Guidebook for The Noggin and Mavis @ Swanmoor
Sightseeing & Things To Do
Fabulous for walking and together with the South West Coast Path, a perfect reason to spend time with us!
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Tarka Trail
Fabulous for walking and together with the South West Coast Path, a perfect reason to spend time with us!
Rugged, beautiful, wild, amazing Exmoor. North Devon has the most beautiful coast but don’t forget our wonderful National Park. Just stunning for views, walks and solitude. Lots of small villages such as Exford, Simonsbath and Dulverton to enjoy food and drink. While away an afternoon at Landacre Bridge or see the churchyard in Dulverton or to look toward Wales across the water from one of the many high vantage points near Lynton.
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Exmoor
Rugged, beautiful, wild, amazing Exmoor. North Devon has the most beautiful coast but don’t forget our wonderful National Park. Just stunning for views, walks and solitude. Lots of small villages such as Exford, Simonsbath and Dulverton to enjoy food and drink. While away an afternoon at Landacre Bridge or see the churchyard in Dulverton or to look toward Wales across the water from one of the many high vantage points near Lynton.
Since you are here and just because we have one of the most beautiful coasts in the Country, why not do like the locals and get surfing!
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North Devon Surf School
1 Pebbleridge RdSince you are here and just because we have one of the most beautiful coasts in the Country, why not do like the locals and get surfing!
We do have some of the best coastlines in the country so why not make like a local and learn to surf while you are here?
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Surf SUP Academy - Westward Ho! North Devon
We do have some of the best coastlines in the country so why not make like a local and learn to surf while you are here?
Not a lot of people know that we have our very own Zoo up on Exmoor - why not pay it a visit?
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Exmoor Zoo
Not a lot of people know that we have our very own Zoo up on Exmoor - why not pay it a visit?
Just down the road from Swanmoor and it is a fabulous place to visit. As inspiring as it is beautiful. Don't miss it!
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RHS Garden Rosemoor
Just down the road from Swanmoor and it is a fabulous place to visit. As inspiring as it is beautiful. Don't miss it!
A great way to do the Tark Trail. Why not work off the cream teas and get some exercise in. Ring them in advance so as to avoid disappointment.
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Tarka Trail Cycle Hire
A great way to do the Tark Trail. Why not work off the cream teas and get some exercise in. Ring them in advance so as to avoid disappointment.
Are you adventurous? Well, this will suit you them. Coasteering and rock climbing or surf and paddleboarding lessons? they do the lot. Naturally, you need to book in advance!
Coastline Sports | Coasteering | North Devon | Croyde Bay
Moor LaneAre you adventurous? Well, this will suit you them. Coasteering and rock climbing or surf and paddleboarding lessons? they do the lot. Naturally, you need to book in advance!
Such a beautiful walk through woodland and beside the River Heddon down to the sea. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with an old lime kiln, somewhere to explore before perhaps going to the picturesque (but slightly imperfect in my view!) Hunters Inn, nearby (a beautiful old place that reminds me of an Agatha Christie setting).
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Heddon's Mouth
Such a beautiful walk through woodland and beside the River Heddon down to the sea. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with an old lime kiln, somewhere to explore before perhaps going to the picturesque (but slightly imperfect in my view!) Hunters Inn, nearby (a beautiful old place that reminds me of an Agatha Christie setting).
During the summer season (March until the end of October), you can get to the Island of Lundy in its own supply ship and ferry, the MS Oldenburg. The boat departs several times a week from either Bideford or Ilfracombe and you will need to look up the exact time and place of departure.
Lundy with its Puffins, lighthouse, walking, views and the Marisco Tavern, is a great sightseeing opportunity.
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Lundy
During the summer season (March until the end of October), you can get to the Island of Lundy in its own supply ship and ferry, the MS Oldenburg. The boat departs several times a week from either Bideford or Ilfracombe and you will need to look up the exact time and place of departure.
Lundy with its Puffins, lighthouse, walking, views and the Marisco Tavern, is a great sightseeing opportunity.
Situated about a half mile from Lynton, the Valley Of The Rocks is well worth a visit with impressive rugged cliffs, superb coastal views and goats! It is on the South West Coast path and is an easy walk with fantastic views.
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Valley of Rocks
South West Coast PathSituated about a half mile from Lynton, the Valley Of The Rocks is well worth a visit with impressive rugged cliffs, superb coastal views and goats! It is on the South West Coast path and is an easy walk with fantastic views.
I have not experienced this particular business myself, I know that it would be fascinating based on experience elsewhere and it comes highly recommended on TripAdvisor.
North Devon Hawk Walks
I have not experienced this particular business myself, I know that it would be fascinating based on experience elsewhere and it comes highly recommended on TripAdvisor.
Ok, a little bit cheesy maybe but we are fans of Exmoor!
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Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Company
Martinhoe CrossOk, a little bit cheesy maybe but we are fans of Exmoor!
A fabulous part of the world and a 45 minute 27 mile drive from Swanmoor - combine with lunch or dinner at the Farmers Arms in Woolsery?
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Hartland Abbey
A fabulous part of the world and a 45 minute 27 mile drive from Swanmoor - combine with lunch or dinner at the Farmers Arms in Woolsery?
Worth a visit on a cloudy day for a bit of North Devon history. The Christies trust owns the pricey car park at Saunton...just saying!
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Tapely Park
Worth a visit on a cloudy day for a bit of North Devon history. The Christies trust owns the pricey car park at Saunton...just saying!
Beaches
North Devon has many lovely beaches within 45 mins of Swanmoor and Woolacombe is one of the best known. Summer or Winter, the walk to Putsborough is wonderful and on a hot day, coming down for an evening swim after parking up on Marine Drive (perhaps for a picnic) is a great way to invest some holiday time. Fabulous for kids of all ages! In the summer, why not find Barrican Beach between 5 and 7 in the evening and enjoy an open air Thai meal?
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Woolacombe Beach
North Devon has many lovely beaches within 45 mins of Swanmoor and Woolacombe is one of the best known. Summer or Winter, the walk to Putsborough is wonderful and on a hot day, coming down for an evening swim after parking up on Marine Drive (perhaps for a picnic) is a great way to invest some holiday time. Fabulous for kids of all ages! In the summer, why not find Barrican Beach between 5 and 7 in the evening and enjoy an open air Thai meal?
Another of our fabulous North Devon beaches and the backdrop for a famous film or two! Close to the wonderful golf course if that is your thing and a wonderful walk down towards (quieter) Crow Point. Overlooked by Saunton Sands Hotel (for a drink and a meal) and a haven for surfing, sand yachts, kites and so much more.
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Saunton Sands
Another of our fabulous North Devon beaches and the backdrop for a famous film or two! Close to the wonderful golf course if that is your thing and a wonderful walk down towards (quieter) Crow Point. Overlooked by Saunton Sands Hotel (for a drink and a meal) and a haven for surfing, sand yachts, kites and so much more.
An increasingly famous spot and a wonderful beach and pretty village with great places to eat. Can get very busy but don't let that put you off if you want to experience the surf vibe.
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Croyde Beach
An increasingly famous spot and a wonderful beach and pretty village with great places to eat. Can get very busy but don't let that put you off if you want to experience the surf vibe.
Yet another, perhaps less well know, beach beside adjacent to the oldest golf course in England! The Westward Ho! Beach has been awarded the blue flag status for the last 15 years, so you have the confidence to know it is safe to play on the beach and swim in the sea. Rarely crowded and dog friendly.
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Westward Ho!
Yet another, perhaps less well know, beach beside adjacent to the oldest golf course in England! The Westward Ho! Beach has been awarded the blue flag status for the last 15 years, so you have the confidence to know it is safe to play on the beach and swim in the sea. Rarely crowded and dog friendly.
Pretty little Combe Martin and it’s beach and inlet. Stunning scenery and plenty of activities on the water.
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Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park
WoodlandsPretty little Combe Martin and it’s beach and inlet. Stunning scenery and plenty of activities on the water.
Putsborough and Woolacombe merge into one 3 mile beautiful beach between Morte and Baggy Point.
Woolacombe tends to be busier, given its adjacent village, than Putsborough but truth be told, they are both great …and busy! Get there early in the high summer.
Once there, you won’t be disappointed. Beautiful.
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Putsborough Beach
Vention LanePutsborough and Woolacombe merge into one 3 mile beautiful beach between Morte and Baggy Point.
Woolacombe tends to be busier, given its adjacent village, than Putsborough but truth be told, they are both great …and busy! Get there early in the high summer.
Once there, you won’t be disappointed. Beautiful.
Barricane beach is a tiny cove and very much part of Woolacombe with one big draw – the Sri Lankan beach shack. which serves curry every evening during the Summer; it is of course very, very popular. So get there early!
As a kid I spent lots of time rock jumping and rock pooling at Barricane with my cousin as my grandparents lived close by. Not always with my parents permission! Happy days.
Find it at Woolacombe, on the road out to Mortehoe
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Barricane Beach
Barricane beach is a tiny cove and very much part of Woolacombe with one big draw – the Sri Lankan beach shack. which serves curry every evening during the Summer; it is of course very, very popular. So get there early!
As a kid I spent lots of time rock jumping and rock pooling at Barricane with my cousin as my grandparents lived close by. Not always with my parents permission! Happy days.
Find it at Woolacombe, on the road out to Mortehoe
Best kept beach secret that everyone knows about!?
Located between Watermouth and Combe Martin this beach is just beautiful. With a steep descent of around 200 steps, the cove has no lifeguards and no amenities and is probably not for the kids unless they are happy to hike! Apparently it is referred to as one of the UK’s top wild swimming beaches,
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Broadsands Beach
Best kept beach secret that everyone knows about!?
Located between Watermouth and Combe Martin this beach is just beautiful. With a steep descent of around 200 steps, the cove has no lifeguards and no amenities and is probably not for the kids unless they are happy to hike! Apparently it is referred to as one of the UK’s top wild swimming beaches,
Rocky secluded cove and limited access means it is quite most of the time.
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Buck's Mills
Rocky secluded cove and limited access means it is quite most of the time.
Neighbourhoods
Touristy? Yes, of course but it is oh so lovely and you wouldn't want to miss it on your visit to North Devon. Walk down the steep hill and eat by the beautiful harbour whilst taking in the history all around you.
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Clovelly
Touristy? Yes, of course but it is oh so lovely and you wouldn't want to miss it on your visit to North Devon. Walk down the steep hill and eat by the beautiful harbour whilst taking in the history all around you.
Hartland and the beautiful surrounding area is a little remote but not without charm and has craft shops and potteries in addition to some cafés and restaurants. It i really worth a trip for the views of some of the most spectacular coastline in the British Isles from Hartland Point, one of the wildest headlands imaginable. There are many wonderful vantage points, accessible by car or on foot, from which one can enjoy views of the coast. And then there is Hartland Abbey, worth a visit on its own. Not too far from Woolsery (or Woolfardisworthy) where the excellent Farmers Arms can be found. Lovely morning walk and great lunch and a nap back at Swanmoor in the afternoon!
Hartland
Hartland and the beautiful surrounding area is a little remote but not without charm and has craft shops and potteries in addition to some cafés and restaurants. It i really worth a trip for the views of some of the most spectacular coastline in the British Isles from Hartland Point, one of the wildest headlands imaginable. There are many wonderful vantage points, accessible by car or on foot, from which one can enjoy views of the coast. And then there is Hartland Abbey, worth a visit on its own. Not too far from Woolsery (or Woolfardisworthy) where the excellent Farmers Arms can be found. Lovely morning walk and great lunch and a nap back at Swanmoor in the afternoon!
Opposite Appledore which offers a lovely view across the estuary. Not great for swimming but lovely for a walk down to the gorgeous cricket club, perfect for the dog (a dog friendly beach). You will find a Hockings Ice cream van on the sand so perhaps visit the Boathouse for a great lunch overlooking the beach and dessert of the best ice cream you will ever find (make sure you have the clotted cream on top!). Plenty of eateries and pubs and make sure you visit Johns Of Instow for lovely food to take away for a picnic. The Commodore Hotel is an understated gem for a drink looking at the view or maybe a cream tea. On the Tarka Trail so maybe cycle there?
Instow
Opposite Appledore which offers a lovely view across the estuary. Not great for swimming but lovely for a walk down to the gorgeous cricket club, perfect for the dog (a dog friendly beach). You will find a Hockings Ice cream van on the sand so perhaps visit the Boathouse for a great lunch overlooking the beach and dessert of the best ice cream you will ever find (make sure you have the clotted cream on top!). Plenty of eateries and pubs and make sure you visit Johns Of Instow for lovely food to take away for a picnic. The Commodore Hotel is an understated gem for a drink looking at the view or maybe a cream tea. On the Tarka Trail so maybe cycle there?
Out over Exmoor and back to the cost for these lovely villages with the famous furnicular railway between them. Plenty of places to see, lovely waking and lots of pubs and other places to eat and drink. On to the Valley Of The Rocks or drive out to Heddons Mouth for a fantastic walk amongst stunning scenery. The Hunters Inn pub is close by for a light lunch and a drink.
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Lynton and Lynmouth
Out over Exmoor and back to the cost for these lovely villages with the famous furnicular railway between them. Plenty of places to see, lovely waking and lots of pubs and other places to eat and drink. On to the Valley Of The Rocks or drive out to Heddons Mouth for a fantastic walk amongst stunning scenery. The Hunters Inn pub is close by for a light lunch and a drink.
Dulverton is a pretty little Exmoor village which benefits from our favourite place to eat, Woods Of Dulverton. Use it as a centre for the fabulous walks that Exmoor has to offer. A 55 minute drive from Swanmoor. Well worth it!
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Dulverton
Dulverton is a pretty little Exmoor village which benefits from our favourite place to eat, Woods Of Dulverton. Use it as a centre for the fabulous walks that Exmoor has to offer. A 55 minute drive from Swanmoor. Well worth it!
Quaint and pretty Appledore with hundreds of years of maritime history. Great place for views, food and of course, famous Hocking’s Ice Cream!
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Appledore
Quaint and pretty Appledore with hundreds of years of maritime history. Great place for views, food and of course, famous Hocking’s Ice Cream!
City/town information
Not the greatest of towns in every respect but a lovely harbour, some great places to eat (Thomas Carr, 1873 for example) and there is the Oldenburg out to Lundy or for more excitement, the Sea Safari. A connection with Damien Hirst is Verity which is the UK's tallest statue!
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Ilfracombe
Not the greatest of towns in every respect but a lovely harbour, some great places to eat (Thomas Carr, 1873 for example) and there is the Oldenburg out to Lundy or for more excitement, the Sea Safari. A connection with Damien Hirst is Verity which is the UK's tallest statue!
Food scene
Hunters Inn
Our local pub! Just a 10 minute drive or a 50 minute walk.
The Seagate Pub
The QuayOne of a number of places to eat in Appledore.
Our favourite place to eat in Appledore. We love the breakfast which is a great way to spend a Sunday morning.
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The Royal George
Irsha StreetOur favourite place to eat in Appledore. We love the breakfast which is a great way to spend a Sunday morning.
The next closest pub to Swanmoor, just a 15 minute drive. Standard pub fare, good portions and good value.
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Chichester Arms
East StreetThe next closest pub to Swanmoor, just a 15 minute drive. Standard pub fare, good portions and good value.
If you are going to Clovelly you are going to need somewhere to eat and this is a wonderfully picturesque pub!
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The Red Lion Hotel
48 The QuayIf you are going to Clovelly you are going to need somewhere to eat and this is a wonderfully picturesque pub!
The Farmers Arms is a lovely gastro pub that is sure to impress! Set in the rural village of Woolsery (Woolfardisworthy!) it serves great food in a great setting. We would suggest you take a long walk out Hartland before a long leisurely lunch here.
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The Farmers Arms
The Farmers Arms is a lovely gastro pub that is sure to impress! Set in the rural village of Woolsery (Woolfardisworthy!) it serves great food in a great setting. We would suggest you take a long walk out Hartland before a long leisurely lunch here.
According to Tripadvisor this is the number 1 restaurant in the Bideford and it is for good reason. You will need to book!
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Number Eight
49 Allhalland StAccording to Tripadvisor this is the number 1 restaurant in the Bideford and it is for good reason. You will need to book!
Appledore has some great places to eat and this is one of them! Highly rated and for good reason. Gets busy! Go there to enjoy the wood fired pizza, flame grilled burgers and rare bred Clovelly Longhorn steaks.
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Flame Factory
9 The QuayAppledore has some great places to eat and this is one of them! Highly rated and for good reason. Gets busy! Go there to enjoy the wood fired pizza, flame grilled burgers and rare bred Clovelly Longhorn steaks.
Great for Thai food and popular so it tends to be booked in advance - so you know what to do!
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Morans Restaurant & Bar
Golf Links RoadGreat for Thai food and popular so it tends to be booked in advance - so you know what to do!
A lovely cafe/restaurant for lunch and afternoon tea. Big portions, great value, try a cream tea. Can get busy!
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Tea On The Green
Golf Links RoadA lovely cafe/restaurant for lunch and afternoon tea. Big portions, great value, try a cream tea. Can get busy!
Under new ownership and getting good reviews. A lovely old country pub in the centre of a village.
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The New Inn
West RoadUnder new ownership and getting good reviews. A lovely old country pub in the centre of a village.
Top end food in a lovely old pub that is now a restaurant - has to be booked in advance.
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The Masons Arms, Knowstone
Top end food in a lovely old pub that is now a restaurant - has to be booked in advance.
Not exactly North Devon but it is in here because we absolutely love it! About an hour and 15 minutes away but well worth the trip, especially if you are spending some time sightseeing in or around Exeter.
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The Pig - at Combe
Not exactly North Devon but it is in here because we absolutely love it! About an hour and 15 minutes away but well worth the trip, especially if you are spending some time sightseeing in or around Exeter.
Not the easiest place to get to in the high summer and popular with locals and tourists alike, good pub grub in a traditional setting. Personally, I would wait until the end of the season!
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The Rock Inn
Rock HillNot the easiest place to get to in the high summer and popular with locals and tourists alike, good pub grub in a traditional setting. Personally, I would wait until the end of the season!
In all honesty you don’t go to The Thatch for a quiet night. Well known pub amongst the surf and holiday making crowds, located in Croyde which has that fabulous beach and holiday vibe.
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The Thatched Inn
Hillsborough RoadIn all honesty you don’t go to The Thatch for a quiet night. Well known pub amongst the surf and holiday making crowds, located in Croyde which has that fabulous beach and holiday vibe.
The “Willys” as it is know locally (well to me anyway) is a long established North Devon institution with a focus on carvery style cooking. Always busy, it is popular for its consistency and value. Well located for a meal on your return from the beach.
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Williams Arms
The “Willys” as it is know locally (well to me anyway) is a long established North Devon institution with a focus on carvery style cooking. Always busy, it is popular for its consistency and value. Well located for a meal on your return from the beach.
A long time family favourite of ours. Good food, traditional pub and located on beautiful Exmoor.
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The Fox & Goose
A long time family favourite of ours. Good food, traditional pub and located on beautiful Exmoor.
A great country pub, friendly local welcome, lovely old building and great pub food.
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The Grove Inn
A great country pub, friendly local welcome, lovely old building and great pub food.
Bampton is 25 miles from us and about 50 minutes to drive. A lovely area and it has a couple of great places to eat that we have tried. We recommend Spelt for lunch or brunch. Fantastic cooked English with locally cured thick cut bacon and proper hand made sausages. Oh, and all sorts of other stuff even if you are not in to meat! Recommended and you can book (but probably don't need to). Bampton good for its own small bakery, excellent butcher and because there is no supermarket, very good Spar that doesn't have the run of the mill food offering.
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Spelt
42 Brook StBampton is 25 miles from us and about 50 minutes to drive. A lovely area and it has a couple of great places to eat that we have tried. We recommend Spelt for lunch or brunch. Fantastic cooked English with locally cured thick cut bacon and proper hand made sausages. Oh, and all sorts of other stuff even if you are not in to meat! Recommended and you can book (but probably don't need to). Bampton good for its own small bakery, excellent butcher and because there is no supermarket, very good Spar that doesn't have the run of the mill food offering.
Large portion tapas style in an old pub with a very good landlord. Recommended and you need to book.
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The Yard Appledore
5 Market StreetLarge portion tapas style in an old pub with a very good landlord. Recommended and you need to book.
About 50 minutes from us and Bampton is worth a visit. Great pub owned by the same people who own Spelt and that is great - enough said!
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The Swan
Station RoadAbout 50 minutes from us and Bampton is worth a visit. Great pub owned by the same people who own Spelt and that is great - enough said!