the Exmoor Forest Inn, offers a picturesque setting. Events like the spring craft fair at the Simonsbath Sawmill showcase local talent and provide an opportunity to discover unique handmade items, reflecting the creative spirit of the community. Instagram This blend of natural beauty, artistic legacy, and local craft makes Simonsbath a place that appeals to a wide range of interests.

For those looking to capture the essence of Simonsbath, the opportunities for photography are abundant. From the sweeping vistas of the moorland to the intimate details of village life and the artistic expressions found at local events, there are countless subjects to explore. Instagram The area's ability to inspire both artists and visitors underscores its enduring appeal as a special corner of Exmoor. Instagram

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