Let’s shop local! Three cheers for supporting local Exmoor businesses! There is a vast array of talent, craft, produce, entertainment and general finery to be found here on Exmoor. From oysters to oil paintings, books to beer, you can find all manner of things imbued with Exmoor’s vibe… unique, authentic, and wholesome. We’ve pulled together a few of our favourites here to get you started…
Supporting Local Exmoor Authors
Unforgotten Exmoor by David Ramsay
Local author David Ramsay offers a vivid encounter of life as it was here in the early twentieth century, in his series of beautiful hardback books: Unforgotten Exmoor. Through first-hand descriptions and original photographs, Unforgotten Exmoor offers incredible insight into the roots of Exmoor as we know it today. It is, therefore, perfect reading fodder for anyone who loves or is interested in Exmoor.
Witches, Giants & a Ghost Cat by Nina Dodd & Asia Wetherall
If you are interested in Exmoor, its ancient superstitions, folktales and the local ghost stories, this is the book for you! Nina Dodd has teamed up with digital illustrator Asia Wetherall to create this beautiful and fascinating book on the mystery tales of Dunster! You might have already heard that Dunster Castle is haunted… But do you know where else to look for phantasmagorical happenings on Exmoor? This book is not just a lovely read, but also an excellent walking companion for anyone staying in or near Exmoor. Buy it in hardback or softcover from Dunster Living.
Supporting Local Exmoor Artists
Leo Davey
Local talent Leo Davey paints varied, stunning landscapes. His mediums range from oil to watercolour, and his style from illustrative to abstract. However, most importantly, he captures the beauty of the moors, the valleys, and the coastline of Exmoor. You’ll find his studio gallery in Minehead (24c Friday Street/Quirke Street), which we recommend you pay a visit to, because it it is a treasure trove of artistic gems. But, if you aren’t in the area right now, you can also browse his material online for prints or original paintings.
Jo Minoprio
Jo Minoprio captures Exmoor’s natural world with a unique style. She lives, paints and exhibits her work high up on the moor. Up here, the wild and wonderful trees and hedges twist into fabulous forms which Jo perfectly captures in her works. You can check out her work on Facebook here.
Supporting Local Exmoor Food!
The quality of the local produce on Exmoor is extraordinarily high. We are drooling just thinking about some of the insanely good tasting food we have at our fingertips here…
Edible Exmoor has a interactive map so you can investigate all of the scrumptious local suppliers they have found! Have a look at our blog post to learn more about each of their suppliers
Croft & Cottage
For homemade food which is delivered frozen, for you to cook at home whenever you want, we suggest you try Croft & Cottage. Seriously good grub and a highly commendable vision and ethos too! Have a browse of their site to get the tastebuds tingling… or pop into The Tantivy (Dulverton) or Withypool village shops for a browse.
Exmoor Fudge Kitchen
For unbelievably indulgent and utterly delectable locally made fudge, you want Exmoor Fudge Kitchen. Of course, you’ve got your classics: Vanilla fudge, Salted Caramel fudge, Dark Chocolate fudge. But then there’s Rum & Raisin fudge, Sticky Toffee Pudding fudge, Apple & Cinnamon Crumble fudge, Key Lime Pie fudge! Just you name it. This is a lovely independent business that will sweeten the deal on any Exmoor day out. Put in orders to collect while you’re visiting, or order from their shop online.
Grown Up Marshmallows
Guilt-free treats! Well, as near as can be, anyway. Who ever thought of Grown Up Marshmallows? These yummy squidgey sweets are handmade on Exmoor with entirely natural ingredients and come in 100% biodegradable, recyclable, compostable packaging. Perfect for Easter prezzies – or perhaps a particularly sophisticated Halloween…??
Brendon Hill Crafts
Whilst on Exmoor, do look out for the delicious preserves of Brendon Hill Crafts. Handmade in small batches, hand-filled, hand-labelled… Their jams, chutneys (and all sorts of other delights) are the proud holders of various awards of excellence.
Porlock Bay Oysters
This award-winning oyster farm has re-established a long-lived tradition of oyster farming in the historic Porlock Weir harbour. Here, the beautifully clean waters are classed ‘Category A’ – rare to the British Isles. This results in thriving oysters and their outstandingly fresh flavour.
Higher Hall Farm
Red ruby beef and Exmoor lamb – grass-fed, organic and free-range. Lamb, beef, or mixed boxes are available to purchase directly from the family-run Higher Hall Farm.
Little Oak Farm
If you’re after outdoor-reared, ethically-produced pork, Little Oak Farm has you covered! Order from their online shop, or spot them out and about at local markets
West Ilkerton Farm
For more local, grass-fed outdoor reared meat, West Ilkerton Farm offers Exmoor lamb and Devon beef.
Of course there’s also a plethora of pubs, restaurants, tea rooms & cafés on Exmoor. Check out our handy directory in our places to eat guide.
Supporting Local Exmoor Drink!
We have a wealth of beverage companies based on Exmoor! Beer, cider, wine, gin, vodka, teas; something to quench everyone’s thirst. So to get us going from the libation station we’ve got…
Tea
Exmoor Tea Company
Because nothing beats a good cuppa… and the Exmoor Tea Company certainly provides that! You’ll love the taste of these teas, made with honest ingredients, which are expertly blended here in the South West. Exmoor Tea is committed to making a difference both locally and globally and they follow ethical & environmentally sound business practices. Pretty awesome, don’t you agree?
Miles Tea & Coffee
This independent, family-run business began back in 1888 – that’s quite some brewing experience! Based in Porlock and Minehead, Miles Tea & Coffee makes delicious teas, coffees and hot chocolate – so whatever your hot beverage preference, you’re spoilt for choice.
Beer
Exmoor Ales
You’ll struggle to get through a trip to Exmoor without a taste of this famous brew because Exmoor Ales are stocked in virtually every Exmoor pub. So make sure you have a pint (or few!) in a cosy local local! Or, order via the Exmoor Ale online shop for home delivery.
Cottage Beer Project
For something even more unique, try a bottle of beer from this awesome local nano-brewery. Cottage Beer Project is all about home-made bottle conditioned liquor – as the brewers call it. They use Devon water from deep below the brewery to make their beers & ales. They’re a staple stand at local farmers markets and village fairs across Exmoor, (check the tour dates for this month here) and you can order from their online shop too.
Spirits
Exmoor Distillery
Producing multi-award-winning spirits, Exmoor Distillery opts for quality over quantity ethos. As a result, they are a leading true small-batch artisan distiller of gin, rum and vodka and we think you’ll love it.
Wicked Wolf Gin
Also from Exmoor Ales, we have another multi-award winner for you. Again! If you’re not supporting local Exmoor businesses by this stage, then clearly you’re not drinking enough, because you’re being spoilt rotten for choice! Wicked Wolf Exmoor Gin is a premium craft gin made from botanicals distilled on the banks of the River Lyn, here in Exmoor.
Wine
Wellhayes Vineyard
Yes, Exmoor has its very own vineyard producing quality sparkling wine which we highly recommend you try out. Wellhayes Vineyard also offers visits for tours and tastings through the summer months (£25pp for approximately an hour and a half walkthrough).
Where else to support local Exmoor businesses…
Supporting local Exmoor businesses is sure to bring you joy. We think it’s the best possible use of time and money on Exmoor because each local business is unique to the area. Moreover, the quality is way better than when you buy from big brands or chains. And it doesn’t just have to be shopping – there’s loads more ways to support local businesses…
Click here for our list of the best Exmoor pubs. Explore Exmoor’s villages and pop into any and all of the little shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants you find. There is so much wonderful local produce, art & craft on offer for you. Check out our village guides for specific local recommendations.
There are loads of fun local activities around too. Stretch out in a local yoga class, for instance. Ride the Funicular Cliff Railway between Lynton & Lynmouth. Or animate your animal side with the local wildlife on a safari tour. You could even have birds of prey land on your arm at the Exmoor Owl & Hawk Centre.
For more inspiration, see below…
Local accommodation across Exmoor
Of course, if you’re not from the area, in order to get stuck in supporting all of these fabulous local businesses, you’ll need a place to stay. Which leads us to the final local business you should support – us!! We at The Best of Exmoor are a small, family run company, born & bred here on Exmoor. All the properties we let we carefully select & manage ourselves, so there’s no better place to look for a gorgeous holiday cottage on Exmoor. We’re passionate about bringing people to this beautiful place. Hopefully, you can tell! Check out some of what’s on offer below…
