Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Exmoor self catering accommodation, independent reviews
 Reviewed 29 Mar 2008 by Fionna Barr |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of our holiday was arriving at the farm and find the perfect little cottage waiting for us with a wonderful cream tea, flowers and a cosy woodstove alight, after a 6-hour drive, getting lost and having to ford the Tarr steps in our Daihatsu, which I got stuck half way through in deep water!! It gave my husband the opportunity to gloat: move over little woman and let me sort it! Which he did. Peter and Irene are warm, welcoming people and treat you like friends from the moment you arrive. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we booked another week in October. We'll be back time and time again, I'm sure, with our grown family and grandchildren. It's ideal for a family set-up. We walked for miles all day every day (40-45 miles in three days) in the stunning countryside, we had beautiful weather, our three terriers were in paradise and we came back tired but super fit every evening. Peter and Irene were so kind and helpful with any query we had, it made us feel so at home.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a good OS map with you and work out your route beforehand. It's very easy to get lost on the moors and in the little country lanes. The signposting is confusing and unreliable. Be suitably dressed for what you set out to do to avoid blisters, dehydration or low sugar levels. (This is for the hikers amongst us).
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I don't know about that. We bought cream teas, maps and a shopping bag to carry the dog in when she hurt her back. Hardly enough to boost the local economy. We were careful with litter and stuck to the footpaths as much as we could. We only burnt wood and recycled our tins and bottles. No more than we would do at home.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was absolutely first class. Everything we expected and more. The walking was superb, our stay was extremely comfortable, it was very easy to have the dogs with us.
| Reviewed 30 Oct 2009 by Caroline Bell | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Great cottage with perfect hosts providing cream tea on arrival, maps, advice, made to measure wellies, fresh laid eggs. A total delight.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Great circular bike route from the farm. Just perfect for our 8 and 11 year old.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Recycling at property. Low travel distance to property and to local sites.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Ten out of ten. Couldn't have wished for more.
| Reviewed 10 Mar 2009 by Katie Norrison | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Most memorable part - the cottage itself and the warm welcome. And the scones on the table when we first arrived!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take some wellies!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I think it will benefit the local people/ the local area as I will be recommending it to friends.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant, even though the weather wasn't great the countryside is beautiful and the local people are all very welcoming. 10 out of 10!
| Reviewed 13 Jan 2009 by Pippa Duke | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The view and walking through the fields down to the river with the children. Heaven!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Um....not to book the cottage we love!! No, um… possibly bring a little food to start you off and not to drive there in the dark if you can help it.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I hope so, we shopped there and ate in the pubs there. We also barely needed to use the car as everything was so accessible by foot.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, we absolutely adored it, feel in love with the place and hospitality wonderful. We are booking again very soon.
| Reviewed 30 Jun 2008 by Zita Matthews | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The cottage was fantastic and the setting wonderful walks to the river and woods amazing.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do it!!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, everything can be bought locally and we used the small local shops rather than bigger towns/supermarkets. You can recycle everything there also.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely brilliant, 11 out of 10 and the best family holiday we have ever had - perfect!
| Reviewed 19 Oct 2009 by Jo Downton | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The wonderful welcome we received and the helpful and accommodating hosts. The best scones I have ever had and the comfortable and enchanting accommodation.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Leave your work and worries behind and absorb the peace and tranquillity. Take some good books and indulge yourself in relaxing walks and leisure.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, because we used the local shops and pubs and walked or bicycled.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A really good break which will be repeated.
| Reviewed 8 Aug 2009 by Tracey Moore | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beautiful setting on Exmoor. The cottages look over the valley to the Moor with nothing in front of you but the woods, stream and fields. The cottages are very high spec and have absolutely everything you may need provided for you such as dishcloths, tea towels, washing up liquid paper towels, dishwasher tablets, cool box. There is also a barbecue available and Peter and Irene are in the process of getting a shelter sorted so you can barbecue in the dry! Peter kindly let Oliver our 13 yr old ride his tractor and caterpillar which he thoroughly enjoyed. The scones and fresh flowers was a really nice touch and the owners could not have been more helpful with advice and directions to the local amenities.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Remember your wellies as it can get very boggy after rain. Peter and Irene lent our son a pair for the 2 weeks we were there which was very kind. The mobile phone signal is very poor but if you go up the road a little you can get a signal!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes we ate and drank in the local hostelries and visited the local shop in Dulverton for our supplies. We also managed to bike to a nice pub in Molland over the moor which nearly killed us (well we are from flat Suffolk!)
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, wonderful hosts charming cottages and fantastic scenery. The only thing we would have changed was the weather!
| Reviewed 20 Jul 2009 by Suze Harding | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Taking our little ones on the West Somerset Railway steam trains which they found very exciting indeed and jumping the waves with my (squealing with delight) 2 year old daughter at the fabulous sandy beach at Woolacombe. Having a lovely Devon Tea provided on arrival by our excellent hosts.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The cottage was lovely and cosy, also very child friendly environment, lovely little playground for the kids. Would advise that it is definitely right in the middle of the countryside. Fantastic if you like walking and stunning views but if you like your amenities close at hand this holiday would not suit you.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Not in the immediate locality so much because a lot of the visitor attractions were further afield but within the wider area then yes because money was spent visiting these and locally we did do a fair bit of shopping at the local farm shops. Also the farm had good system for rubbish disposal with the means for splitting it into various recycling and used low energy bulbs in all the lighting the cottage.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a wonderful place to stay with lovely countryside views, welcoming and helpful hosts and was very child friendly, unfortunately the weather was not very kind to us but we still very much enjoyed our stay.
| Reviewed 13 May 2009 by Rachel Robinson | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The views from our cottage were stunning. We went on lovely walks. It was really nice to come back to the cottage and have a roaring log fire to sit in front of - bliss.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Buy a sat nav - it was really useful as the cottage was quite difficult to find. That said, the setting was amazing and views incredible. Although its self catering, there is no need to bring items such as dishwasher tablets, cloths and tea towels - they are kindly provided by the owners.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We visited a lot of local villages where we bought local merchandise, eat in local restaurants etc so we hope that we helped the local tourism.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The accommodation was fantastic. It was just as described in the advert so we weren't disappointed. The owners were very friendly and helpful. The cottage was very well equipped and had everything we possibly needed. There was plenty to do and see in the local area including walking and sight seeing. We have a 6 month baby and Peter and Irene kindly provided a cot so it made it very easy for us. There is also a children's playground which our daughter enjoyed. We hope to return when she is older.
| Reviewed 19 Apr 2009 by Hannah Reid | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The personal touches and little extras. Our hosts - Peter and Irene - were lovely.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The farm is beautiful, well managed and really child-friendly. But take wellies for the river and sheep poo.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Our week at the farm was wonderful. The playground and fine selection of go-carts and other toys they had for us to use were great fun for our kids (aged 3 and 1) and Peter and Irene went to great lengths to look after us. Peter even gave my 3-year old tractor rides round his garden! The property was really big but wonderfully homely and also with all the mod-cons (huge TV, new stereo system...). There aren't masses of tourist attractions for kids nearby, but just walking down the hill and along the river to play pooh-sticks in the lovely wooded valley and spot lambs in the fields was more than enough to entertain my sons. We had a fabulous week.
Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks for taking the time to complete an appraisal. Your kind comments are very much appreciated. We do have wellies in most sizes for those of our guests who forget to bring them. My apologies for neglecting to let you know.| Reviewed 11 Apr 2009 by Martin Davies | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
For us, it was the beauty and tranquillity of the area, just what the doctor ordered!! I had had two weeks in hospital prior to our visit to look forward to it. It certainly lived up to my expectations in terms of somewhere to take it easy and enjoy a little bit of luxury in four star accommodation. Arriving after a four hour journey to be greeted by a plate full of freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry jam was just heaven! The complimentary free range farm eggs went down well at breakfast time. Other little touches such as freshly cut flowers showed the care that Peter and Irene take to make their guest feel welcome.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Invest in an Ordnance Survey map of the area (about £8) available from local shops. You will need it in order to navigate the labyrinth of minor roads which makes travel so much more interesting. Some of the hills can be quite steep. We were careful to travel slowly in such circumstances but not all other road users were and you need to allow for this as often the minor roads are very narrow.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Our heating was produced from a woodburning stove with the timber coming from the surrounding woodland plots. Our seventeen year old son was kept busy feeding the burner. You don't need to cut your own timber, it is all beautifully prepared for you just the right size to fit the burner and kept under cover so it burns well. In this way we reduced our carbon footprint. We were able to make use of the well stocked local shops that were open at convenient hours. The bakery just outside the centre of Dulverton, to the north, where the road narrows to single line traffic and the river runs alongside below, was a pleasure. Great handmade Cornish Pasties and scones.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It lived up to, and beyond my expectations. If you want a quiet time away from it all, just to put your feet up then this is the place. Alternatively, should you be of a more active persuasion then the walking (from what I could tell by checking the many guides that are provided) sounds great. The thought of a day out hiking the surrounding lanes and moors leaves me exhausted!!! You will just love it.
Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks for your very generous appraisal despite the rather mixed weather conditions which were experienced over the duration of your visit. Ordnance survey maps were placed in every cottage when we purchased the accommodation eighteen months ago but they quickly disappeared and have not been replaced. You have inspired us to revisit this issue.| Reviewed 12 Oct 2008 by Ian Sparrowhawk | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our wildlife safari to see the Red Deer rut, but the whole weekend was very memorable.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Good footwear (or at least a change of shoes!) and a good camera and binoculars. I'd also recommend the accommodation as an excellent place to stay.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fabulous, Pete and Irene were very welcoming and very knowledgeable about local attractions, places to eat and walks in and around Exmoor and provided lovely accommodation.
| Reviewed 3 Sep 2008 by Deborah Bull | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Wonderful walks, beautiful countryside, very welcoming, friendly and helpful hosts, and the best fed wild birds in the country!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Try the eggs from the chickens on the farm – delicious.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, advice was given on local restaurants and pubs and activities, and recycling was encouraged as was a donation to the Exmoor Trust rather than a charge for gas and electricity.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really enjoyed it - very relaxing atmosphere and a beautiful area - just need to remember to order the sun next time!
| Reviewed 29 Jun 2008 by Vicky Mitchell | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Lovely spacious accommodation with great view. Lovely peaceful area and some lovely sites nearby.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Check out the local area before heading off to places further a field. We didn't do any major hiking as we had a 10 month old with us but there are some lovely local walks to the Tarr steps and around Dulverton and the general area. If you have a young child I'd advise taking a travel high chair with you as a lot of the pubs that we went for lunch didn't have high chairs. A high chair, cot with bedding and stair gate were all provided but bring toys.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Although we travelled by car to get there it was within the UK so we didn't have to fly. Recycling facilities were provided. We used the car most days but only travelled a significant distance on 3 days when we went to Lynton and Lynmouth, Dunster and Minehead. If I went again I probably wouldn't go Dunster and Minehead but would spend more time in the local area.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really lovely peaceful setting and very baby friendly accommodation (didn't have to spend all our time chasing after the little one as she crawled about as there were no major hazards and plenty of space) meant that the three of us had a really relaxing break.
Read the operator's response here:
Very many thanks for your constructive and thoughtful review. Whilst we can’t do much about Dunster and Minehead the provision of toys for indoor play by the younger ones is something which will receive attention.| Reviewed 14 Apr 2008 by Jim Baker | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The scenery and the views from the cottage and the farm.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to keep the wood burner going overnight and to get out and explore the countryside. Be also prepared to properly relax and forget that you have other responsibilities. But don’t go if what you want is ‘amusement’ parks, shopping and lots of opportunities to wear your highest heels. The owners of the property are most welcoming and friendly and the cottages are all warm, well equipped and comfortable.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes I feel local people benefited in that we made use of services which require people to be employed to run them. The owners of the property were also clearly interested in doing their bit too; all the bulbs were low energy, all rubbish is recycled and all fuel was wood.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.
| Reviewed 27 Mar 2008 by Jane Steele | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The cottage was lovely, very warm and cosy. We chose the area because it is wonderful and the location of the cottage was perfect. Myself, my children and grandchildren went for a long weekend and we had a wonderful time, Irene and Peter were wonderful hosts, plenty of logs and kindling, a welcoming Devon cream tea and lots of interesting experiences for the children, feeding the chickens, riding the tractor and motorbike, playing on the swings and slides in the play area. The best thing was the weather! Wind, rain, sunshine, frost and snow, everything in one weekend and it didn't prevent us having the most perfect time.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Use a sat nav! The AA directions were not good and all of us got lost, however Peter and Irene were very helpful, we all got to the cottage fine any way and Peter even gave my daughter petrol as by the time she got there she had none left - so fill up with petrol!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I would like to think so.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was perfect, loads of space, perfect hosts, everything we needed we will certainly visit again.
| Reviewed 1 Aug 2009 by David Lloyd | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Great cottage with excellent facilities. Cream tea on arrival was an unexpected bonus - delicious scones! Great walking routes accessible from the cottage.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Unfortunately, it rained almost all week. This didn't hamper us too much as we had taken wet weather gear. Knowing the unpredictable nature of British weather I recommend taking good quality wet weather gear.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
A little. We ate at a couple of local pubs.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A good holiday which would have been even better with some sunshine - obviously the weather was not the responsibility of the holiday cottage owner!
| Reviewed 1 Jul 2007 by Emma Viney | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Horse riding in Exmoor. It was bucketing with rain, but we still had a great time - the vegetation was more green and the horses didn't get too hot.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be sure of directions before you leave. The roads are narrow and long and it's easy to think you've missed a turn off. And, make time for as many long walks / rides as you can as the countryside is so beautiful and varied.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It benefited local people rather too much - we ended up paying for a cottage AND a B&B (!) because we were told the cottage wouldn't sleep 5. It actually would have slept 5 or more (5th on a rollaway or airbed) VERY easily. I would recommend more flexibility on this. Otherwise, we had a wonderful time at the cottage which is beautifully situated and offers recommendations for local restaurants which often use locally source produce, and maps and information on the surrounding area. We used a log burner for heating, excess electricity was charged additionally, and waste was recycled, which is great.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good