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Local area guide · Somerset / Exmoor

Group-Friendly Pubs, Restaurants & Things To Do near West Hollowcombe Farm

West Hollowcombe Farm is on Broad Lane at Hawkridge, in the Somerset part of Exmoor, near Dulverton. It’s a group of neighbouring cottages, rather than one large house. We’d confirm which cottages and communal facilities are included, then plan meals towards Withypool, Winsford or Dulverton. Narrow lanes make a short distance slower than it looks on a map.We’d keep one day close to the farm and choose one booked outing for the whole party. Some guests will want a moorland walk; others will prefer a pub lunch or a distillery visit. At present, damage to Tarr Steps and a closed approach road change the usual local plans, so check the National Park’s latest advice before setting off.

Where to stay in West Hollowcombe Farm, HawkridgeAdd an experience at the house

Where to stay

Group houses to rent in West Hollowcombe Farm, Hawkridge

Whole-house rentals on our books in and around West Hollowcombe Farm, Hawkridge — exclusive use, booked direct with the owner.

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Group experiences at your house in West Hollowcombe Farm, Hawkridge

These six travel to any house we list, West Hollowcombe Farm, Hawkridge included. The host turns up with everything needed, so nobody has to book a table or a taxi.

Staying at West Hollowcombe Farm? Give us the house and your dates when you ask for a quote and we’ll price it for that address, travel included.

Want something else? The full list is on our group experiences page, though some of those need a local venue, so check the area on each one.

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Eating & drinking

Where to arrange group meals in West Hollowcombe Farm, Hawkridge

A catered meal at the cottages saves several return journeys. For eating out, we’d send one complete booking enquiry, with allergies and children’s needs, and agree the seating before arranging taxis.

  • Private catering at West Hollowcombe Farm

    The owners recommend local private chefs and in-house caterers for celebrations. We’d ask for their current contacts and confirm use of the communal dining room, kitchen equipment and clearing up. This is particularly useful when everyone is staying across several cottages. A supplier recommendation isn’t a confirmed booking, so settle the menu and practical arrangements directly with the caterer.

  • The Royal Oak, Withypool

    About 15 minutes’ drive away, this Royal Oak has a dining and function room, with private dining and buffet menus. We’d call for the full party, as larger bookings need direct arrangements and a pre-order is requested. Confirm whether you’re booking ordinary tables or a separate room. Make sure drivers use Withypool, since Winsford has a different Royal Oak.

  • The Royal Oak Exmoor, Winsford

    About 20 minutes’ drive away on Halse Lane, this inn offers restaurant meals and welcomes larger parties by arrangement. We’d ask about one table or neighbouring tables and send dietary requirements beforehand. Dogs are allowed in most areas, but confirm the space allocated to your booking. Food service varies by day, so check current times rather than rely on the bar’s opening.

  • Tongdam Thai Restaurant, Dulverton

    About 20 minutes’ drive away on High Street, Tongdam offers Thai meals and takeaway. We’d telephone to ask whether the current seating arrangement can accommodate your party, or agree a substantial takeaway order in advance. The operator warns that seating has been reduced, so old room capacities aren’t a reliable promise. Check current service days and tell the team if you’re bringing a dog.

  • Exmoor Forest Inn, Simonsbath

    About 30 minutes’ drive away, the Forest Inn asks group diners to email rather than use its smaller online table bookings. We’d send the party’s details and ask for a menu and seating arrangement. This suits a planned meal after an outing, rather than a speculative stop. The restaurant limits dogs per table, so discuss several dogs before booking.

  • The Barle Valley Restaurant, Simonsbath House

    About 30 minutes’ drive away, this hotel restaurant explicitly welcomes group bookings and can discuss a menu for an occasion. We’d contact it for a confirmed non-resident reservation before making the journey. It’s a separate business from the Exmoor Forest Inn. Tell the team about dietary requirements and access needs, and agree transport back to Hawkridge as part of the evening plan.

Menus, opening hours and group policies change — always confirm directly with the venue.

Things to do

Things to do in West Hollowcombe Farm, Hawkridge for large groups

Choose an outing for your party and confirm any operator booking or access requirements.

  • Hawkridge ridge walks

    Starting locally on foot, the ridge gives the party a way to enjoy the surrounding countryside without a convoy of cars. We’d ask the host for a current route suited to everyone’s fitness and turn back before anyone gets tired. Don’t assume a riverside circular walk is usable: storm damage has interrupted local crossings, and woodland sections need checking after bad weather.

  • Withypool Hill and stone circle

    About 15 minutes’ drive towards Withypool, followed by a moorland walk, this is an outing for walkers comfortable on uneven ground. The prehistoric stones are small, so we’d bring a proper map and identify the route beforehand. Split the party if some prefer the village. Stay on appropriate paths and access land, avoid disturbing livestock and leave the stones untouched.

  • Exmoor Distillery tours

    About 20 minutes’ drive away at Barle Enterprise Centre near Dulverton, the distillery offers booked tours and tastings, including group enquiries. We’d reserve directly and explain the party’s headcount. Tastings require guests to be of legal drinking age, and dogs aren’t admitted to the production area. Arrange drivers or taxis first rather than sort transport after sampling spirits.

  • Exmoor Wildlife Safaris

    For its Exford pickup, allow about 25 minutes’ drive; a Dulverton pickup is available only by request. We’d ask the operator about separate departures or vehicles, because its published safari experience has a smaller capacity than a full farm booking. Wildlife sightings depend on the day. Confirm the actual meeting point, boarding requirements and clothing before anyone travels.

  • Wild About Exmoor stargazing

    The operator runs public and private stargazing experiences around Exford, about 25 minutes’ drive away. We’d book a group session and confirm the exact meeting place rather than assume it happens at the cottages. Ask about weather alternatives and the amount of night walking. Warm layers, suitable shoes and torches matter even when the sky looks clear at dinner.

  • Dunkery Beacon

    Allow about 40 minutes’ drive to an agreed walking start, followed by the climb. We’d choose the National Park’s shorter route for a mixed walking party and check its current condition. This is exposed moorland, with stony ground and changing weather, rather than a casual stroll from a car park. Give non-walkers a separate plan and carry a map.

Check current tickets, group availability and access directly with the operator.

Good to know

Practical tips for a big group in West Hollowcombe Farm, Hawkridge

The big shop, getting around and the things worth sorting before everyone arrives.

Good to know

  • Ask the host for final approach directions to Broad Lane, Hawkridge, TA22 9QL. Unload where permitted, then use the guest car park and keep the working farmyard clear.
  • Tarr Steps was damaged in October 2026 and can’t currently be crossed. Hinds Pitt Bridge is also closed, and the Tarr Steps approach from Hawkridge is closed at Marshclose Hill. Check the National Park’s latest notice; don’t try the ford or assume the usual loop is available.
  • We’d arrange groceries before arrival and be present for the delivery. The owners don’t accept supermarket deliveries on guests’ behalf, so choose a slot after you can get into the cottages.
  • The hot tub belongs to Norton Cottage, or is shared when the farm is booked exclusively. Confirm your booking’s facilities and dog allowance; don’t assume every separate cottage booking includes everything.
  • Book return taxis ahead and fill up before heading onto the moor. The farm doesn’t provide EV charging. Download directions because phone reception can vary along rural routes.
  • Bring torches, waterproofs and boots. Supervise children around the farm, keep dogs under close control near livestock and don’t enter barns without permission. Check current times for booked outings again before travelling.

Plan with current information

Official visitor sources

Use these sources for current routes, access information and visitor arrangements.

Local planning references checked 30 October 2026. Confirm prices, opening times, access and group capacity directly before booking.

More local guides

Other group-friendly area guides

The same format for other UK towns and villages that work well for a big group.

Keep planning the trip

Once the house is settled, the rest of it — dates, the food shop, which experience to book, who is paying for what — is the part that usually drags. Our free group trip planner keeps the itinerary, the budget and the group in one place, and you can share it with everyone on a single link.

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