Local Attractions
Exmoor National Park is an area of spectacular beauty at all seasons, with a wide range of attractions for all ages and all tastes.
At different seasons there are special activities, such as the Golden Horseshoe Ride in May, a wide range of local shows especially in August, the Honeymead Classical Music Festival in April and the Two Moors Classical Music Festival in late October.
There are many fine restaurants and pubs serving locally sourced food within a few miles. See the Visit Exmoor website for more information.
Walking and Horse Riding on Exmoor are readily available for all, with excellent opportunities for all levels of skill and challenge. Walking on the private estate is permitted, and can be easy or more hilly, with streams to cross needing wellington boots. It is a working farm, and visitors will need to observe the usual Country Code, including sensible control of dogs and children. On Honeymead itself is the Iron Age Fort Cow Castle with lovely views up and down the River Barle from the top, while just towards Simonsbath is the abandoned mine and picturesque cottage ruins of Wheal Eliza.
You can find a selection of self guided walks to download at the Explore Moor website.
There are many horse riding stables on Exmoor. These include Outovercott Riding Stables who take you over the moor and will take beginners as well as experienced riders. Brendon Manor Riding Stables also takes beginners and experienced riders over the moor.
Hunting on Exmoor is a major local recreation, and Honeymead sits at the centre of the counties hunted by the Devon & Somerset Staghounds and the Exmoor Foxhounds, with other packs within easy reach. All these packs welcome car and foot followers at all times, but it’s a good idea to introduce yourself to someone when you arrive at the meet. All hunts need financial support and invite modest contributions from all who attend.
All packs also welcome mounted visitors by prior arrangement, and can also advise on horse-hiring establishments offering hunters, while the White Horse Stables in nearby Exford can usually offer full or self-service Livery.
Fishing on Exmoor in the River Barle, in season, can be arranged by the Exmoor Forest Inn in nearby Simonsbath. The permit entitles guests to fish on Honeymead Estate. There is also fishing and water-sports at Wimbleball Lake near the larger village of Dulverton.
There is plenty of game shooting in the area although none at Honeymead, but this does need proper advance planning. If this is of interest to you, look at Roxton’s website for further information.
There is a hard tennis court at Honeymead.