We all have those holidays that leave us wanting to go back again and again, don’t we? This one, is without a doubt, mine. Right on the Somerset / Devon border lies an absolute hidden gem. A cottage nestled in the picturesque village of Exebridge that we have now stayed in numerous times. Here, time seems to slow down, and worries melt away with the gentle flow of the river Exe. Our recent cottage break in this idyllic haven was nothing short of perfect, offering a slow-paced yet fun-filled adventure.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Somerset lies the charming village of Exebridge; where time slows to a gentle rhythm and worries fade away like morning mist. Our journey to this idyllic haven began with the promise of tranquility and adventure, and it did not disappoint.
Cosy Comforts
Stepping through the door of this gorgeous cottage, we were greeted by an atmosphere of warmth and welcome. The modern decor and snug furnishings enveloped us like a comforting embrace, inviting us to settle in and make ourselves at home.
Big enough to comfortably fit 5 of us, yet still holding its cosy feel, from the crackling fireplace to the soft glow of lamplight. Every detail spoke of relaxation and contentment, not to mention the sofa being one of the comfiest I have ever sat on!
Lazy River Days
One of the highlights of our stay was the cottage’s prime location. Just minutes away, a short walk over the bridge that separates Somerset and Devon, lies the river Exe. Here, long summer days were spent basking in the sunshine, picnicking on the banks, and cooling off with long leisurely dips in the water. The gentle murmur of the river became the soundtrack to our days, soothing away the stresses of modern life. We were lucky enough to spend time here during a long heatwave, and spent lots of time with locals and holidaymakers alike. We enjoyed fishing for crayfish and swimming in the river by day and making campfires and toasting marshmallows by night.
Exploring Exmoor
Venturing beyond the confines of our cosy cottage break, we set out to explore the wild beauty of Exmoor National Park. With its sweeping moorlands, rugged coastline, and hidden valleys, this untamed landscape captured our hearts from the very first moment. Wandering through ancient woodlands, we encountered the majestic wild ponies grazing in sun-dappled clearings and caught glimpses of deer running across the moors.
Starry Nights
As night fell over Exmoor, another enchanting aspect of the region revealed itself—the dark skies that are perfect for stargazing. Far from the glare of city lights, we were treated to a celestial spectacle unlike any other. With constellations sparkling overhead and the Milky Way stretching across the heavens, we felt a profound sense of awe and wonder at the vastness of the universe. It was obvious why so many people travel for the dark skies of Exmoor – it really is a site to be seen
Nearby Delights: Exploring Somerset and Devon
During our stay in Exebridge, we took the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside and discover its hidden treasures. From the ancient clapper bridge at Tarr Steps (20 minutes away) to the charming seaside town of Lynton & Lynmouth (45 minutes from Exebridge) each destination offered its own unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. We spent hours on the beautiful beach of Woolacombe and Minehead’s harbour (both under an hour away). We browsed the bustling shops of Dulverton (the nearest town for supplies – and a fab butchers!) and savoured the flavours of Devonshire cream tea in a quaint tearoom, stumbled upon by accident (10 minutes from the cottage.)
Cherishing Memories
As our time in Exebridge drew to a close, we found ourselves reluctant to leave behind the peaceful serenity of our cottage retreat. But as we bid farewell to the village and its idyllic surroundings, we carried with us a treasure trove of memories and experiences that would stay with us forever. In Exebridge, Somerset, we had discovered not just a destination, but a sanctuary—a place where the simple pleasures of life are celebrated and cherished. And though our journey may have ended, the spirit of adventure and tranquility that we found here will remain with us always.
info
You can find the Somerset cottage on airbnb here
Local info for stunning Exmoor can be found here
