Cottages Uncut by Exmoor Character Cottages

In this podcast, Janet Ellis talks about her first book, The Butcher’s Hook, set in the 1700s. This is a frank and touching conversation, during which Janet discusses her drive to write and how she creates her fictional characters. She shares the pivotal role of a writing course, how she writes, where, and for whom. We also hear about her moving second novel, ‘How It Was’ set in the present day and the 1970s. Janet loves meeting readers and enjoyed the Dulverton Literary Festival immensely.  For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

Journey through Exmoor’s steam railway past at the Dulverton Literary Festival.We join Lucy welcoming Freddie, Ian and Amyas to the microphone. Grab a cuppa and settle down...It was a pleasure to meet and chat to Freddie Huxtable, Ian Coleby and Amyas Crump as they shared their contagious enthusiasm for steam railways. These three authors have each painstakingly researched books on the history and impact of the railways Exmoor and surrounding areas. In this 30-minute chat, the trio cover a lot of ‘track’, from the transformative effect of freight on our everyday lives to the creation of the British package holiday, a blueprint for the NHS and even for insurance! There’s nostalgia, romance, and business packed in this pod. And for anyone who is preparing a presentation, they provide a sneaky reveal into their own very different approaches for preparing for a presentation! The books they discuss are: Freddie Huxtable: The Taunton to Barnstaple LineIan Coleby: Tales of the West Somerset RailwayAmyas Crump: Impermanent Ways: The Closed Lines of BritainFor bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

Here is our latest podcast, bringing you breaking news from Exmoor Character Cottages!In this episode, we're introducing Natasha Eveleigh, a talented local artist who has agreed to co-host two very special exclusive Art Retreats with Exmoor Character Cottages in 2024. Take a listen and don't delay - book now to avoid disappointment.Join our Creative Art Retreat in Exmoor.Get the New Year 2024 off to a colourful start!We are delighted to be working with talented local artist Natasha Eveleigh and co-hosting her Creative Art Retreat in our Minehead cottages from Friday 26th January to Monday 29th January 2024.Over two days and three nights, you’ll be able to let your creative juices flow with one-to-one tutoring and support to develop your painting and drawing skills. You’ll stay in luxurious accommodation with hot tubs, cosy fires and beautiful gardens. You’ll meet like-minded people, make new friends, and enjoy some lovely meals and conversations together. This friendly and safe environment suits every skill level, from absolute beginners to experts. What are you waiting for?More information from the Exmoor Character Cottages page: Creative Art Retreat - Exmoor Character CottagesMore information on Natasha's website: CREATIVE ART RETREAT - MINEHEAD (natashaeveleigh.com)(Please note that T&C apply for these retreats. Other promotional offers cannot be used on these bookings. Direct bookings only.)For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

It’s either too hot, too cold, too wet or too dry.  At the time of recording, Minehead feels more like Manila, with high humidity and frequent heavy rain interspersed with beaming sunshine.If the climate really is changing for the long term, here in Minehead there’s someone very special who is taking our small town fight against the scourge of plastics and ongoing climate change,Keith Hunt, proprietor of Independent Business, Our Precious Earth based on Holloway Street here in Minehead is very much the king of green. Man and Boy litter collector and eco warrior, Keith was inspired by an article in Look-In magazine in the 1970’s and since that time has never been too far away from a litter picker!Keith’s shop is open six days a week and stocks household goods, great gifts, one-off recycled pieces from independent traders and some amazing articles that David and Lucy just loved and had to buy!Exmoor Character Cottages guests get 10% off, but that’s just one small reason to visit Our Precious Earth and support Keith’s objectives. Rest assured, our move to green is very much underway, heartily supported by Keith and our housekeeper, Gail.When you’re in Minehead, please visit Our Precious Earth. Holloway Street leads up to our three Minehead cottages and is recognisable by being the lane leading up hill from Costa Coffee and Roly’s Fudge Pantry. We’ll put some pics on our social posts.For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

Today we’re celebrating having a point of difference! No intro or outro music and scaled back editing. Today’s podcast is all about being different!Back in May 2023, Lucy and David gathered together on a chilly day and discussed current trends in guest accommodation, inspired by a recent Alex Murrell article called ‘The Age of Average.’Offering individual service, a design that complements the era of each property and facilities which meet or exceed all guest expectations is the most important part in what makes Exmoor Character Cottages so special - and almost unique in the area.Recent trends for ‘Edison’ bulbs and cookie-cutter interior design is de-rigueur in many successful hospitality establishments, and indeed this approach is easy to maintain and ideal for identikit properties. For us, personalisation is at the heart of what we do - from the pre-arrival call to the cake that’s on the welcome try on arrival.Take a listen to our musings about individuality on this podcast. Let us know your thoughts and feedback too! If you’d like to experience Exmoor Character Cottages, check out our latest availability and special offers here.For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

ROR! Our latest podcast introduces a new programme of discounted rates for smaller parties or solo travellers who want to enjoy the full Exmoor Character Cottages experience whilst occupying fewer bedrooms!Take a listen and find out more about ROR and read the article in full on our website.Discounted rates for reduced occupancySmaller party? No problem. Take advantage of our reduced occupancy ratesOur reduced occupancy rates allow you to save up to 20% on your stay, depending on how many rooms you need. These are our best rates of the year so they can’t be combined with other special offers, promotions or discounts codes – even if you are a VIP guest.You will of course still be able to access all the other common spaces – the kitchen, utility rooms, sitting and dining rooms as normal. Logs will be provided for the wood burner and in our Minehead cottages, the hot tubs will be running. Your welcome goodies will be the same and the cottage will be cleaned to our exacting standards. The only difference is you don’t pay for bedrooms you won’t be using.  These will be locked and inaccessible for the duration of your stay.What dates are reduced occupancy rates available?Reduced occupancy rates are available all year with the exception of the following:Public holiday weekendsSchool holidaysThe summer peak period from mid-July to the end of August.For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

Recorded in September 2023, Lucy and David were incredibly fortunate to spend some time over tea and cake with Jill and Brenda from Lancashire.Brenda spent many happy holidays at The Oval in Dunster before Lucy's ownership, when it was used as B&B accommodation..Brenda's memories date back to the 1950's and 1960's when a friends or family holiday meant a long journey on a coach from Greater Manchester during works holidays. Imagine the feeling of leaving the coach in Taunton, catching a steam train to Dunster station and walking up the hill into Dunster -  to discover the medieval splendour of the village, overlooked by the magnificent castle and breathing the fresh air blown by warm south westerly breezes.Dunster was just one part of Brenda's holidays. She enjoyed happy times with her closest friend (Sheila, 1954) in Minehead and loved the happy-go-lucky atmosphere in the town, which hasn't really changed...Take a listen to the podcast and take a trip down memory lane. We'll also pop some pictures, courtesy of Brenda onto our social media feed to accompany the words.We very much hope Brenda and Jill return to The Oval, and if you're ever in Goosnagh in Lancashire, pop-in to Jill's chippy in the heart of Goosnagh village - https://www.facebook.com/goosnarghchippy.co.ukFor bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

We have the most fascinating guests at our cottages! Whether it's cricketers, athletes, actors or authors, we've been incredibly fortunate to host a myriad of guests with interesting back stories.Today's episode stars Ian (Diamond) White, a professional darts player who recently stayed with us during an important tournament in Minehead.Ian talks candidly to Lucy about his background, the highs and lows of playing darts professionally and his real passion for the sport.Here's Ian's Wiki entry: Ian White (born 17 August 1970), nicknamed Diamond, is an English professional darts player currently playing in Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events. White is the winner of 13 PDC ranking events, and has reached many quarter-finals in majors. In 2019, he reached his first major semi final.You can also watch Ian's NINE DARTER (and many more videos) on Youtube.We very much hope to hear more about Ian's success at upcoming tournaments  and to meet with him in person during 2024. Play that funky music, Ian!For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

Lucy's love of local history is brought to life in this potteresque podcast!Whether it's King Arthur, Mother Leakey, Judge Jeffreys or Lorna Doone, Exmoor and Somerset is chock-full of legend and folklore. Many of the stories are hearsay, full of gory detail or simply outlandish, but all are part of what makes this part of England so special.We ask you to take a listen to Lucy's storytelling. Far from a history lesson, Lucy walks the listener through the tall tales established in Exmoor.For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

Today we're celebrating the Bampton Charter Fair. Recorded back in October 2022 and lovingly preserved until this time, here's our attempt to understand the local spectacle that really should be in your Autumn diary of events.In this episode, Lucy finds something to tickle her tastebuds, David becomes overwhelmed with the selection of stalls and there's gin.. Lots of gin.Make a date in your diary for the 2023 Charter Fair on Thursday 26th October. Come visit the Bampton Heritage and Visitor Centre and enjoy the atmosphere at this historic event. We understand Titan the robot will be visiting this year too!Unfortunately, due to his Wedding, David (and Lucy) won't be able to make it this year, but we'll be visiting lovely Bampton over the winter to sample some of their local hospitality!Here's some information from the Bampton.org.uk website:Bampton Fair existed even before King Henry III granted it a Royal Charter in 1258 and it is always held on the last Thursday of October. It is one of the oldest surviving Charter Fairs in the country.For centuries, the fair mainly sold sheep and cattle and was the largest sheep fair in the South West of England. During the 1880's to the 1980's it evolved to become the famous Bampton Pony Fair trading in Exmoor ponies.Today this traditional Devon fair continues to attract local producers of foods and livestock, crafts and traditional skills from Exmoor and its surrounding villages. The streets, church, pubs and venues of Bampton are filled to overflowing with market stalls, street entertainments and live music including craft workshops, demonstrations, and a funfair.For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

Back in July,  the fabulous Sam joined us for a work experience project from West Somerset Cottage.Sam worked alongside Lucy and David to learn everything about the business, condensed into one short week! Sam's challenge was to investigate things to do for teenagers (and 17 year-olds!) when staying at one of our cottages here in Minehead and Exmoor and bringing them to life in a blog, social media post and on this podcast.We hope you enjoy this podcast as much as Sam enjoyed his time at the cottages!To read Sam's blog, just click here: https://www.exmoorcharactercottages.co.uk/exploring-exmoor/things-to-do-in-minehead-for-teenagers/For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

Back on a freezing cold December day, David and Lucy met virtually with Liz Hurry - the Chair of Wivey Pool - a fabulous charitable organisation running this amazing community swimming pool in the thriving town of Wiveliscombe.If we can't tempt you into the Bristol Channel this Spring and Summer, then Wivey Pool could be perfect for you - and it's only around 30 minutes drive from each of our cottages.Their 27 metre outdoor heated pool is open to all. Whether you’re looking for a fun filled family afternoon, or you’re trying to get fit, there’s a swimming session to suit our guests.This amazing pool opens from 8th April for morning lane swimming, but their website and social media pages have all the latest pool information and online booking facilities too!Whether you're reading this as a guest or a member of the local community, why not give Wivey Pool a follow and go visit - you'll love it!For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

In 2019, Peter Hoyland (Community Lead for Plastic Free Exmoor) and a  core team of local influencers  got hold of a copy of the Plastic Free Communities toolkit and set up a community led steering group. Together they set to work on the  Surfers Against Sewage five-step framework to take their plastic free message to as many organisations, businesses and Exmoor visitors as they could.The toolkit shows a community how they can work with local governance to bring about policy and system change, businesses to reduce the availability of throw away plastic and community groups and organsations to spread the word.Fast forward to 2023 – through a pandemic – and there are now a growing number of  businesses across Exmoor National Park who’ve been awarded a Plastic Free Business Champion Award, including Exmoor Character Cottages!This is a really interesting podcast about how we can all help reduce the amount of plastics we use, re-use and dispose of safely, but if you'd like to find out more, here's a few resources to help you find out more:Plastic Free Devon Awareness VideoPlastic Free Newsletter from November 2022Plastic Free Exmoor (ENP) WebsiteLocal newspaper coverage (2022)Plastic Free Communities - West Somerset - Facebook pagePlastic Free Communities websiteSurfers Against Sewage websiteVisit Exmoor and Exmoor Character Cottages awards informationFor bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

Big Ben has struck twelve more than 30 times since the fireworks died down and the champagne hangovers worn off! But if we've missed the opportunity to do so, the podcast team at Exmoor Character Cottages wish you a Happy New Year!In this New Year, New Start podcast (that was recorded in the cold spell at the end of November 2022) David talked to Isobel Pring, the Somerset regional England Coast Path Officer who is passionate about the experiences our coastal margin has to offer -to guests and the local community alike.We invite everyone to take a listen and get involved with the Coast Path, whether local to our cottages or further afield. To find out much more, here's some links to resources mentioned in the podcast:The England Coast Path in Somerset or Somerset Coast PathNational Trails - South WestSomerset WalksDon't forget that our own Little Book of Walks is available at Tom Deer of Dunster, The Exmoor Society in Dulverton or The Minehead Information Centre. For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

At Christmastime, there's no need to be afraid: it's only David and Lucy chatting about decorations, food and preparations for the big day! We invite you to celebrate a podcast Christmas with us.Find out more about special offers here.Delve a little deeper into the Stuart Lowen brunch and breakfast box.Check availability and pricing for your 2023 short-break or holiday.Take a sneak peek at our new Pilgrim Corner photos.For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

We were incredibly fortunate to spend some time with Sally Turner from the Minehead Information Centre earlier this week. Huddled around Sally's radiator on the coldest day of the year, we explored the things to do in Minehead on a cold, damp or rainy off-season day.  There's lots to see and do, for all tastes and budgets here in the peaceful seaside resort of Minehead. Here's a few links to activities discussed in the podcast - give them a visit and / or follow them on social media; as small enterprises or charities themselves, they'll be grateful for your support.Minehead Information Centre - check opening hours on their social media pages.Minehead Library - an incredibly helpful team of people in a newly refurbished building.The Avenue Cinema - an inexpensive way to watch the latest blockbusters in a brand-new, comfortable environment!The Regal Theatre - a dedicated team of volunteers bringing you great shows and entertainment.Minehead Metal Heads - a passionate, creative and talented team bringing a smile to the faces of visitors and locals alike!Minehead Quay Town Trail - discover the stories of our historic harbour.South West Coast Path - England's longest coastal walk and part of the England Coast Path, National Trail. West Somerset Railway - check out their events for 2023.If we've whetted your appetite, why not book your short-break or longer stay with us: https://www.exmoorcharactercottages.co.uk/For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

Tuck yourselves in for a journey of a lifetime. This enchanting podcast takes a meandering look at Pilgrim Corner, through the eyes of a previous custodian who has since become a frequent flyer guest!This is story of how Pilgrim Corner has evolved over the years and how this thatched gem of a cottage has always played a huge part in the Higher Town community of Minehead.So, pencil yourself some quiet time and listen to the wonderful stories of Judy Peters and her family and take a look at Pilgrim Corner on our website.For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

In this special podcast recorded back in September, we welcome Pete Mountstephen, our neighbour on West Street in Dunster.Pete is a fascinating character. An education professional, author, musician and general all 'round creative. Possibly best known locally for his lead role in 'Minnie Hates the Hoover', Dunster's very own duo / trio band playing 60's and 70's music in local venues throughout the year, Pete's appetite for life and learning is infectious!As you will hear on this podcast, we touch on many subjects, from learning to deal with mental health matters to Pete's passion for music. It's a poddy you won't want to miss!For further information on Minnie Hates the Hoover, click here. We also hope to bring you more information on Pete's upcoming book in the near future. In the meantime, if you were enthralled by 'The Horticultural Society Annual Show', here's the full unexpurgated version:Alchemilla Mollis The Horticultural Society Annual Show.It was the day of the show. The show.Jackie stepped outside the back door of her cottage and breathed in the early August morning on this prince among days.It had been wet overnight and the beads of rain sat like quicksilver; crazy diamonds running over the dragon frilled leaves of the “Milly Molly Mandy”. It had always been one of Jackie’s dearest sights and never failed to remind her how lucky she was to live here, surrounded by simple, but unbelievably complex beauty and drenched in the sacred wonder of countryside. This was her religion. This gave her the spiritual fix that others sought in scripture, mosque and temple. She felt tiny- small and yet massive at one and the same time and the hills, the fields, the shoreline and the sky seemed to shrink, until they almost became a hedgerow that she lived under and scuttled along, about her bucolic business every day. Then it all exploded to cram the whole cosmos with its green and pleasant, aching perfection.A big bang within a single seedhead. The universe in a pot.She didn’t think any of this of course; she was getting her entries ready for the show.Some of her craft entries (embroidery, anything crochet with a practical application) had gone to the Tithe Barn the previous evening, but the real stars (group of tomatoes, vegetable chutney, pickled eggs, three runner beans, a basket of five herbs, small flower arrangement, dahlias and so on and so on) all of these were last minute arrangments that relied pivotally on freshness and that bloom of fecund promise that begins to die as soon as it is picked.Everything had to be there by ten so that judging could take place in time for the visiting “Magi of the marrows” to leave their decisions framed in certificate and pickled in rosettes.Jackie’s husband had baked a cake.Every year, apart from the last two scuppered by Covid, the men of the village cast aside their masculinity and strayed, shyly into the feminine world of baking. How we all laughed as Geoff bashfully presented his lemon drizzle; or Rob, his great ham hands trembling, gently placed his carrot cake on the trestle table? More familiar with a Massey Ferguson than a Moulinex and sweating within the strange constriction of his collar the cake, nevertheless, carried so For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

In this very special podcast, Lucy and David talk to 'frequent flyer' guests (in more ways than one) - Pat and Tom.This lovely couple travel from New Jersey (around 30 minutes from New York, New York) to stay at The Oval in Dunster. Now on their third trip, The Oval is feeling very much a home from home and they have become part of the Dunster community, with a group of local friends welcoming them into their hearts at various village events and in shops, pubs and tea rooms.Take a listen to Tom and Pat telling the story of their love affair with The Oval, the people of Dunster and the rural splendour that is Exmoor. It's a heartwarming podcast which we're sure you will enjoy. And of course, thanks to Tom and Pat for giving up some of their special holiday to recording this with us.Why not book your holiday now? The best prices and latest availability is always on our own direct booking website.For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!

There's nothing like a short break to refresh the spirits, especially when you've got enchanting Exmoor on your doorstep!We've put together this special podcast to talk though everything that's on offer when visiting one of our cottages for a couple of off-season days. It's the perfect audio partner to our latest short-break blog too - so take a read to find out a little more about what makes a short break with us so special.We know you'll want to come back time and time again, but if you're a first time visitor, why not take a listen and find out more about Exmoor?If we've whetted your short-break or staycation appetite, why not book direct with us?  You can check our latest availability, best prices and book straight away on our regularly refreshed website.For bookings and reservation enquiries, click over to our website. You'll find the latest availability and very best prices for stays from two nights to two weeks!With regularly updated blogs, all the latest news from Exmoor and in-depth information about each of our cottages, there's only one place to click!