A May long weekend is often the first real taste of countryside summer.
Doors open earlier, evenings stretch longer and life naturally shifts outdoors whether that’s walking on the moor, riding quiet bridleways or lingering over supper as the light fades across the valley. To help you make the most of a long weekend at West Hollowcombe Farm, here’s our idea of the perfect way to spend it.
Arrive in the late afternoon and settle in with our simple self check-in.
Take time to unpack, open the doors and soak in the far-reaching views across the valley. After the journey, there’s nothing better than slowing the pace immediately.
If the weather’s kind, enjoy drinks on the patio or light the BBQ. If there’s still a spring chill in the air, the log burner offers a cosy welcome. A relaxed supper: whether home-cooked or collected from Dulverton sets the tone for the weekend ahead.
Start the day slowly. Enjoy a coffee outside with birdsong in the background.
Then head out to explore. From the farm you can walk straight onto moorland tracks and woodland paths, with routes leading towards Tarr Steps, Withypool and along the River Barle. Why not walk down to the Dane’s Brooke and through our private ancient woodland?
For guests bringing horses, May is a wonderful time to ride: cooler temperatures, quiet bridleways and a landscape alive with colour.
In the afternoon, venture to the coast. Porlock Weir makes the perfect stop for lunch, sea air and dramatic Exmoor coastline views. Try Porlock Bay Oysters if you feel brave enough or The Ship Inn as an excellent pub alternative.
Return to the farm for a relaxed evening: a BBQ, drinks at sunset or simply sitting outside as the light fades. On clear nights, the dark skies above Exmoor often reveal remarkable stargazing even in spring.
Sunday is for slowing down.
Head into Dulverton for a wander through independent shops, cafés and galleries. This can easily be combined with a traditional Sunday lunch at one of Exmoor’s finest country pubs: roaring fires if it’s cool, garden tables if the sun shines. Spend the afternoon back at the farm: walking, wildlife spotting or simply doing very little at all.
Before departure, make the most of the extra morning. Take a final stroll through the woodland, along the river or up onto the moor for one last look at the view. It’s the kind of send-off that has you planning your return before you’ve even left.
With four beautifully restored cottages set within Exmoor National Park, West Hollowcombe Farm offers the perfect base for a long weekend escape. From moorland walks and coastal air to slow evenings and star-filled skies, a May weekend on Exmoor offers the kind of reset that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Book one cottage or gather friends and family for exclusive use — sleeping up to 18 guests across the farm. We would love to welcome you.
Space to be together - set deep in Exmoor
West Hollowcombe Farm, Broad Lane, Hawkridge, Exmoor National Park, TA22 9QL
