DUXHAMS - Somerset

Duxhams is a large group holiday house set in private grounds on the edge of Dulverton, within the boundaries of Exmoor National Park. Built as an Edwardian hunting lodge, the house has recently undergone an amazing transformation to provide luxury accommodation for 19 guests in 8 bedrooms; in the garden there's a 12 person hot tub, an outdoor kitchen and plenty of room for children to run and play. With heaps of space inside and out Duxhams makes a wonderful place to stay for big family holidays, peaceful celebrations with your loved ones, refined hen weekends and self-catering corporate breaks.

Right from the doorsteps at Duxhams you'll find plenty of walks that take you through picturesque countryside with incredible views. Dulverton is just a short stroll away; this quiet country town is so charming, with narrow streets, boutique shops, tearooms, butchers, bakers and plenty of places to eat. Have a look round the Heritage Centre to find out how life has been shaped by the people and the landscape over the years, go to the Bridge Inn down by the river for a pub lunch or book up for dinner at Woods Restaurant and Wine Bar or Tongdam Thai Restaurant - both are excellent and very welcoming. Take a tour of Exmoor Distillery and sample the award-winning gins that are made there.

A few miles away is Tarr Steps where an ancient clapper bridge crosses the River Barle; go and have a paddle, stroll along the banks and back up to Tarr Farm Inn where you can sit outside and enjoy a leisurely cream tea or a pint of the local brew. Lace up your boots for a stroll up to Dunkery Beacon - it's the highest point in the park so as you can imagine, the views are incredible. Get out and spend a whole day exploring Exmoor, look out for red deer and wild ponies grazing on the heather topped moors, take a bimble along the river at Watersmeet, go and see the picturesque thatched cottages at Selworthy Green. Take a family trip to Exmoor Zoo or to Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre; ride the Victorian cliff railway from Lynton to Lynmouth, visit the spooky dungeons at Dunster Castle and then follow the Tall Trees Trail along the leat to the working watermill where you can buy a bag of flour to take home and make bread.

Wander up over the cliffs to Culbone Church, the smallest parish church in the country, then pootle down to Porlock and watch the world go by at the harbour. Make it a real Exmoor adventure, discover the timeless charm of the villages, feel the pace of life slow down, take the time to stop and stare at the beautiful vistas that open up before you at every turn.

If beach days are on the agenda head over to the North Devon Coast where long stretches of sand await you at Croyde, Putsborough and Saunton - the backdrop is quiet coastal villages, before you are some of the best surfing waters in the UK. Wind your way back to Duxhams, fire up the barbecue or the pizza oven, slip into the hot tub to chat and dream beneath the stars. This is so much more than a place to stay, it's a place to enjoy, savour every moment, take home the happiest of memories.

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