Tucked into a steeply-wooded valley where the River Barle meets the River Exe, Dulverton is an ancient market town that's well worth exploring, with narrow streets, independent shops, excellent place to eat and a beautiful Grade II listed 15th century church. Being so beautiful, its no surprise its featured in films such as the 1998 film 'Land Girls'.
Lying on the southern edge of Exmoor National Park, Dulverton's history dates back at least to the Middle Ages when it was an important centre for the wool trade, as well as the meeting point for farmers living on Exmoor for hundreds of years. Nowadays you’re more likely to find a latte than lambs, but there’s still plenty of history evident with Iron Age forts and a castle all nearby.
Known as the Southern Gateway to Exmoor, it's a much-visited town throughout the year by walkers, cyclists, canoeists, birders, fisherman and hunters alike who use it as a good base from which to explore Exmoor. However, the town itself has over 40 independent shops, some lovely tea rooms, inns and restaurants, so its worth visit in its own right.
Within the town there’s a National Park Centre – full of interesting information and exhibitions about Exmoor and a good place to start if you're looking to plan your stay in Exmoor, whilst next door you’ll find the Heritage Centre crammed full of displays, artefacts and exhibitions about the heritage of Dulverton. As Exmoor was Europe's first designated International Dark Skies Reserve, you can also hire telescopes at the Centre to make the most of the clear skies above.
You’ll not be short of places to eat either. If you’ve been exploring Exmoor with your pooch, head to The Bridge Inn where you’ll find a dog-friendly welcome and fab pub grub, set next to the oldest medieval bridge on Exmoor. Woods Bar & Restaurant is an excellent spot for proper British dining with a smidgen of French, whilst Lewis's Tea Rooms and The Copper Kettle are ideal for a spot of afternoon tea.
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