Wilsham Farm is situated on Exmoor, just 3 miles from Lynton, a mile from the North Devon coast, and 3 miles from the Somerset border.
There is much to see and explore on Exmoor – the area was designated a National Park because of the flora and fauna, the beauty and variety of its wild landscapes. These include moorland, woodland, farmland, river valleys and the spectacular North Devon coastline with some of England’s highest sea cliffs.
Exmoor has the highest concentration of Red Deer in England, and boasts over thirty other native mammals.
The Exmoor pony is a unique species that is also becoming rare. Visit the Exmoor pony centre near Dulverton to find out more about this native breed. www.exmoorponycentre.org.uk
Valley of the Rocks Is an awesome outcrop of rocks where wild goats and Exmoor Ponies live in the valley just outside Lynton. The goats are extremely hardy and are so prolific that they cause a few problems locally!
Walks.
The foot path which passes through the farm links directly with the South West Coastal Path. The views from the coastal path are spectacularly breathtaking and well worth the walk. www.swcp.org.uk
There are plenty of other paths to choose from and we are happy to give you advice about circular routes, and easy or more challenging routes.
Walk through the Doone Valley, home to R.D.Blackmore’s romantic novel, Lorna Doone, and step back in history, legend and time. This breath-taking valley is officially designated as one of three remaining ‘tranquil areas’ in mainland Britain.
Organised walks and related events can be found at www.walkingnorthdevon.co.uk
Cycling.
Bring your own bike and store it at the farm or hire one locally from Biketrial at Lynton (01598 753 987) or on the Tarka Trail (01271 861 424) The Tarka trail boasts a route of 180 miles which is traffic free for cyclists and walkers.
Polo At Taunton Vale Polo club, based at Orchard Portman just outside Taunton. Matches on most Saturdays and Sundays - Season April – end of September www.tauntonvalepolo.co.uk
Riding.
You are welcome to bring your own horse or you can hire one locally. We can put you in touch with a local centre for hirelings.
Fishing.
- There is sea fishing at Porlock Weir and Blue Anchor Bay.
- River fishing on the Lyn below the farm, (day tickets from the TIC in Lynton or the Post Office)
- Salmon and trout fishing at Tarr Steps(01643 851 293)
- There is also lake fishing at Wimberball Reservoir – (01837 871565)
- Boat Trips and Sea Fishing are available from Lynmouth Horbour. These trips are reliant upon the tides but are well worth the time as you have a wonderful view of the cliffs and nesting sea birds.
Hunting.
There are many local packs of foxhounds or staghounds and you would be welcome to join in by car or on a horse. Please just ask us about where and when the local packs meet.
Shooting.
There is a tremendous amount of shooting in the area. Some extremely well known high bird days at Lillycombe, Miltons, Challacombe, Molland, Edgecot and Wellshead. Some are syndicated but it is sometimes possible to buy a let day.
Water Sports.
The North Devon Coast is a mecca for all water sports enthusiasts.
- Croyde, Woolacombe, Saunton and Putsborough being some of the most popular beaches. It is possible to check the daily conditions via www.eyeball-surfcheck.co.uk or www.surfsouthwest.com
- Wimberball lake for fresh water sailing and windsurfing.
- The river Barle and Exe for canoeists – if you are interested we can put you in touch with the local canoe club.
Railways.
From steam, narrow gauge, model or spectacular cliff, Exmoor has it all!
- There is narrow gauge at Lynton, Barnstable and Woody Bay, the Cliff Railway at Lynton and Lynmouth and the steam railway along the coast from Minehead to Taunton at West Somerset Railway.
- The model railway is on the way out of Lynmouth – a good place for both the enthusiast and the visitor.
- www.lynton-rail.co.uk
- www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
- www.cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk
Markets
There is a pannier and cattle market at South Molton each Thursday and a pannier market on Saturdays in the summer.
Barnstable craft market is on Monday and Thursday, the pannier market Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and antique market Wednesday.
Golf
There are links courses all along the coast and wonderful parkland courses inland. Royal North Devon, Saunton Sands, Portmore, Willingcott, Torrington, Hartland Forest and Holdsworthy. www.uk-golf.com
National Trust and Gardens
- RHS Gardens at Rosemoor – www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor
- Arlington Court and Gardens near Barnstable
- Dunster Castle near Minehead
- Holnicote Estate near Minehead
- Watersmeet close to Wilsham Farm
- West Exmoor Coast – Heddon Valley, Parracombe
Food on Exmoor! The Exmoor Food Festival takes place in October and is the show case for all that is good about food and drink on Exmoor. There are events staged all around the region
National Hunt Racing at Taunton, Exeter and Wincanton
Theatres
- The Queens Theatre at Barnstable shows a wide variety of drama, dance, opera and Jazz. www.uk-devonexplore.co.uk
- The Exeter Phoenix offers mainly music with the arts.www.exeterphoenix.org.uk
- The Brewhouse at Taunton not only has theatrical productions but also an active art gallery. www.thebrewhouse.net
Best Beaches.
- Minehead - A sandy beach with a long sea front, a lifeboat station and a small harbour at the western end.
- Croyde Bay - A great beach for surfing. No dogs allowed.
- Woolacombe - EU Blue Flag beach with 3 miles of sand and surf. A lifeguard always in attendance. Dog access restricted.
- Putsborough - Good sandy and surfing beach. Wonderful walking from Putsborough around Baggy Point and on to Croyde Bay. Dog access restricted.
- Saunton Sands - a three mile long expanse of sandy beach facing due west backed by impressive sand dunes. Dogs permitted.
- Hele Bay - a rocky bay, offering shingle and some sand at low tides. With much to explore, Hele provides fun for children with it’s abundance of rock pools.
- Watermouth cove is a very secluded harbour creating an ecosystem for many rare marine species. Surrounded by rocks the bay is sheltered from wind and tidal forces. Many boats moor here for this reason. Dog access restricted.
How to Find Us
You can find directions to Wilsham Farm on MultiMap at www.multimap.com
Find us on Google Earth at 51° 08' 00.08° N 3 ° 45'00.16° W
