The Hen House, Brayford

In and Around Brayford

The Poltimore Arms -- On the South Molton Road at the edge of the village. A traditional country pub serving real ales and home-cooked food in a relaxed, friendly setting. A good first stop after arriving, and a reliable local for a pint and a meal throughout your stay.

Nearby

The Black Cock Inn, Molland -- Approximately 7 miles east. A wonderfully atmospheric thatched pub that has barely changed in decades, with flagstone floors, no bar counter, and ale served straight from the barrel. A true Exmoor institution and well worth seeking out. Simple, hearty food available.

The Exmoor Forest Inn, Simonsbath -- Approximately 10 miles north-west. Awarded a Michelin Green Star for sustainable gastronomy, and named in the Good Food Guide's 100 best pubs. The daily-changing menu features beef and lamb from their own organic hill farm, sourced entirely within a twelve-mile radius. Supper served seven days a week, lunch on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Booking strongly recommended.

The Stumbles Inn, South Molton -- Approximately 5 miles south. A welcoming pub in the centre of the market town, serving traditional pub food and real ales. A good option for a casual lunch or evening meal when visiting South Molton for shopping.

South Molton town -- The market town has a selection of cafes, fish and chip shops, a Chinese takeaway, and an Indian restaurant. The pannier market (Thursdays and Saturdays) sells local produce including cheese, bread, and meat.

The Royal Oak, Withypool -- Approximately 10 miles north-east across the moor. A welcoming 18th-century village pub in the heart of Exmoor, serving good food and local ales beside the River Barle.

The Crown Hotel, Exford -- Approximately 12 miles north-east. A Grade II listed 17th-century coaching inn serving freshly prepared food with locally sourced ingredients. Real ales and a good wine list. Dogs welcome in the bar.

Walk on Exmoor -- Brayford sits right on the edge of the National Park, with footpaths and bridleways leading directly from the village onto open moorland. You can be on the moor within minutes of leaving your front door -- a rare privilege that makes this an outstanding base for walkers of all abilities.

Fishing on the River Bray -- The River Bray, which runs through the village, offers salmon and trout fishing in a beautiful, unspoilt setting. Permits and local advice are available in the area. The nearby rivers Mole and Barle also provide excellent fly fishing.

Horse riding -- Exmoor has some of the finest riding country in England, with an extensive network of bridleways across open moorland and through wooded valleys. Several riding centres in the surrounding area cater for all abilities, from beginners to experienced riders.

Quince Honey Farm, South Molton -- Approximately 5 miles south. A working bee farm and visitor centre where you can watch live bees in glass-sided hives, learn about honey production, and sample a wide range of honey and beeswax products. A fascinating visit for all ages.

Exmoor Zoo, Bratton Fleming -- Approximately 6 miles west. A small, friendly zoo set in 12 acres of Exmoor hillside, home to a varied collection of animals including lynx, wolves, cheetahs, and many smaller species. Keeper talks and animal encounters run throughout the day.

Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum -- Approximately 8 miles north-west. A Regency house set in beautiful gardens and parkland, with one of the finest collections of horse-drawn carriages in the country. The grounds include a lake, heronry, and waymarked walks through ancient woodland.

Tarr Steps -- Approximately 15 miles east. An ancient clapper bridge across the River Barle, formed from 17 massive stone slabs and believed to be medieval in origin. It sits within a National Nature Reserve surrounded by beautiful oak woodland, and makes a wonderful spot for a riverside walk and picnic.

Red deer watching -- Exmoor is home to England's largest wild red deer herd, and the moorland north of Brayford is excellent deer country. Several local operators offer guided 4x4 safari tours to spot deer, ponies, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

North Devon beaches -- The golden sand beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands are all within approximately 30 to 40 minutes by car, making a beach day trip very manageable from Brayford.

Lynton and Lynmouth -- Often called 'Little Switzerland', these twin villages on the Exmoor coast are approximately 20 miles from Brayford. Connected by the famous cliff railway -- the steepest fully water-powered railway in the world -- they offer dramatic scenery, the Valley of Rocks, and excellent walking along the coast path.

Walks from the Doorstep

Bray Valley Riverside Walk -- Follow the River Bray upstream or downstream from the village along peaceful footpaths through meadows and farmland. The valley is gentle and green, with good chances of spotting herons, dippers, and kingfishers along the water. An easy walk suitable for all abilities.

Brayford to the Open Moor -- Head north from the village and within a mile you are on open Exmoor moorland, with wide views across the Bray valley and beyond. Several circular routes of varying length are possible, taking in heather-covered hilltops and quiet combes. Allow 2 to 4 hours depending on the route chosen.

Heasley Mill Circular -- A pleasant 4-mile walk from Brayford to the hamlet of Heasley Mill and back, following quiet lanes and field paths through the Bray valley. The route passes through typical Exmoor farmland with gentle gradients -- a good option for a relaxed afternoon stroll.

North Molton Ridge -- A longer walk climbing south from the valley to the ridge above North Molton, with panoramic views across mid-Devon. The route can be combined with a visit to the village of North Molton itself, which has a fine church and a traditional pub.

Two Moors Way -- This long-distance trail connecting Exmoor to Dartmoor passes close to Brayford. You can walk a section of it as a day walk, heading north onto the moor towards Challacombe or south through the rolling Devon countryside. A wonderful way to experience the contrast between Exmoor's open hilltops and the lush farmland below.

Beaches

Woolacombe -- Approximately 30 minutes by car. A magnificent 3-mile sweep of golden sand backed by dunes, consistently rated among the best beaches in Britain. Excellent for surfing, swimming, and sandcastle building. Lifeguard-patrolled in summer.

Croyde -- Approximately 35 minutes by car. A popular surfing beach in a beautiful bay, with rock pools at low tide and a lively village atmosphere. Smaller than Woolacombe but with its own distinct charm.

Saunton Sands -- Approximately 35 minutes by car. A vast, flat expanse of golden sand stretching for over 3 miles, backed by the Braunton Burrows dune system -- a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Quieter than Woolacombe at its southern end.

Porlock Bay -- Approximately 40 to 50 minutes by car via the moor. A dramatic arc of pebbles on the Exmoor coast, backed by salt marshes and with views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. A wild, atmospheric beach quite different from the North Devon surf beaches.