Dulverton is one of those towns which on arrival makes you re-calibrate your day so that you can spend even more time to have a thorough saunter around.
The main throng of Fore Street is home to an assemblage of independent shops and eateries, which then spread out along the quaint little side streets and trickle all the way down to the water’s edge. You could stay all day and eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in different establishments if you should so choose; and you could even stay a second day and find new menus to peruse. The fayre on offer is locally sourced and with the town’s location being in the heart of Exmoor you know that the ingredients being served are coming from some of the country’s best farmers and producers. Valentine’s Day sees the tables getting booked up quickly especially with Woods and Tarr Farm Inn both creating special themed menus. If you’re more for creating a home-cooked dish for your loved ones, then ingredients can be bought at the town’s new deli, Exmoor Deli which has just opened up next to the Town Hall.
There’s a strong sense of Exmoor pride in Dulverton so expect to see the blue, purple and green of the Exmoor flag gracing car bumpers on stickers. The overall vibe is that of country chic and the independent shops cover all bases, so you can pick up daily essentials as well as books, clothing, fishing and shooting attire, musical instruments and antiques. The pace here feels busy, yet not in a harried way. Just on the outskirts of town is the Barle Enterprise centre which is the home of two of Exmoor’s finest exports, the Exmoor Tea Company and Exmoor Distillery. Both businesses are flying the flag for sustainability and are producing the highest quality teas and spirits whilst wiping the floor with the competition when they enter awards within their individual fields. You can partake in distillery tours too so do make time to see how the gins, rums and vodkas are made, whilst having an essential nip too!
Being centrally located to Exmoor National Park means that Dulverton is an ideal base for a staycation. B&B’s are the way to go in Dulverton as locals welcome you into their beautiful homes so you can really experience a true glimpse into life on the moors. Stockham Farm opens their doors to you, your dogs and even your horses and with a hilltop location gifting views in all directions you’ll be able to experience Exmoor and all its surrounding glory. Likewise, a stay at Nutsford House B&B (pictured) also gives you easy access to the great outdoors. James and Amanda’s home may feel as though you are in the middle of nowhere but with footpaths surrounding their home it doesn’t take long to walk into Dulverton for some of that top notch pub grub. February 29th sees the start of their Exmoor Photography Escape; a long weekend where you can improve your photography skills and enjoy a fully catered break in their lovingly restored 1920’s home. visitdulverton.com
