Local Towns and Villages

Dunster

The picturesque and ancient market town of Dunster dominated by its castle lies about 15 minutes drive north of the Freight Shed. Mainly given over to tourism the town and its medieval buildings are worth a visit but don't rely on the shops for anything more than souvenirs.

The Castle, the town itself and the surrounding area were the domain of the Luttrell family for many years before the National Trust took over. The Castle is a great visitor attraction but is closed on Thursdays.

Dunster is well provided with pubs and restaurants. Some of the establishments are expensive and reflect the fact Dunster is one of the few places on Exmoor to get crowded during the tourist season. Parking can be difficult.

Our visitors consistently speak highly of Hathaways, the restaurant in West Street.

The Barle Valley Safaris booking agency is at House of Toys in the High Street. House of Toys sells traditional toys and is one of those establishments where children up to 70 can waste hours.

Garage/Fuel - None

Minehead

The resort town on the coast at the north edge of the Exmoor National Park is about 10 minutes drive beyond Dunster..

Historically Minehead was an important port and later a Victorian resort centred around the old town and harbour. Today the Butlins resort at Minehead attracts up to 7,000 holidaymakers at a time to the facility situated to the east of the old town.

Do not be discouraged. Minehead town is a nice place to shop with a good range of stores including Tesco, Boots, Smiths, etc. The visitors and trippers tend to stay in the resort or on the beach front away from the town centre.

The West Somerset Railway runs from the station on the sea front. If you like soot up your nose, grease under your fingernails and grime on your clothes (i.e. If you are a steam railway enthusiast) this is the place for you.

Garage/Fuel - Quite a few repair places. Fuel at Tesco 24 hours 7 days a week. Cheapest in area. Esso garage in town same price, not 24 hours.

Dulverton

Dulverton is another ancient market town, situated on the southern edge of the National Park and about 20 minutes drive from the Freight Shed. This is our favourite town. It is picturesque but fully functional with a broad range of shops including a supermarket, butcher, newsagent, chemist and ironmonger. (Also a bank with cash dispenser)

The ironmonger is for afficianados and stocks everything from oil lamp wick to that unusual size of screw you have looked for everywhere. The Tantivy newsagent, tobacconist and confectioner also carries an extraordinary range of products including the particular size of battery for grandads' hearing aid.

Good places to eat are Woods and the Lion Hotel in Bank Square and the Tongdam (Thai)in the Old High Street. Tarr Farm Restaurant (at Tarr Steps) is about 10 minutes drive from the town.

Garage/Fuel - Repair facilities. Fuel weekdays and Saturday working hours only. Expensive.

Brompton Regis

The nearest village and about 5 minutes drive from the Freight Shed has a nice pub called The George which has changed hands quite a lot in the last two years. Recent visitors have been very impressed by the food and service.

There is also a Post Office/General Store which stocks a good range of products.

Garage/Fuel - None

Luxborough

Another village about 5 minutes drive from the Freight Shed and home of one of the three Royal Oak pubs on Exmoor. The Royal Oak Inn at Luxborough won 'Pub of the Year' quite recently and is highly recommended by all who visit.

Garage/Fuel - None

Wheddon Cross

A village about 10 minutes drive from the Freight Shed. It has a pub called the Rest and Be Thankful which has recently changed hands and now has an excellent reputation. There is a Post Office/General Store and a Garage/Supermarket.

Garage/Fuel - Repair facilities. Fuel 7 days a week working hours. Reasonable price for the area.

Exford

A village renowned as the hunting capital of Exmoor about 15 minutes drive away from the Freight Shed. Lots of places to eat including the Exmoor White Horse Inn, The Crown Hotel and the Exford Bridge Restaurant.

There is a General Store and a Post Office/Store.

Garage/Fuel - Repair facilities. Fuel - None