The Rock Inn, Somerset

Overview

As its name suggests, this picturesque former coaching inn was originally carved from rock, and parts of the original stonework are visible in the bar next to the open roaring fire. Set in a stunning green valley beside the River Tone between Bampton and Wiveliscombe on the southern fringe of Exmoor, the inn dates back over 450 years and has recently been renovated. Expect a laid back feel in the rustic-comfortable bar with rug-strewn wood floors, thick beams, log burners, scrubbed dining tables and locals enjoying pints of Otter Ale at the bar. For those wanting to dine alfresco, there are a number of tables on the small front terrace.

Steps lead to the small dining room, a cosy space with cool grey panelled walls and a handful of chunky tables topped with church candles. Add imaginative, freshly prepared pub food and eight comfortably refurbished upstairs rooms and you have a relaxing and peaceful rural bolthole for exploring Exmoor, the Quantock Hills and the glorious Somerset and North Devon coast.

Rooms from

Doubles and twins: £85

Good to know

All major credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Parking available
Dog-friendly

Family favourite
Children are very welcome at the inn with a family-sized room and children-friendly portions on the menu.

Outdoor adventures
There's plenty of walking routes to explore across Exmoor, the Quantock Hills and the glorious Somerset and North Devon coast.

Water and waves
You're within an easy half hour drive from the beaches of the north and south coasts of the Westcountry peninsula.

Rooms

Eight traditional rooms ramble across two floors of the old timbered pub, each individually decorated in modern country style. Some are kitted out with antique pine whilst others have big brass beds with smartly tiled bathrooms, duck-down duvets and a country-style feel.

For those seeking a little space, room eight boasts stunning stone walls, quirky animal wallpaper, a wood-burning stove and a comfy pine bed to ensure a restful night's sleep. All rooms have Smart TVs, upholstered easy chairs, bold statement wallpapers, hot water bottles and bathrobes.

Restaurant & bar

Expect inventive cooking using only top-notch produce sourced from local farms at The Rock. The main menu and the chalkboard specials evolve with the seasons, combining pub favourites with more imaginative dishes.

Start with Orkney scallops or Porlock Bay oysters, before moving onto cannon of lamb, feather blade of beef or Torbay sole pan-fried in garlic butter - and don't miss their delectable homemade icecreams, firm favourites with visitors and locals alike.

Things to do

Take a nostalgic journey on a steam train through stunning countryside on the West Somerset Railway - the longest heritage railway in England. Explore gently rolling Quantock hills, unspoilt Exmoor villages and farms, and enjoy glimpses of the cliffs of the Bristol channel.

There's excellent fossil hunting on Somerset, and the picturesque harbour town of Watchet is a delightful place to start. Start the search between Watchet and Warren Bay, before enjoying fish and chips on the beach for a well-earned lunch.

History buffs can fall in love with Dunster Castle, a picture book romantic castle with turrets and tower that sits on a dramatic hilltop location with sweeping views over the Bristol Channel and Exmoor. The gardens are terraced with sub-tropical plants and you'll find the National collection of strawberry trees here, alongside a lovely Mediterranean garden. Don't miss the amazing oak staircase and ornate Gothic plasterwork inside.