This delightful, small market town, situated on the banks of the River Barle, is popular with visitors all year round, who come to enjoy its attractive streets lined with over 30 independent shops, cosy cottages, charming tea rooms and award-winning pubs and restaurants. There is always something to do in Dulverton, so book into one of the many welcoming local accommodations and stay awhile at any time of year.
The town is tucked into a spectacular and steeply-wooded valley where the River Barle meets the River Exe – the ideal place in which to begin a circular nature walk – perhaps through Burridge Woods on the southern riverbank and back via pretty Marsh Bridge. You may even spot an otter playing in the water on your way! Intrepid walkers might wish to explore a little further afield and discover other unique and important historic places in the area – including the famous, prehistoric clapper bridge at Tarr Steps, one of Exmoor’s highlights, or to the ancient Oldberry Castle site and the iron age hill forts of Mounsey Castle.
Dulverton’s unique bridge over the River Barle is the oldest medieval bridge on Exmoor, spanning the river near the former workhouse which is now home to the Exmoor National Park’s Head Office. Here you will also find the Exmoor Lawns, a sheltered spot to take a picnic and also where to enjoy some of Dulverton’s family entertainment, such as the Dulverton Cricket Club Duck Derby on August Bank Holiday Sunday, the Dulverton Vintage Fair in September and the exciting Dulverton by Starlight festival at the beginning of December – which fills the whole town with twinkling lights, festive shopping and music.
A former mill town, Dulverton’s historic leat dissects the town, running parallel with the river – take a short stroll along the leat towards the weir, and imagine the days when the stream used to power four mills!
Whilst in Dulverton be sure to visit the Grade II listed 15th century Church of All Saints and marvel at the town’s iconic Town Hall in Fore Street with its elegant freestanding double external stairs and canopied porch.
Dulverton is home to one of Exmoor’s National Park Information Centres with loads of useful information about the town and the wider moor. Exmoor was Europe’s first designated International Dark Skies Reserve and you can hire a telescope at the Centre to discover the incredible uninterrupted night sky views.
In part of the same building you will also find the Dulverton Heritage Centre with many fascinating exhibits such as Granny Baker’s Kitchen and the Dulverton Room which celebrates the many diverse businesses in the town. New for 2021 is an exhibition detailing the history of the iconic Exmoor Pony. A complete model replica of Dulverton’s historic railway station which closed in 1966 – equipped with moving trains and carriages, is housed in a separate building.
Don’t miss the monthly Dulverton Farmers Market for a taste of Exmoor from some of its many producers and craftspeople – located in the Lion Stables car park on the last Saturday of the month, April to September. The Town Hall is the venue for the thrice weekly indoor Dulverton Town Hall Market.
