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Watersmeet
Dramatic river gorge and ancient woodland in stunning surroundings
Watersmeet Road, Lynmouth, Devon, EX35 6NT
Important notice
Watersmeet cafe and toilets will be closed on Thursday 3rd July as National Grid have a planned power cut for our area.
Opening times for 4 July 2025
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk Tea-garden 10:30 - 17:00 MTWTFSS3012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123OpenPartially openClosed- Dogs allowed
- Tea-room
- Toilet
Drop-off point 20 yards from the tea-room, please call 01598 753348 for more information. Mobility toilet located at Watersmeet House open when the tea-room is. Partially accessible grounds. Well maintained, but naturally uneven gravel and grass coastal paths around Countisbury with some steep sections and lots of steps.
- Accessible toilet
- Drop-off point
- Induction loop
- Large print (guide or menu)
- Level access to food outlet
- Seating available
- By road
1½ miles in land of Lynmouth. From Barnstaple take the A39 towards Lynton. At Barbrook stay on the A39 now signed Lynmouth, Watersmeet is about 3 miles further along. From Minehead follow A39 through Porlock and into Lynmouth. Turn left in Lynmouth and follow road to Watersmeet.
Parking: Pay and display (not National Trust and only accepts coins) on A39 above Watersmeet House, There is however a steep walk to house. National Trust car parks at Combe Park and Countisbury. Combe park is a more gentle 1 mile walk, Countisbury is more strenuous, especially on the way back.
- On foot
South West Coast Path within ¾ mile, leave the path at either Countisbury or Lynmouth. 1½ miles from Lynmouth, follow river upstream to Watersmeet House approx 2 miles, very pleasant riverside walk.
- By train
Nearest train station Barnstaple - 20ml, connection from here to Exeter.
- By bus
TW Coaches 309, 310 from Barnstaple (passing close Barnstaple train station), Quantock 300 from Minehead (summer only); Filers 300 from Ilfracombe. On all, alight Lynmouth, then walk through National Trust gorge
- Cycling
Bridleway passes close by Watersmeet House, other cycling routes in the area. Please do not cycle on the footpaths.
- By ferry
The scale and beauty of the coastline can be well appreciated from the sea. Regular boat trips are available from Lynmouth and Ilfracombe.
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Watersmeet with a group
Watersmeet is the perfect location to visit with your group. With a beautiful historic tea room at the heart of the valley, Watersmeet is a great starting location for a wander, walk or longer hike, rounded off with a bite to eat or a warming drink. Find out about how to book and the information you need to plan your visit.
Article
Visiting Watersmeet with your dog
Watersmeet is a two pawprint rated place, meaning you can take your dog to most places. Find out all you need to know about visiting Watersmeet with your dog.
Highlights
Watersmeet House
Built in 1832 as a fishing and hunting lodge for Walter Stevenson Halliday, since 1900 it has served cream teas.
Watersmeet
2,000 acres of estate surround Watersmeet, the meeting place of the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water.
Woodland
Ancient oak woodlands, connected by miles of footpaths, including the South West Coast Path.
Watersmeet Tea-garden
Tea-garden serving light lunches, hot drinks and famous cream teas.
Coast
Nearby is Foreland Point, Devon's most northerly outcrop. The cliffs in this area tower above the sea, offering breathtaking walks and views.
Things to see and do
Activity
Things to see and do at Watersmeet
From fishing to canoeing, there's an outdoor adventure to suit everyone at Watersmeet. Take a walk through ancient woodland or along the banks of the river.
What's on across North Devon
Find out about events taking place at National Trust properties across North Devon.
Top trails
Trail
Lynmouth circular walk via Watersmeet and Countisbury
This interesting and varied walk from a picturesque harbour town offers spectacular coastal views, woodlands, waterfalls, Iron Age archaeology and some intriguing wildlife.
Trail
Watersmeet to Ash Bridge circular walk
Enjoy amazing views of the Devon countryside on the Watersmeet to Ash Bridge circular walk along the East Lyn river, with the chance to spot otters and herons.
Trail
Countisbury and Westerwood figure-of-eight walk
Explore the varied landscape around Countisbury and Watersmeet, from open Exmoor coast path to sessile oaks, riverside paths and the impressive ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort.
Trail
Lynmouth to Ash Bridge circular walk
Take a walk from the historic seaside village of Lynmouth via Watersmeet House Tea Garden to Ash Bridge, along the beautiful wooded banks of the East Lyn River.
Trail
Horner's Neck Wood extended walk
An interesting walk through a large sessile oak woodland noted for its beauty and along the bottom of a deep Devon combe, with the chance to spot deer and otters along the way.
Trail
Countisbury to Arnold's Linhay circular walk
Enjoy a stunning walk along heather-clad cliff tops from Countisbury to Arnold's Linhay.
Trail
Countisbury to Watersmeet circular walk
This interesting walk could put you face to face with some of Devon's most elusive wildlife.
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating and shopping at Watersmeet
After a walk or a spot of canoeing, grab a bite to eat or a drink at Watersmeet tea-room. You can also pick up a pre-loved treasure from the second-hand bookshop.
Places to stay
Exmoor Bunkhouse
Set on the fringes of Exmoor, you’ll have miles of coastal hikes and moorland adventures on your doorstep.
Countisbury Hill Cottage
An inviting cottage stay for Exmoor explorers and their canine companion.
Berry Lawn Linhay Bothy
This camping barn offers is an ideal overnight stop for walkers on the South West Coast Path.
Butter Hill Barn
A rustic barn conversion complete with a log-burner, perfect for unwinding after hiking Exmoor National Park.
Kipscombe Belve Cottage
This rustic cottage is tucked away in the western corner of Exmoor, perfect for exploring everything from the rugged wilderness to the sweeping coastline.
Kipscombe Cottage
A rustic and cosy bolthole tucked away in a pretty combe on a National Trust working farm in Exmoor, wonderful for walkers and fans of the outdoors.
Combe Park Lodge
A great base for ramblers, this elegant Edwardian cottage is close to river gorges and ancient woodlands.
Upcoming events
Event
Watersmeet family fun day
Join us for a free family fun day between 11am - 3pm throughout August.
About Watersmeet
Take a stroll around the 2,000 acres of Watersmeet and Countisbury, a haven for wildlife with breathtaking views.
On Exmoor, Watersmeet is the meeting place of the East Lyn river and Hoar Oak Water.
Explore the rich woodlands of the Lyn Valley and stroll along the riverside at Lynmouth, Combe Park and Rockford.
As a contrast, the South West Coast Path runs along the dramatic Glenthorne Cliffs, towards Devon's most northerly outcrop, Foreland Point.
Watersmeet is part of the North Devon coast managed by the National Trust.
History
Article
History of Watersmeet
Discover more about Watersmeet, once a romantic retreat and fishing lodge and a popular tea-room since the early 1900s.
Our work
Article
Our work at Watersmeet
From woodland and moorland management to the preservation of Iron Age hillforts, find out about our important ongoing work at Watersmeet, and how to apply if you'd like to help out.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Watersmeet.