Become a member
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
Lorna Doone Valley
Mystical valley and peaceful walks in countryside made famous by RD Blackmore
Lorna Doone Farm, Malmsmead, Lynton, Devon, EX35 6NU
Important notice
The road through Brendon (Leeford Lane) is currently closed for road works. The best way to access LD is from the A39 and through Oare. Thank you for your understanding.
Opening times for 12 September 2024
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 MTWTFSS262728293031123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930123456OpenPartially openClosedAdventure playground/play area
Family friendly
Bookshop
Picnic area
Car park
Lorna Doone Two electric vehicle charging points are available in the visitor car park. Users will need to download the Monta App. Please note we have limited signal at Lorna Doone so we recommend you download this prior to your visit.
Shop
Doone Valley Gallery and Gift (not NT)
Cycle parking
Bike rack outside The Buttery Tea Room
Tea-room
The Buttery Tea Room (not NT)
Dogs allowed
Toilet
Blue Badge parking. Accessible toilet available in café (not National Trust). Footpaths are uneven and steep in places.
Designated parking
Level access to food outlet
Drop-off point
Level access/terrain
Induction loop
Seating available
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.
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.
By bicycle
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).
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.
Exmoor Dark Skies Festival 2024
This year we are once again taking part in the brilliant Exmoor Dark Skies Festival hosted by Exmoor National Park, with over 60 events taking place between Friday 18th October and Sunday 4th November across the moor.
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 hot drinks, cakes and light lunches. The Buttery Tearoom is open until Sunday 3rd November 2024 and reopening on Friday 18th April 2025. Daily opening times are 10:00am until 5:00pm.
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.
Spotlight events
What's on at Lorna Doone Valley
Find all our upcoming events here
Walking weekend at Lorna Doone
Visit the Lorna Doone Valley for a weekend of guided walks exploring the dramatic landscape of Exmoor.
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.
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 Tearoom is open until Sunday 3rd November 2024 and reopening on Friday 18th April 2025. Daily opening times are 10:00am until 5:00pm.
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
Landscapes In Focus - photography exhibition
Doone Valley Gallery is holding a photography exhibition showcasing the work of local photographer Mark Asprey.
Event
Lorna Doone Valley - Walking Weekend
Visit the Lorna Doone Valley for a weekend of guided walks exploring the amazing and dramatic landscape of Exmoor.
Event
Lorna Doone Valley - walking weekend - Literary Walk
Join Wild about Exmoor on Literary Walk following the footsteps of R.D. Blackmore
Event
Lorna Doone Valley - Walking Weekend - R.D Blackmore Country Walk
As part of the Walking Weekend at Lorna Doone Valley join the North Devon Ramblers on a guided ramble. The ramble will take in the best sights and sounds of this historic area.
Event
Lorna Doone Valley - Walking Weekend - Exmoor at its best walk
Join the North Devon Ramblers on a guided walk taking in the best that Exmoor has to offer. With spectacular scenery and great views this walk is worth the effort.
Event
Lorna Doone Valley - Walking Weekend - A sweet walk to a Sugarloaf
A five mile figure of eight loop taking in the elements of the South West Coastal Path. As well as Old Burrow Hill and Sugarloaf Hill with great views of the Exmoor and the sea.
Event
Family constellation trail
Head out on a cosmic adventure around Lorna Doone on a family friendly constellation themed trail.
Event
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
Project
Nature-friendly project along the Exmoor Coast
We are working to give land back to nature, let water flow through the landscape, create a haven of biodiverse habitats for wildlife and improve access for people to enjoy the Exmoor Coast all year round.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Lorna Doone Valley.