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After a walk in Chargot Woods with the pooches, what nicer than to drop in at the Royal Oak? Douglas (ex Hotel du Vin) is slowly restoring this pleasing red stone pub in a deep green valley in the Exmoor Country Park. Step in to find blackened beams, ancient flags, a hotch-potch of pine tables, a rustic oak settle: this bar is the place to be, especially when the wood-burner is roaring. There’s a warren of rooms, a record player at the back, vinyl to play, and Latin lessons on Thursdays (Douglas knows how to keep the locals happy). As for the food, it comes with linen napkins and brings a smile to your face: mackerel quenelles with Melba toast; pheasant from the beat with allotment vegetables and crunchy roasties; apple crumble with custard, and cheeses with homemade chutney. The beer is good, the wines are global, the service is fabulous. Bedrooms ramble around the first floor (one below with its own entrance; the suite with stunning views) and have cool neutral colours, sunken spotlights, smart tartan blinds, roll top tubs, drenching showers. Breakfast, the full cooked works, is delicious.
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Essentials
- Swimming pool
- Hot tub
- Garden
- Open fire / woodburner
- Breakfast included
- Breakfast available
- Meals available
- Vegetarian meals
- Parking on premises
- Free parking nearby
- Accessible by public transport
- WiFi
- Spa
- Central heating
- Limited mobility
- Wheelchair access
- Mobile reception
- Hob
- Bar
- Barbecue
- Licensed premises
- Paid parking nearby
- Air conditioning
- Relaxation areas
- Tennis court
- No smoking
- Credit cards
- Working farm
- Owner has pets
- Pets welcome
Family friendly
- Baby monitor
- Books and toys
- Children welcome
- Babies welcome
- Stair gates
- High chair
- Cot available
Nearby
- Pub/bar within 3 miles
- Restaurant within 3 miles
- Shop within 3 miles
Activities
- Bikes available
- Food courses
- Kayaking
- Other courses
- Sailing
- Surfing
- Wild swimming
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Information
& pricing
Booking information
- Check in
- 3pm
- Check out
- 10am
- Booking restrictions
- Pets by arrangement.
- Closed
- 3pm-6pm.
- Meals
- Bar snacks available. Starters from £4.75. Mains from £11. Sunday lunch, 2-3 courses, £14-£16.
Pricing
- Nightly price
- from £80
- Surcharges
- Singles £65.
- 5 Doubles
- From £80
- 1 Suite for 4
- From £120
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Accommodation
Reviews
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I spent the weekend at the Royal Oak and it is a gem! The place and staff are welcoming, friendly and professional. I stayed in room 7 which was nice, peaceful and comfy. The pub is my idea of what a countryside pub should be, fire going, happy locals, friendly owner. I loved the idea of the LPs and the pool table in the back room. The food is super good, I think I finally had the best creme brulee in the UK! I went walking around, thanks to the owner who gave me some advice and a book of walks, the area is simply stunning. Absolutely recommend it and will go back.
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Location
The neighbourhood
Local points of interest from Douglas Yiend
- The Royal Oak Inn is located in the heart of Exmoor National Park and surrounded by truly breath-taking scenery. The perfect spot for a countryside escape, switch off from day-to-day life and enjoy fresh air, spectacular views and inspiring wildlife.
- The village of Luxborough is quaint and picturesque, yet not completely remote from the highlights of the region.
- Located near Wheddon Cross and just a 15 minute drive from The Royal Oak Inn, Snowdrop Valley is an absolute “must see” if you’re visiting between late January and late February – snowdrop season.
- A great day out for all the family and just 20 minutes away, The Royal Oak Inn is one of the best hotels near Dunster Castle and a wonderful base from which to explore the best of the region. This ancient castle offers incredible views across Exmoor.
- Porlock is known by many as the jewel in Exmoor’s crown and is a beautiful coastal village surrounded on three sides by pretty Exmoor hills. Just 30 minutes from The Royal Oak Inn, Porlock is famous for its picturesque bay and Porlock Weir.
- Exmoor may be famous for its ponies, but there are so many of nature’s wonders that call the National Park their home - it’s no wonder that wildlife watchers come from all over the world to take in the Exmoor wildlife.
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Just stopped for lunch. Without a doubt, the best Steak and Ale Pie ever. Made on the premises.