Watersmeet House
About
Watersmeet House stands as a charming 19th‑century fishing lodge turned tea‑room, perched in a dramatic river gorge on Exmoor’s scenic western edge. The historic building, built in 1832 for Walter Stevenson Halliday, dates back to the early 1900s when it began serving the region’s first cream teas, a tradition still celebrated today. Visitors can wander through virtually 2,000 acres of ancient oak woodlands, explore miles of footpaths that form part of the South West Coast Path, and enjoy the quiet of the East Lyn River’s banks. A calm tea garden offers light lunches, hot drinks, and the famous cream teas that the National Trust perfectly showcases. Wide‑open views of the nearby Foreland Point and the surrounding Coast give a sense of the dramatic coastline that hooks the site’s visitors. Whether you come for the historic architecture, the refreshing walks, or a leisurely tea, Watersmeet House delivers a quintessential Devon experience that feels both grounded in tradition and welcoming to all. Recommended Visit Time: 3-4 hours to comfortably explore the house, stroll the woodland paths, and relax in the tea garden.
Highlights
- Watersmeet House
- Ancient Oak Woodland
- Tea Garden
- 2000 Acre Estate
- Foreland Point