Watersmeet Exmoor
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Watersmeet Exmoor

4.7
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

A stunning natural park where two rivers meet, featuring ancient woodlands, waterfalls, and a charming tea room.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Lush greenery, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Watersmeet Exmoor

Watersmeet Exmoor

Best Time

Spring mornings

Lush greenery, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning natural park where two rivers meet, featuring ancient woodlands, waterfalls, and a charming tea room.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Enchanting former hunting lodge, set on the powerful river, with great tea room and wonderful walks."

Vertical photo
TIP

Tick Protection is Key

Be vigilant about ticks! Use repellent and check thoroughly after your visit. :bug:

Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths can be steep, uneven, and have tree roots. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 1,686 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Confluence

The Confluence

River Lyn

Witness the powerful meeting of two rivers, creating a dramatic gorge and stunning waterfalls.

Ancient Woodland Trails

Ancient Woodland Trails

Surrounding forests

Explore enchanting, ancient woodlands with well-maintained paths offering incredible views.

Watersmeet Tea Rooms

Watersmeet Tea Rooms

Riverside

Enjoy a delightful cream tea or refreshing drink in a peaceful setting with beautiful countryside views.

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Planning Your Visit

Tick Awareness is Crucial

Exmoor's natural beauty comes with a warning: ticks are prevalent, especially around Watersmeet. Be prepared with repellent and check yourself and pets thoroughly after walks. This is a recurring concern for visitors.

Parking and Membership

While the setting is managed by the National Trust, the car park at Watersmeet is not. Be aware that you'll need to purchase a ticket even if you're a National Trust member. Plan for this small expense.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Lush greenery, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Vibrant foliage, crisp air
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Tranquil atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @DeeTonerx hope this helps a wee bit #GenshinImpact32 #glencoe #threewatersmeet #Scotland #directions #help #adventurewithstace
@staceymitchell18
4.6K likes • 112.3K views

Tick Protection is Key

Be vigilant about ticks! Use repellent and check thoroughly after your visit. :bug: Reddit

Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths can be steep, uneven, and have tree roots. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe: Reddit

Watersmeet 🍂 #djidrone #cinematography #north_devon #lovenorthdevon #Exmoor #blackmagiccinema #lyntonandlynmouth
laurenceliddy
87 likes • 1.1K views
Early morning with my eldest on Exmoor. It has to be one of our favourite places to visit - wildlife, scenery and cream teas in abundance. The woods around Watersmeet are a particular favourite of ours @nationaltrust
vkm.wildlife.photos
173 likes • 3.3K views

Plan for Parking Fees

The car park isn't National Trust, so expect to pay even if you're a member. 🅿️ Reddit

Combine with Lynmouth

Many enjoy walks from Lynmouth to Watersmeet and back. 🚶 Reddit

*Cold water dipping with actual mermaids (and one mer-man #zoolander)* Day 1 at Watersmeet in a wetsuit that is looking a little too much like a gimp suit! Day 2 no wetsuit at Porlock Weir for a quick dip Gotta love Exmoor for outdoors adventures Slowly, slowly building up to more cold dipping! #colddip #exmoor #exmoorswimspots #coldwater #coldplunge #winterdips
exmoormassage
26 likes • 442 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Tick Protection is Key

Be vigilant about ticks! Use repellent and check thoroughly after your visit. :bug: Reddit

Wear Sturdy Footwear

Paths can be steep, uneven, and have tree roots. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe: Reddit

Plan for Parking Fees

The car park isn't National Trust, so expect to pay even if you're a member. 🅿️ Reddit

Combine with Lynmouth

Many enjoy walks from Lynmouth to Watersmeet and back. 🚶 Reddit

Capture Stunning Views

Bring your camera for incredible landscape shots along the river and woodlands. :camerawithflash: Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the enchanting natural beauty of Watersmeet, particularly the dramatic river gorge and ancient woodlands, often combined with a delightful cream tea. However, a significant concern raised by many is the high prevalence of ticks, requiring diligent precautions for pets and people.

"This place is so enchanting. We stopped off in the cafe on our walk (3 miles one way). Such a quaint little cafe and lots of options as well. We opted for a pumpkin spice latte and a lovely cream tea. The young girl serving us (sorry didn't catch your name) made one of the best coffees I've had in a very long time. Just be careful on the walk though because some of the route has been shut down because of fallen trees and alot of the path is very unstable with rocks etc. If you enjoy walking then this is definitely for you"

Shaun Evans

"What a trail! We took the lower path first, closest to the rivers, as far as the café. On the return, we took the higher path, which was slightly easier. The amount of miles on the signposts are debatable! On the whole, a rugged, up and downhill trail with beautiful scenery on the way. So worth doing."

Julie Kempen

"Enchanting former hunting lodge, set on the powerful river, with great tea room and wonderful walks. We stopped for a quick drink whilst on our way from Barbrook to Lynmouth, along a recognised path. Although sometimes uneven, it is well signposted, and follows the riverbank closely. There are some lovely landscape pictures to be taken along here. Coffee was good, the size was large, and the canned drinks were ice cold, a welcome refreshment after some of the steeper parts of the walks down to the lodge. A small reminder that the car park is not National Trust which means having to buy a ticket even if one is a member."

Ian Edward Hemmens

What People Like

Enchanting natural beauty
Beautiful river walks
Delightful cream teas

What People Dislike

High tick prevalence
Steep, uneven paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Watersmeet is accessible by car, with a dedicated car park. It's also a popular stop on walking routes from nearby Lynmouth and Lynton. Many visitors enjoy the scenic walk along the river to reach the tea rooms. Reddit+1

While direct public transport to Watersmeet itself is limited, you can take buses to Lynmouth or Lynton and then enjoy a walk to the site. Check local bus schedules for routes serving these towns. Instagram

There is a car park available at Watersmeet. However, it's important to note that this car park is not managed by the National Trust, so a fee applies even for National Trust members. Reddit

Cycling routes are available in Exmoor National Park, and some may lead to or near Watersmeet. However, the walking paths directly to Watersmeet can be steep and uneven, so check local cycling maps for suitable trails. Instagram

Watersmeet is well-signposted, especially if you are following the walking trails from Lynmouth or Lynton. If driving, use GPS navigation to the Watersmeet car park. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the natural area of Watersmeet is generally free. However, there is a charge for parking in the designated car park. Reddit

Watersmeet is a natural landscape and is generally accessible at all times. The Watersmeet Tea Rooms have specific opening hours, which can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their current hours before visiting. Reddit

While the surrounding landscape is managed by the National Trust, the car park itself is not. Therefore, you will need to pay for parking regardless of your National Trust membership status. Reddit

As there isn't a formal ticket system for entry to the natural site, advance booking is not required. Parking fees are typically paid on-site. Reddit

Parking fees are usually paid at a machine on-site. It's a good idea to have some cash or check if card payments are accepted at the time of your visit. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Popular walks include the riverside path from Lynmouth to Watersmeet (approx. 3 hours round trip) and various circular routes through the ancient woodlands. Some paths are steep with tree roots and steps. InstagramReddit+1

The main paths can be challenging for very young children due to steep sections, tree roots, and steps. Adult supervision is essential. Shorter, flatter sections near the tea rooms might be more manageable. Reddit

Yes, some visitors enjoy cold water dipping in the river. However, be aware of strong currents and slippery rocks. Always prioritize safety and check conditions before entering the water. Instagram

Exmoor is known for its diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for various bird species, and if you're lucky, you might spot deer or other woodland creatures. Instagram

The terrain around Watersmeet can be challenging, with steep inclines, steps, and uneven surfaces. It may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues. Reddit

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

The Watersmeet Tea Rooms offer cream teas, cakes, sandwiches, and other refreshments. They are a popular spot to relax after a walk. Reddit+1

While there are no designated picnic areas, you can find spots along the walking trails to enjoy a packed lunch. Remember to take all your litter with you. Instagram

The tea rooms typically offer a range of options. It's best to inquire directly about specific vegetarian or vegan choices when you visit. Reddit

Reviews generally praise the cream teas and refreshments, describing them as delightful and a welcome treat after a walk. Reddit

Yes, the tea rooms offer canned drinks and other refreshments that you can purchase to take with you on your walk. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dramatic river gorge, waterfalls, ancient woodlands, and the confluence of the rivers offer stunning photographic subjects. The tea rooms also provide a charming scene. Instagram+1

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the National Trust or local authorities regarding drone policies in Exmoor National Park before flying. Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. Instagram

The walking trails themselves offer numerous viewpoints overlooking the river and gorge. Keep an eye out for clearings and elevated spots along the paths. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive gorge and woodlands. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions. Instagram

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