The
Luxborough Valley lies to the north side of the Brendon Hills and is probably
best approached by either turning north off the B3224. It is a truly lovely
place, definitely off the beaten track where you can still experience the feel
and atmosphere of rural Somerset.
In the village of Luxborough lies the Royal
Oak, a rural Inn of immense character and
charm offering a wide selection of Real Ales and an even wider selection of
food and fine wines. The Inn's accommodation is also tastefully decorated
and furnished. The Royal Oak is family owned and run and has been extensively
refurbished to provide a delightful and relaxing base for visitors to Exmoor.
Here you will find an extensive menu of home cooked fresh food prepared
by the award winning Head Chef Tim Sandy. In addition to a wide variety of traditional
fare we offer a selection of fresh fish and game specialities which vary from
day to day. To accompany your meal choose from an extensive wine list or a selection
of real ales, and what better way to end the meal than with your choice from
their wide range of single malts. Good food deserves a good setting and the
owners have created dining areas with entirely different ambiences to suit your
mood.
There are many interesting and varied walks directly from the village with a
network of bridle paths and footpaths winding through beautiful woods and hills
with breathtaking views across the valley. From behind the Royal Oak you can
walk through the edge of Slowley Wood to the top of Monkton Hill to enjoy a
panoramic view across Rodhuish Common, the coastal villages to the Bristol Channel
and, on a clear day, the coast of South Wales is clearly visible. As well as
being a delightful place in its own right, the Luxborough Valley also makes
an excellent centre for touring in this part of Somerset. The Bristol Channel
towns and Dunster are close by, as is Exmoor itself and the villages of
the Exe valley.
To the south of the Luxborough Valley, off to the left of the A386, you will
find the lovely village of Brompton Regis and the Wimbleball reservoir. Unlike
many of the reservoirs controlled by South West Water the sailing facilities
are controlled by a private club, but day launching is welcomed when the club
is open - weekends and most Wednesday afternoons during the summer.
It is a far cry now from the days when reservoirs were concrete lined bowls
surrounded by high iron railings and the public barred from setting foot anywhere
near their banks, let alone actually getting any enjoyment from the site itself.
Throughout the country water authorities are realising that a lake is a real
asset in these days of increasing leisure and awareness of the countryside.
As well as sailing there is an excellent visitor area at the lake, with picnic
tables and a small cafe and shop. There is also an angling centre where you
can hire rowing boats for fishing if you wish.
You can walk right round the lake if you feel energetic or just stroll along
one shore. This is a delightful place to spend a summer afternoon, watching
the wildlife and sailing craft.
Pulhams Mill is in the near perfect setting of a barn, with its exposed beams,
wooden floors and whitewashed walls. Fine furniture created from English hardwoods
is displayed along with handpainted bone china dinner services, tea sets and
mugs. There are also paintings by local artists, blown glassware, textiles and
a wealth of other crafts on display. The shop is open 6½ days a week. Another
of the barns is now a thriving tearoom.
