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Lorna Doone Valley
DevonMystical valley and peaceful walks in countryside made famous by RD Blackmore
Lorna Doone Farm, Malmsmead, Lynton, Devon, EX35 6NU
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 26 September 2026
Asset Opening time Lorna Doone Valley Dawn - Dusk Shop Not National Trust Tea-room Not National Trust Car park Dawn - Dusk Toilets Dawn - Dusk Play Area Dawn - Dusk - Adventure playground/play area
- Bookshop
- Car park
Two EV charging points are available in the visitor car park via the Monta app. Signal at Lorna Doone is limited, so please download the app before you arrive. Parking uses JustPark or payment machines. If using JustPark, download the app, create an account and add payment details before your visit. National Trust members park free (please register).
Car park - more information- Cycle parking
Bike rack outside The Buttery Tea Room
- Dogs allowed
- Family friendly
- Picnic area
- Shop
Doone Valley Gallery and Gift (not NT)
- Tea-room
The Buttery Tea Room (not NT)
- Toilet
Blue Badge parking. Accessible toilet available in café (not National Trust). Footpaths are uneven and steep in places.
- Designated parking
- Drop-off point
- Induction loop
- Level access to food outlet
- Level access/terrain
- Seating available
- On foot
- Lorna Doone Valley can be found just one mile off of the South West Coast Path. Turning off the SWCP at Sister's Fountain (spring) towards the A39, follow the path as it crosses the road and heads into County Gate carpark, then south down the hill briefly joining the Coleridge Way. The Buttery Café can be found around 300m west along the road next to the historic Malmsmead Bridge.
- By train
- The nearest train station is Tiverton Parkway. Both taxis and buses can be caught from here.
- By bus
- Lorna Doone Valley can be found just 3/4 of a mile from County Gate carpark - a stop on the Exmoor Coaster bus route. Disembarking at County Gate, follow the footpath heading south from the car park, down the hill. this path will briefly joining the Coleridge Way, then come to a road. Turning right at the road, the Buttery Café can be found around 300m along the road next to the historic Malmsmead Bridge.
- Cycling
- The Lorna Doone Valley is on the North Devon cycle route 51. Their is bike parking available by the Visitor Welcome Hut and Buttery Tearoom (not NT).
- By road
- Lorna Doone Valley is 5 miles east of Lynmouth or 13 miles west of Minehead. From the A39, turn off to follow New Road to Oare. From there turn right to take Hookway Hill to Lorna Doone Valley.
- Parking
- This car park uses the JustPark app and payment machines for member check-in and non-member payments. If you choose to use the JustPark app, please download it before your visit and create an account if you do not already have one. You’ll be asked to add payment details; National Trust members will not be charged for parking. JustPark code for this location is 80620.
Lorna Doone Farm, Malmsmead, Lynton, Devon, EX35 6NU
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting the Lorna Doone Valley with your dog
The Lorna Doone Valley is a three-pawprint location, where dogs are welcome in all places. Find out more about where your dogs can go and what you may need to know about your visit here.
Article
Things to do in Lorna Doone Valley
Discover this hidden valley in Exmoor, made famous by R.D. Blackmore in his novel Lorna Doone and home to a wide variety of wildlife such as red deer and Exmoor ponies.
Article
Family-friendly things to do at Lorna Doone Valley
For fresh air and fun, bring the whole family to the tranquil Lorna Doone Valley. There is lots of space to play games, enjoy a picnic, paddle and discover nature. Take advantage of the new wild play area or lace up your boots and take a stroll along the scenic Badgworthy Water.
Article
Forest School at Lorna Doone Valley
The Forest School and wild play area at Lorna Doone Valley is the perfect venue for wild art, bug hunts, woodland games, fire-making, den-building and all sorts of other wild adventures. Find out more about the memorable learning experience for school children on offer here.
Highlights
Lorna Doone Valley
Mystical valley made famous by R.D. Blackmore, in his novel Lorna Doone. Now a tranquil home to a wide range of wildlife and the ideal place for a peaceful stroll.
Play Area
A wild and unique play area with a climbing frame, tunnels, dens and picnic area. With plenty of space to play games and run around.
Cloud Farm Campsite
Surrounded by idyllic Exmoor scenery, on the border of Somerset and Devon, in the Dark Skies Reserve .This tranquil spot in the Lorna Doone Valley is brilliant for walkers and families exploring the area.
The Buttery (not NT)
Light and cosy café serving breakfast, hot drinks, cakes, cream teas and light lunches. The Buttery will re-open in March 2026.
Doone Valley Gallery and Gifts (not NT)
A fine art gallery, featuring local artists, and a gift shop with a range of unique gifts and homeware. The Doone Valley Gallery and Gifts shop is open until Tuesday 24th December 2024 and reopening March 2025. Daily opening times are 11:00am until 5:00pm.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do in Lorna Doone Valley
Discover this hidden valley in Exmoor, made famous by R.D. Blackmore in his novel Lorna Doone and home to a wide variety of wildlife such as red deer and Exmoor ponies.
Top trails
Trail
Doone Valley circular walk and ride
A challenging walk through the picturesque Doone Valley to discover the remains of an abandoned medieval village. Experience the dramatic wide-open landscape of Exmoor as this trail loops around the moor. Keep an eye out for the Exmoor ponies who roam across the moor.
Trail
Lorna Doone Valley short river walk
A tranquil stroll along Badgworthy Water through the picturesque Lorna Doone Valley to the memorial to the author of Lorna Doone R.D.Blackmore.
Trail
Doone Valley and Oare Church circular walk
A peaceful circuit of the valley, including woodland and riverside sections, the historic church at Oare and even a café at the end.
Trail
Lorna Doone Farm circular walk to Foreland Point
Take in the picturesque views at Foreland Point and County Gate on this 10-mile walk from Lorna Doone Farm in Devon.
Trail
Lorna Doone Valley to County Gate circular walk
This is a short walk with one steep incline at the start but your effort will be rewarded with great views of the Bristol Channel. The walk takes in some of the best views of the East Lyn River and follows sections of the Coleridge Way. At the right time of year, the walk is perfect for seeing vibrant purple heather and bright yellow gorse along the valley sides. Halfway through the walk treat yourself with a hot drink and snack from the Ramblers Rest at County Gate.
Eating
The Buttery tea-room (not National Trust)
The Buttery tea-room is a perfect place to refresh yourself. Serving a selection of homemade cakes, a range of hot and cold drinks, cream teas and a selection of lunches. The Buttery will re-open in March 2026.
Places to stay
Camp under the stars or in one of our new glamping pods at Cloud Farm Campsite, or book a cottage in the heart of the Lorna Doone Valley
Cloud Farm Campsite
A laid-back, riverside campsite on Exmoor, surrounded by walks in the Lorna Doone Valley.
Riverside Cottage
Explore the wilds of Exmoor from this cosy cottage in the heart of Lorna Doone country.
Kingfisher View
Have a mini getaway break in this sweet apartment located in the heart of picturesque North Devon.
Heron View
A three-bedroom apartment in a pretty village on Exmoor, with a shallow river on the doorstep.
Carver Cottage
Explore the wilds of Exmoor with a stay at Carver Cottage, deep in the heart of the Doone Valley.
Cloud Farmhouse
A newly-converted farmhouse with valley views from the first-floor living space.
Upcoming events
Event
Foraging basket workshop
Join local basket maker Jane and learn how to make a foraging basket from local willow.
Event
Guided Walk: Discover the Doone Valley
Take part in a guided walk of the Doone Valley and discover the beauty of the Exmoor landscape.
Event
Dark skies festival - Astrophotography in the Doone Valley
Ever wanted to learn about capturing the beauty of the Exmoor landscape and dark skies at night time?
Event
Dark Skies Festival - Night Hike
Take part in a hike through the Doone Valley after dark to discover some of the best stargazing spots.
Event
Dark skies festival - Fireside story telling
Gather around the fire pit and listen to enchanting children's stories under the stars at Lorna Doone Valley.
About Lorna Doone Valley
The Lorna Doone Valley was made famous by RD Blackmore's novel Lorna Doone. Today you can enjoy extensive walks, bridleways, and a tea room, or stay longer at the Cloud Farm Campsite where you can sleep underneath the stars in a dark sky reserve.
Explore the Doone Valley along miles of waymarked footpaths. There is a walk to the Cloud Farm, a circular walk which takes in sites linked to the Lorna Doone novel or a longer walk towards Watersmeet and Foreland Point with views over the sea.
Afterwards, you can browse the Doone Valley Gallery and Gifts or refresh yourself at The Buttery Tea Room (not NT).
Car park and public toilets can be found at Lorna Doone.
Our work
Project
Exmoor Coast project
The Exmoor Coast Project is a landscape-scale project covering 35 miles of coastline between Combe Martin in North Devon and Minehead in West Somerset. This ambitious project is a collaborative effort to increase diversity and bring natural processes back to this stretch of coastline, creating a richer, healthier and more vibrant coast, benefiting both the wildlife and people.
Project
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Lorna Doone Valley.
