The Hunter's Inn

About The Hunter's Inn

A great base for ramblers, beach lovers and sightseers alike, this inn is set in the heart of tranquil ancient woodland, close to the rugged coastline and wild moorland that we care for. Built in 1906, this Arts and Crafts style inn boasts hearty meals and a welcome stop-off for visitors to the tree-lined Heddon Valley and the dramatic countryside beyond.

With 10 cosy en-suite bedrooms enjoying views over the beautiful Heddon Valley, visitors can choose from the inn’s own home-brewed Heddon Valley Ale or tuck into freshly prepared meals in the traditional country-style bar and restaurant, all set within 4 acres of gardens looking out to the valley. There’s also a separate self-catering apartment overlooking the garden.

With the South West Cost Path just minutes from the door, walkers will love exploring the rolling hills, rocky beaches and windswept cliffs that inspired Shelley, Coleridge and Wordsworth, before returning to kick off their boots and relax after a day on the trails. Hunter's Inn also has a history in fishing and has long been a meeting place for fishermen in Heddon Valley. With the the River Heddon running through the valley, you can enjoy a spot of catch and release trout fishing during your stay. The surrounding area is also a haven for wildlife such as red deer and otters - with a bit of luck you might even spot the UK's most endangered butterfly: the High Brown Fritillary.

Delve further into the hilly moorlands of the Exmoor National Park with its rugged coastline. Or take in the lush river gorges, ancient woodlands and Victorian tea gardens of Watersmeet. You can head in the opposite direction to walk the dramatic headland of Baggy Point, or relax on the glorious sandy beach at Woolacombe– great for sandcastle-builders and surfers alike.

Tying the knot? The dramatic valley provides an atmospheric setting for marriages and partnership ceremonies. There are a range of wedding packages from small ceremonies to larger occasions.

Notes for guests

Management: Hunter's Inn is managed for the National Trust by Bespoke Hotels.

Access: Some wheelchair access.

Bar and restaurant: The restaurant offers a carefully chosen menu using local sourced ingredients wherever possible, including lunch, dinner and a hearty Exmoor breakfast. The bar also has a wide drinks selection. The bar and dining lounge are decorated in traditional country style, with a fire for cosy evenings and outside seating for alfresco dining.

Accessibility: A fully accessible two bedroom apartment, Heddon Lodge, adjoins the inn, and there are Mobility Trampers available from the rangers’ office nearby to enjoy one of the easy access routes down to Heddon’s Mouth beach. Find out more about accessibility in Heddon Valley.

Parking and electric car charging points: There is a car park at the hotel with electric car charging points available.

Children and the surrounding area: For our little explorers, why not try the wild play area close to Hunters Inn that winds its way alongside the river Heddon, through tall trees and past ponds. The play area has reused wood from beech trees that were felled in the Valley for safety reasons, and gives the timber a new life as a source of adventure and exploration for children.

Skilled wood carver Gary Orange has transformed the tree trunks of the play area by carving wild and wonderful animals into them, many of which can be spotted for real in the valley.

Green Tourism: The Hunter's Inn has been awarded a Bronze award by Green Tourism. The awards certification programme recognises the commitment of tourism businesses which are actively working to become more sustainable. The Bronze/Silver/Gold awards are acknowledged worldwide as an indicator of good environmentally-friendly practice, and are a great way of progressing on a green journey as well as acting as a hallmark of green quality.

Supporting us: Your visit will help support our work in the Heddon Valley. Our rangers and volunteers play a vital role managing the local environment, keeping footpaths open and creating the right habitat for rare butterflies.

Opening times: 8am to 8pm.