Watersmeet Exmoor
A stunning natural park where two rivers meet, featuring ancient woodlands, waterfalls, and a charming tea room.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery, fewer crowds
Watersmeet Exmoor
Best Time
Lush greenery, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning natural park where two rivers meet, featuring ancient woodlands, waterfalls, and a charming tea room.
"Enchanting former hunting lodge, set on the powerful river, with great tea room and wonderful walks."
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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Confluence
River Lyn
Witness the powerful meeting of two rivers, creating a dramatic gorge and stunning waterfalls.
Ancient Woodland Trails
Surrounding forests
Explore enchanting, ancient woodlands with well-maintained paths offering incredible views.
Watersmeet Tea Rooms
Riverside
Enjoy a delightful cream tea or refreshing drink in a peaceful setting with beautiful countryside views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tick Awareness is Crucial
Parking and Membership
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:
Plan for Parking Fees
The car park isn't National Trust, so expect to pay even if you're a member. :parking:
Combine with Lynmouth
Many enjoy walks from Lynmouth to Watersmeet and back. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
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:
Plan for Parking Fees
The car park isn't National Trust, so expect to pay even if you're a member. :parking:
Combine with Lynmouth
Many enjoy walks from Lynmouth to Watersmeet and back. :walking:
Capture Stunning Views
Bring your camera for incredible landscape shots along the river and woodlands. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
"TICKS !!!
We had a lovely visit to Watersmeet Tea Rooms – the cream tea was absolutely delightful, and the setting is beautiful. It's a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy a traditional treat with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
However, a word of caution for dog owners: please be aware of ticks in the area. Our dog picked up an alarming number – we counted between 50 and 60 ticks on him by the time we reached the car park. This happened even though he never walked through any long grass, only the rocky path. We've never seen anything like it before, so do take precautions if you're walking with pets."
E Sims
"Beautiful place for a walk and a dip in the river. A good distance about 6km to the house and back. We will be coming back again this month, recommend 100% if you’re in the area."
Jasmine Garner
What People Like
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the natural area of Watersmeet is generally free. However, there is a charge for parking in the designated car park.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
The Watersmeet Tea Rooms offer cream teas, cakes, sandwiches, and other refreshments. They are a popular spot to relax after a walk.
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.
The tea rooms typically offer a range of options. It's best to inquire directly about specific vegetarian or vegan choices when you visit.
Reviews generally praise the cream teas and refreshments, describing them as delightful and a welcome treat after a walk.
Yes, the tea rooms offer canned drinks and other refreshments that you can purchase to take with you on your walk.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and golden hues.
The walking trails themselves offer numerous viewpoints overlooking the river and gorge. Keep an eye out for clearings and elevated spots along the paths.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the possibility of ticks; ensure children are wearing appropriate clothing and use insect repellent. The car park fee is an additional cost to factor in. Overall, it's a rewarding experience if you plan for the challenging paths and prioritize safety.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, as the paths can be demanding. The opportunity to combine a vigorous hike with a rewarding cream tea at the Watersmeet Tea Rooms is a popular draw. Remember to check for ticks after your hike, as they are common in the area.
📸 Photographers
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting conditions for capturing the landscape. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the grandeur of the gorge and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife shots. The charming tea rooms also offer picturesque opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails
Visitors often recommend the walk from Lynmouth to Watersmeet, describing it as a beautiful and rewarding experience that takes around three hours for a round trip. Some routes ascend quite high, offering panoramic views of the rolling hills and the coastline. It's crucial to wear appropriate footwear, such as sturdy walking boots, to navigate these terrains safely.
For those seeking adventure, the possibility of cold water dipping in the river Lyn is mentioned. However, this should be undertaken with extreme caution, considering the river's currents and the slippery nature of the rocks. Always assess the conditions and your own capabilities before entering the water.
Wildlife and Nature Spotting
While specific sightings can vary, the area is known for its diverse birdlife. With a bit of patience and quiet observation, you might also encounter other woodland creatures. The natural setting is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with nature.
It's important to be mindful of the natural environment and practice responsible tourism. Stick to marked paths to minimize disturbance to wildlife habitats and always take your litter with you. The beauty of Watersmeet lies in its unspoiled natural state.
The Watersmeet Tea Rooms Experience
Beyond the cream teas, the tea rooms serve a range of other refreshments, including coffee and canned drinks, which are perfect for quenching your thirst on a warm day or after a strenuous walk. The setting itself is a significant part of the appeal, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the river gorge, making it a peaceful spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
While the tea rooms are a popular destination, it's worth noting that they are not managed by the National Trust, and parking fees apply separately. Despite this, the overall experience of enjoying a treat in such a picturesque location is highly recommended by visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit