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| 12/08/08 |
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If you ever tire of just enjoying the beauty and tranquility of our open spaces, there are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy in west somerset and exmoor.
  
Each year Visit Exmoor runs a competition to find the Attraction of the Year. As well as offering a great visitor experience the attractions must demonstrate that they care for the environment and help their visitors to appreciate the special qualities of the area.
This year's winner is:
West Somerset Railway
The steam railway runs from Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, to Minehead.
The other finalists for 2007 were Exmoor Zoo and the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway at Woody Bay
The winner in 2006 was Exmoor Falconry and Animal Farm at Allerford.
Great Days Out
Exmoor's many and varied places to visit keep visitors more than happy. There's an endless choice of historic sites and glorious gardens, colourful family attractions and steam railway rides, craft workshops and wildlife parks as well as the acres of unspoilt countryside and coastline.
History and Heritage
A visit to the mysterious Tarr Steps is a must. Made of huge stone slabs and set in a shady valley carved by the river Barle, it is Britain's largest clapper bridge probably part of a prehistoric trackway or medieval route.
Seek out Somerset's hidden jewel, the serene Cleve Abbey at Washford. This English Heritage property is one of the few 13th century monastic sites left with such a complete set of cloister buildings.
The National Trust is well represented in these parts. Arlington Court, south of Combe Martin, is an intimate Victorian mansion set in extensive parkland and gardens. In the hills above Lynmouth you'll find Watersmeet, an enchanting meeting of two rivers with a maze of woodland and gorge walks. Knightshayes Court, south of Dulverton, is a lavish Victorian Gothic masterpiece with beautiful gardens and grounds and a delightful walled garden. Pride of place on Exmoor goes to Dunster Castle, a fascinating feudal stonghold and family home, perched on a hilltop with views over the village and across to the sea.
Family Fun
For a great day out, whatever the weather, take the family to Butlins in Minehead. It's packed full of attractions, rides, shops and the sub-tropical "Splashworld".
Just outside Watchet is Tropiquaria, an all-action animal and adventure park. At the opposite side of Exmoor you'll find family attractions at Watermouth Castle and the Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, and there are daily falconry displays at the Exmoor Falconry and Animal Farm near Porlock.
Moving Adventures
The steam powered West Somerset Railway runs for 20 miles through stunning countryside between Minehead and Bishop's Lydeard, near Taunton, is one of the most relaxing ways to discover Exmoor.
For a sea-faring adventure take a trip on the Waverley - the world's last sea-going paddle steamer - or on the motor cruiser Blamoral, either along the Exmoor coast, over to Lundy Island or across the Bristol Channel to Wales.
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Walking
Whether it's an easy stroll to admire the scenery or a more strenuous ramble you want, Exmoor and the Quantock Hills have plenty to offer when exploring on foot. Find out more...
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Riding
Exmoor and horse riding were made for each other. With a choice of peaceful forest tracks offering excellent going, wide open spaces for exhilarating gallops, meandering trails alongside sparkling rivers and streams, wooded valleys for strengthening hill work and rolling pastureland for relaxing hacking - the area is, quite simply, a riders paradise.
Riding on Exmoor is superb and easy to organise for beginners or experts, with centres offering everything from a few hours in the saddle to a fully inclusive riding holiday. Alternatively, you could bring your own horse and stay in one of the many places that provide stabling and let your knowledgable hosts advice on the best routes in their area. A new publication, produced by Exmoor National Park Authority, the Quantock Hills AONB and the British Horse Society, gives details of eleven circular routes across Exmoor and the Quantock Hills. |
Cycling
The varied and often hilly terrain may provide a challenge for keen cyclists, but there are flatter areas that provide great cycling for families and more leisurely cyclists.
Off-road cycle tracks provide some exciting prospects for mountain biking on Exmoor. A new map has just been produced for off-road cyclists, giving graded trails for mountain bikes, with easy green trails for the less serious cyclist, up to severe black trails for expert mountain bikers who will relish technical challenges.
Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts are spoilt for choice, with rich coastal pickings as well as a wealth of rivers, lakes and ponds. A combination of beautiful scenery and clean fresh air makes fishing the rivers and streams on Exmoor a special pleasure and the chance of catching a salmon or trout brings people back time and time again. There is excellent sea fishing along much of the coast and escorted boat trips run from Minehead, Porlock Weir and Watchet. Carp fishermen are also provided for, with well stocked ponds in tranquil spots.
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Watersports
Wimbleball Lake is one of Exmoor's hidden gems, with around 385 acres of water set in stunning scenery. It's the perfect location for a spot of fly-fishing, a gentle paddle in a canoe some dinghy sailing for the more adventurous.
Golf
Founded in 1882, Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Somerset and has the combined characteristics of both a links and parkland course. The course is open to visitors with special day, week or longer rates available. |
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