Out & About

Croydon Hall's superb location in the Exmoor National Park, bordering the Bristol Channel, provides guests with many opportunities for a delightful exploration of the local area by car, by cycle or on foot.

Walks

Croydon Hall is surrounded by stunning countryside which naturally provides some beautiful walks quite literally from our doorstep. We are more than happy to advise you on local walks of various distances and difficulties to ensure that you see the best of this wonderful part of Great Britain. The area is criss-crossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths and bridle ways, maps of which can be provided on request.

We are fortunate to be situated just three miles from the North Somerset Coast on the edge of Exmoor National Park. Walk along the coastal cliffs or up into the Quantock Hills, enjoy the quaint historical fishing harbours and finish off your rambles with a traditional cream tea.

The West Somerset Steam Railway

Throughout the summer months this picturesque traditional steam railway runs from Minehead via Washford to Bishops Lydeard near Taunton. To find out more, click on the following link www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

Dunster

Dunster village is just 3 miles from Croydon Hall and a worthwhile walk. The main feature is Dunster Castle where the oldest parts date from Norman times and which is now in the care of the National Trust.

In early December the annual ‘Dunster by Candlelight’ event is worth attending. On the evenings of the 1st and 2nd of December the village extinguishes most of its electric lights in favour of candles and oil lamps whilst entertainment lines the streets and of course the shops stay open.

The Exmoor National Park Visitor Centre is located in Dunster, and is a useful resource for those wishing to plan days out. Read more on www.somersetguide.co.uk/Dunster

Porlock

A traditional Exmoor village, Porlock has a long history of settlements existing on or near the site of the existing village, with stone-age remains only a short distance away. It is a thriving village with shops supplying all that you need in the High Street.

Porlock Weir, only 2 miles away, is a quaint little harbour with a unique charm. Strolling along the sands is a wonderful tranquil way to spend an afternoon.

Although the famous poets Wordsworth and Coleridge lived in the Quantock Hills, they found Porlock very much to their liking and indeed Coleridge was interrupted by "a man from Porlock" whilst writing Kubla Khan, the consequence of which was that his inspiration was lost and the poem was never completed. To commemorate the association with Coleridge, Porlock is the western end of The Coleridge Way, the newly established walk from Nether Stowey in the Quantocks to Exmoor. Find out more on www.porlock.co.uk

Watchet

A ten-minute drive from Croydon Hall, Watchet is an ancient harbour town with a history spanning over 1000 years. It was the inspiration for Coleridge’s famous ‘Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner’. The narrow streets forming the oldest part of the town lie around the harbour, now a new marina since the decline in coastal trade. Interesting places to visit include the Watchet Market House Museum, the Watchet Boat Museum and the Holy Cross Chapel with its interesting past.

Fishing trips and boat trips are available from the harbour. Read more on www.somersetguide.co.uk/Watchet

Lynton and Lynmouth

The historical twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth are situated on the dramatic and rugged Heritage Coast of Exmoor National Park. Lynton is located at the top of a gorge and is connected by a funicular Victorian-built cliff railway to the harbour village of Lynmouth below.

Whitewashed cottages and shops are backed by the dramatic hills and valleys of Exmoor which meet the rugged coastline to form the highest sea cliffs in England.