Dulverton

Dulverton is a small town in Somerset, within Exmoor National Park, with 1,408 people at the 2011 census. It lies in the deep, wooded valley of the River Barle, and both the river and its valley are designated as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. Because Dulverton falls within Exmoor National Park, it is a popular base for exploring the moor.

Exmoor House, built in 1855 as the Dulverton Union Workhouse, is now the headquarters of the Exmoor National Park Authority. Tarr Steps, a clapper bridge over the Barle about 4 miles north-west of the town, is Grade I listed and has 17 spans. Its date is uncertain, and Historic England describes it as believed to be medieval, so it is a sight worth building a day around.

The town lies on the route of the Exe Valley Way and the Land’s End Trail, so walkers pass through. Two miles away is the village of Brushford, where Dulverton railway station on the Taunton to Barnstaple line used to be. It closed to passengers in October 1966, so you will arrive by road. Exford is 7 miles to the north-west, across the moor. For guests who want a small town with woods close by rather than a remote farm, Dulverton is a practical base for Exmoor.