Exmoor National Park is arguably the most beautiful and spectacular of Britain’s National Parks. Whether you want to walk, ride, cycle or drive, Exmoor allows you to endlessly explore.
From its iconic Ponies and Red Deer, to its unique purple heather, deep wooded combes and pristine beaches, Exmoor truly does provide a perfect antidote to the rat race of modern living.
Dunster Castle & Gardens is just a two minute drive or leisurely twenty minute walk from Townsend Farmhouse. Enjoy this unique medieval village featuring the historic Dunster Castle and beautiful gardens. There is a wealth of restaurants, tea shops, pubs and specialty shops for every taste and occasion.
Dunster Country Fair is an annual event set in the grounds at the foot of the Castle. Usually held in July, this country fair is a real showcase of the local Somerset way of life. Hound shows, country sports, local wildlife and craft and trade stands are amongst some of the many goings on at this very popular show.
One of the main attractions of the Dunster Country Fair stayed here at Townsend Farmhouse in 2010 and 2011. Chris with Daisy and Doug with Flower (both falcons), along with the other species of birds of prey from Hawkeye Falconry enjoyed their stay and can be seen pictured (right) with Nick, Jed, Melinda and Molly the Barn Owl.
Exmoor Adventures is an activity business run by Dan French. From Mountain Biking to Canoeing, Abseiling to Coasteering, you name it, Exmoor Adventures will satisfy all ages and accommodate both groups and individuals alike.
Active Exmoor is a website that is worth taking a look at. It offers a thorough guide to a wide range of activities across Exmoor.
Minehead is home of Britain’s longest steam railway, which is still in perfect, functioning condition today. Minehead provides excellent shopping and dining opportunities, a wonderful golden family-friendly beach and a spectacular links golf course.
Unspoiled villages make up a large part of Exmoor and the surrounding area in which you will be staying in. Down every lane and around every corner, you will find the quintessential English village, featuring thatched chocolate box cottages and authentic village pubs (99% dog and family friendly) serving a variety of local real ales and ciders, plus delicious home cooked hearty fare – yum! Truly the Old England of a bygone age.
RECOMMENDED PLACES TO EAT:
Hathaway’s of Dunster is a XVI century restaurant located in a cosy cottage on West Street. It’s a perfect venue for a romantic dinner by candlelight in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. They specialize in fresh fish and shell fish and also have a wide choice of meat and vegetarian dishes. An advance reservation is recommended.
Reeves of Dunster is fine dining at it's best. It is family owned & operated. They use local suppliers with the freshest ingredients and all food is cooked to order. The menu will change seasonably and has a large variety to choose from. Advance reservations are also recommended.
Exmoor is also famous for an abundance of wonderful "eating pubs" serving excellent food, local ales & ciders. They cater for any and all requirements, from intimate romantic "dinners for two" to "family friendly budget conscious" inns all with a wonderful, Exmoor welcome guaranteed.
The Butcher's Arms is Carhampton's local. Only 2-minutes away in the center of the village.
The Stag's Head, Dunster's finest dining pub, only 1 mile away and a delightful 30-minute stroll through the Deer Park from Townsend Farmhouse.
OTHER LINKS:
Dave Russell and Emma Cavill kindly took a whole range of top quality photographs of our rooms and surrounding area. Many of which we have used on the Website. You can find out more about these two professionals and the work that they do visit Dave's website www.DKRussell.co.uk and Emma's website www.emmacavill.com
As a Crown Estate property, Townsend Farmhouse is listed on www.dunsterestate.co.uk as a preferred accommodation in the Dunster area.
