Withypool

Visitor Guide to Withypool on Exmoor in West Somerset.

Withypool is a quiet un-spoilt village in the centre of the Exmoor National Park with one shop and one Inn. Opposite the shop is a Tea-Room which opens from Easter to October and a very rare set of ancient "Shell" petrol pumps.
Beside the old, 6-arch stone bridge over the River Barle is a picnic spot with a small car park. There is a lovely riverside walk North from here towards Lanacre and Simonsbath.

Dominating the village to the South West is the wide open moorland of Withypool Common topped by Brightworthy Barrows, and the adjacent Withypool Hill (1,306 feet). The views from the summit are superb.
400 paces SW from the summit a large diameter, Bronze Age stone circle can be found.
(it was there when I searched in 2007 - can be hard to find in summer -ed)

The Two Moors Way passes through the village and there are a number of excellent short walks including a 9 mile circular route down the river to Tarr Steps returning high over Withypool Hill with many superb views en-route.

History of Withypool

Withypool is mentioned in the Domesday Book in an entry that refers to Dodo, Almer and Godric, three "foresters of Widepolla".
A Swainmote Court (associated with the Free Suitors) was held in Landacre Fields or Withypool Inn until James Boevey moved it to Simonsbath towards the end of the seventeenth century. Withypool had, until then, been the 'moorland capital'.
R.D.Blackmore wrote part of Lorna Doone in the bar of the Royal Oak Inn in Withypool and the famous artist Alfred Munnings had a studio in the loft.
During the 1940's General Eisenhower planned much of the D-Day landings in the Inn. (The American forces used Woolacombe Beach to the west of Exmoor for exercising the Normandy invasion and there is a memorial to them on the headland at the North end of the beach).

Withypool Holiday Cottages B&B
Withypool Public Transport

Withypool bridge over the Barle
The River Barle in Withypool

Withypool from Withypool Hill

Bed and Breakfast
	Mole End B&B Bed and Breakfast in Withypool Mole End is in the hamlet of Withypool in the heart of Exmoor National Park on the Two Moor Way walking route. The accommodation comprises one en-suite double bedroom with sofa, Sky Tv, WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, washing machine/dryer and off-road parking. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Breakfast consists of cereals, toast, fruit (gluten free catered for). Cooked breakfast can be taken at the pub or breakfast rolls at the tea room. Discounts for 3 nights or more.
	Kings Farm B&B Bed and Breakfast in Withypool Kings Farm is a luxury AA appointed 5 star bed and breakfast accommodation in an enviable position alongside the beautiful river Barle, in Exmoors most popular village of Withypool. The country house is found at the end of a tree-lined drive, surrounded by its own land, facing south across beautifully landscaped gardens. It is an idyllic secluded retreat offering peace and tranquillity..
Withypool Holiday Cottages
	Gorse Cottage Self Catering Holiday Cottage Withypool Gorse Cottage is perfectly located for exploring beautiful Exmoor. It comprises a bright, family-sized kitchen/dining-room. Comfortable sitting-room with wood-burner. 1 king-size bedroom with en-suite, 1 king-size or twin bedroom and 1 twin bedroom. Outside there is an enclosed garden & patio area. It is just a short walk to the moor, the River Barle, the shop/post office & the pub No Smoking. Dogs Welcome. Great walking. See website for more details.
	West Hollowcombe Farm Self Catering Holiday Cottage Hawkridge Four comfy and snug self-catering cottages great for a family holiday or weekend break, ideal for walking, riding or relaxing in Exmoor National Park. Dogs welcome. Bed and Breakfast as well as evening meals possible. Stabling for horses and ponies. ETC4star.
	Holmbush Self Catering Holiday Cottage Withypool This large, spacious, detached house is a haven of peace and privacy standing alone in 40 acres with outstanding views across the valley of the River Barle and Exmoor National Park. Fantastic doorstep walks to the village, the high moorland and along the river. Riding here is unsurpassed and Holmbush offers basic private stabling and grazing in this no frills five bedroomed holiday base sleeping ten.
	Bridge Cottage Self Catering Holiday Cottage Withypool Bridge Cottage is ideally situated for exploring the beautiful heartland of Exmoor. This romantic cosy cottage boasts rare and extensive river frontage in delightful gardens. Let yourself be absorbed by the magic and beauty of this cottage and the surrounding countryside of Withypool on Exmoor. 1 double bedroom, 1 twin, 1 sofa bed. Central heating. Private, off road parking. Short walk to shop and pub/restaurant. No smoking. Pets welcome. see website or tel: 01643-831279
	Westerclose House Cottages Self Catering Holiday Cottages/Bungalows/Apartment in Withypool Peaceful self-catering complex of 2 detached houses, 2 bungalows and 1 apartment in the grounds of Westerclose House, overlooking the village. Open all year. Ideal walking base. Stunning views. Pub/restaurant and village shop just 300 yards. Open all year. No smoking. ETC3-4*
Withypool Bed and Breakfast
	Kings Farm B&B Bed and Breakfast in Withypool Kings Farm is a luxury AA appointed 5 star bed and breakfast accommodation in an enviable position alongside the beautiful river Barle, in Exmoors most popular village of Withypool. The country house is found at the end of a tree-lined drive, surrounded by its own land, facing south across beautifully landscaped gardens. It is an idyllic secluded retreat offering peace and tranquillity..