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Chough's Nest is a Victorian cliff top retreat built by a Dutch millionaire in the late 1800s, the hotel has nine well-appointed bedrooms each with their own distinct characters and charms, the AA has awarded them two stars as a result. The restaurant, with its spectacular views across the sea, is the perfect setting to enjoy their freshly cooked food and fine wines. You can enjoy breakfast with the sun rising over the Countisbury Headland or even a traditional, highly calorific Devonshire tea on their terrace.

For some, just the breathtakingly beautiful views of the Welsh, North Devon and Exmoor coastlines will be enough to visit the North Walk House while the lush and verdant surroundings which offers walkers endless opportunities to explore the countryside are also a good enough reason. Equally tempting is the actual stay there, with its lovely rooms, relaxing atmosphere with log fires, stunning terrace and of course, the delicious food at The Dinner Table.

Locally sourced is the mantra there and you can sample the goodness in the sumptuous spread they have for breakfast. Dinner options could start with tomato basil and fresh mozzarella salad followed by breast of free range chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, ginger and white wine with tarragon. The seasonal homemade fresh fruit crumbles with ice cream or crème fraiche are most agreeable and the selection of fine wines and beers complement the meal with ease.

Hidden away in beautiful oak woods, The Rockford sits beside the East Lyn River as it flows through the peaceful Brendon Valley in Exmoor National Park. The rural country inn dates back to the 17th century and provides a cosy atmosphere in which to stay, dine or just relax.

While at Rockford, you could sit by the river and watch herons stalk salmon and trout, spend a Sunday afternoon walking in the Devon countryside, go fishing, or ride a horse over the moor.  

When it comes to the food, the kitchen focuses on creating tasty seasonal dishes, all complemented by a range of local brewed ales. The menu opens with starters of pan-fried garlic mushrooms, oak smoked chicken, and a traditional prawn cocktail. Main courses encompass a hearty 8oz rump steak, Greek salad, Indonesian chicken satay, tikka masala, pasta carbonara, and a delightful fish pie of smoked haddock, salmon fillet and succulent north Atlantic prawn.

The desserts are worth more than a passing glance and amongst the many options the chocolate and brandy sponge surprise might find favour.

The house was built in 1810, but by 1892 had been converted tastefully into an hotel. Somehow it seems never to have lost the homely feeling. The menu is relatively small but has some original touches of which a starter of buffalo with Mozzarella and sunblush tomato salad is but one. Grilled fillet of mahi mahi infused with lemon and Cajun spices and served with saffron rice paella makes for interesting eating and the chocolate truffle torte with a raspberry coulis seems to round off the day well.