Owls Nest Lodge

In South Molton

The Coaching Inn -- A handsome Grade II listed coaching inn on Broad Street, dating back to the 18th century. The Coaching Inn serves a good selection of pub food with daily specials, real ales, and a decent wine list. The beamed bar has plenty of character, and there is a courtyard garden for fine weather. Food served at lunchtime and in the evening. A good spot for a relaxed meal after exploring the town.

The George Hotel -- Another historic coaching inn on Broad Street, the George has been welcoming travellers since the 16th century. The hotel restaurant serves traditional English cooking using local ingredients, with a Sunday carvery that is popular with locals. Real ales and a comfortable bar. Food served daily.

The Stumbles Inn -- A friendly local pub in the centre of town with a warm atmosphere, real ales, and honest pub food. A favourite with locals and a good place to experience the genuine character of South Molton.

Cafes and tea rooms -- South Molton has several pleasant cafes along Broad Street and the surrounding streets, serving coffee, light lunches, cream teas, and homemade cakes. On market days, you will also find food stalls in and around the pannier market selling fresh pastries, local cheeses, and hot food.

Nearby

The Poltimore Arms, North Molton -- Approximately 4 miles north. A delightful traditional country pub with flagstone floors, log fires, and excellent home-cooked food using locally sourced ingredients. Real ales and a welcoming atmosphere. Worth the short drive.

The Fox and Hounds, Eggesford -- Approximately 10 miles south-east. A well-regarded country pub and restaurant serving refined British cooking with seasonal game, local meats, and fresh fish. Booking recommended for dinner.

Castle Hill Gardens Tearoom, Filleigh -- Approximately 5 miles north-west. A lovely tearoom within the grounds of the Castle Hill estate, serving cream teas, light lunches, and homemade cakes. Open when the gardens are open (check seasonal hours).

Explore South Molton -- Wander along the wide, handsome Broad Street, browse the independent shops, and visit the South Molton Museum in the historic Guildhall. The museum houses fascinating collections on the town's wool trade heritage, local history, and rural life. Free entry.

Pannier Market -- South Molton's traditional pannier market has been a fixture for centuries. Held every Thursday and Saturday in the covered market hall, the stalls sell local produce, crafts, baked goods, and much more. The Saturday market is the larger of the two, and well worth a visit.

Quince Honey Farm -- One of the largest honey farms in the United Kingdom, located on the edge of South Molton. The visitor centre has indoor glass-fronted beehives where you can watch the bees at work, plus exhibitions on beekeeping, a shop selling a huge range of honey and beeswax products, and a cafe. A great rainy day activity and popular with families.

Castle Hill Gardens, Filleigh -- Approximately 5 miles north-west of South Molton. The magnificent grounds of the Fortescue family's 18th-century Palladian mansion feature stunning formal gardens, a Capability Brown landscape park, woodland walks, ornamental temples, and a Sham Castle folly. Open seasonally -- check opening times before visiting.

Exmoor National Park -- South Molton sits right on the doorstep of Exmoor. Drive north for a few miles and you are on the open moor, with wild ponies, red deer, dramatic river valleys, and some of the finest walking in the south-west. Exmoor Zoo, near Bratton Fleming (approximately 8 miles), is a small and friendly zoo specialising in rare and unusual animals.

North Devon coast -- The spectacular beaches at Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands are approximately 30 to 40 minutes by car. These golden sand beaches are among the finest in England for surfing, swimming, and family days out.

Tarka Trail -- The Tarka Trail is a 180-mile figure-of-eight walking and cycling route through North Devon, following the landscape that inspired Henry Williamson's novel Tarka the Otter. Several sections pass within easy reach of South Molton, including the popular traffic-free cycling section between Barnstaple and Bideford.

RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington -- Approximately 20 miles west. A beautiful Royal Horticultural Society garden with themed gardens, woodland walks, a plant centre, and a restaurant. Open year-round with something in flower in every season.

Arlington Court -- A National Trust Regency house approximately 15 miles north-west, with a fine collection of horse-drawn carriages, a Victorian garden, and a heronry in the grounds. The Shetland Pony Centre is nearby.

Walks Near South Molton

Two Moors Way -- This long-distance trail runs 117 miles from Ivybridge on Dartmoor to Lynmouth on the Exmoor coast, passing through some of the finest scenery in Devon. Several sections are accessible from South Molton, offering day walks through rolling farmland and the edge of Exmoor. The section from Knowstone towards Withypool is particularly rewarding.

North Molton and the Mole Valley -- A lovely circular walk from the village of North Molton (approximately 4 miles north), following the valley of the River Mole through wooded combes and farmland with good views towards Exmoor. Allow around 2 to 3 hours for a 5-mile circuit.

Castle Hill, Filleigh -- When the estate grounds are open, enjoy a walk through the landscaped parkland and woodland of this magnificent 18th-century estate. The ornamental temples, Sham Castle, and lake make for a very pleasant afternoon stroll. Approximately 5 miles from South Molton.

Tarka Trail (Barnstaple to Bideford) -- The most popular section of the Tarka Trail follows a disused railway line for 9 miles along the Taw and Torridge estuaries. Flat, traffic-free, and suitable for walkers, cyclists, and families. Bike hire available at Barnstaple and Bideford. Approximately 12 miles from South Molton.

Exmoor from South Molton -- Drive north to Simonsbath, Exford, or Winsford and you are in the heart of Exmoor, with superb walking in every direction. Highlights include Dunkery Beacon (the highest point on Exmoor), Tarr Steps (an ancient clapper bridge), and the Barle Valley. All within 20 to 30 minutes by car.

Haddeo Valley and Wimbleball Lake -- Approximately 15 miles east. Wimbleball Lake is a reservoir set in beautiful countryside on the southern edge of Exmoor, with waymarked walks around the lake and through the surrounding woodland. A peaceful spot for a gentle walk with good bird watching.

Beaches

Woolacombe -- One of England's finest beaches, approximately 30 miles from South Molton (around 45 minutes by car). Three miles of golden sand backed by dunes, consistently rated among the top beaches in the country. Excellent for surfing, swimming, and sandcastle building. Lifeguards in summer.

Croyde Bay -- A popular surfing beach approximately 28 miles from South Molton, with a lovely village atmosphere, surf hire shops, and beachside cafes. Smaller than Woolacombe but with a great character.

Saunton Sands -- A vast, flat expanse of golden sand backed by the Braunton Burrows dune system (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve). Approximately 28 miles from South Molton. Excellent for long walks, kite flying, and surfing.

Instow -- A quieter family-friendly beach on the Taw-Torridge estuary, approximately 18 miles from South Molton. Calm, sheltered waters and fine sand at low tide. Good for young children.

Porlock Bay and Bossington Beach -- On the Exmoor coast, approximately 25 miles north-east. A dramatic arc of pebbles with views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. Outstanding walking country.