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Withypool Lodge at Exmoor Gate Lodges

Visitor Rating
Rating
Exceptional
9
3

Appley Cottage Plus at Exmoor Gate Lodges sits in Somerset, right on the edge of Exmoor National Park. This romantic retreat is perfect for couples wanting a peaceful escape. The private hot tub sits on your own deck where you can soak under the stars. The lodge features a wood-burning stove for cosy evenings and a fire pit outside for marshmallow toasting.

The location puts you minutes from moorland walks and wildlife spotting. Rolling hills and ancient woodland surround the site. You can explore heather-covered slopes and spot red deer roaming free.

Appley Cottage Plus sleeps two guests in one double bedroom. The open-plan living space includes a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable lounge area. One bathroom features a shower.

About Withypool Lodge

Appley Cottage Plus at Exmoor Gate Lodges sits in Somerset, right on the edge of Exmoor National Park. This romantic retreat is perfect for couples wanting a peaceful escape. The private hot tub sits on your own deck where you can soak under the stars. The lodge features a wood-burning stove for cosy evenings and a fire pit outside for marshmallow toasting.

The location puts you minutes from moorland walks and wildlife spotting. Rolling hills and ancient woodland surround the site. You can explore heather-covered slopes and spot red deer roaming free.

Appley Cottage Plus sleeps two guests in one double bedroom. The open-plan living space includes a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable lounge area. One bathroom features a shower. The outdoor deck has dining furniture and the hot tub.

Dunster Castle sits 8 miles away (15 minutes). Tarr Steps ancient bridge is 12 miles away (20 minutes). Wimbleball Lake offers watersports 9 miles away (18 minutes). Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor's highest point, is 10 miles away (22 minutes).

Appley Cottage Plus works brilliantly for couples craving countryside peace with proper comfort. The combination of moorland access and luxury features makes this special.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: Exmoor Gate Lodges

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Waterrow, Wiveliscombe, Somerset

Weather & Local Conditions

10°C

Partly cloudy

Updated: 22 Aug 2026, 2:54am

🌡️
9.70°C
Temperature
💨
5 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
86%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for long days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A cosy glamping stay comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film beats a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Exmoor Gate Lodges sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Property

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share of an evening.

Location & Elevation

161m

(528 feet above sea level)

Exmoor Gate Lodges sits in a peaceful Somerset setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a glamping escape.

🏔️
161m
Elevation
📍
Waterrow, Wiveliscombe
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Waterrow, Wiveliscombe are typical Somerset lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.0237694° N | Longitude: 3.3485899° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Waterrow, Wiveliscombe (Saturday, 22 August 2026):

5:09am

Sunrise

6:22pm

Golden Hour

7:22pm

Sunset

🌅
5:09am
Sunrise
🌇
7:22pm
Sunset
📸
6:22pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:22pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Waterrow, Wiveliscombe, you have approximately 14.22 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the property.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Exmoor Gate Lodges.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Somerset. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 22 Aug 2026 | Location: 51.0237694, -3.3485899

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their stay at Exmoor Gate Lodges

Private Hot Tub on Deck

Soak in your own hot tub on the private deck with countryside views all around you and complete privacy for romantic evenings.

Wood-Burning Stove

The cosy wood burner creates the perfect atmosphere for snuggling up after long walks exploring the surrounding Exmoor moorland and valleys.

Exmoor National Park Location

Step straight into Exmoor from your door with endless walking trails, wildlife spotting and dramatic moorland landscapes to explore daily.

Outdoor Fire Pit

Toast marshmallows and enjoy evenings under the stars around your private fire pit with the sounds of the countryside surrounding you.

Peaceful Countryside Setting

Complete tranquillity away from busy roads and towns lets you properly switch off and reconnect with nature and each other.

Romantic Couples Retreat

Designed perfectly for two with intimate spaces, luxury touches and privacy making this ideal for anniversaries and special romantic breaks.

Getting To Exmoor Gate Lodges

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Appley Cottage Plus by car, take the A39 towards Minehead and turn off at Roadwater. Follow signs to Exmoor Gate Lodges. The lodge is easily accessible with convenient off-road parking right next to your accommodation.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Taunton, approximately 20 miles away. From there, a taxi will take you through beautiful Somerset countryside to your moorland retreat.

Off-road parking next to lodge
Taunton station (20 miles)
Accessible from the A39

Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff to see & do on your glamping break!

Dunster Castle
Distance: 8 miles
TA24 6SL
Tarr Steps
Distance: 12 miles
TA22 9PY
Wimbleball Lake
Distance: 9 miles
TA22 9NU
Dunkery Beacon
Distance: 10 miles
TA24 7JT
Horner Wood
Distance: 11 miles
TA24 8HY
Webbers Post
Distance: 9 miles
TA24 7JU
Co-op Williton
Distance: 3 miles
TA4 4QH
Minehead Town Centre
Distance: 8 miles
TA24 5UB
Tesco Minehead
Distance: 8 miles
TA24 5BJ
Roadwater Village
Distance: 1 mile
TA23 0RR
Watchet Harbour
Distance: 6 miles
TA23 0AQ
Blue Anchor Bay
Distance: 7 miles
TA24 6JS
Dunster Castle
Distance: 8 miles
TA24 6SL
Tarr Steps
Distance: 12 miles
TA22 9PY
Wimbleball Lake
Distance: 9 miles
TA22 9NU
Dunkery Beacon
Distance: 10 miles
TA24 7JT
Horner Wood
Distance: 11 miles
TA24 8HY
Webbers Post
Distance: 9 miles
TA24 7JU
Co-op Williton
Distance: 3 miles
TA4 4QH
Minehead Town Centre
Distance: 8 miles
TA24 5UB
Tesco Minehead
Distance: 8 miles
TA24 5BJ
Roadwater Village
Distance: 1 mile
TA23 0RR
Watchet Harbour
Distance: 6 miles
TA23 0AQ
Blue Anchor Bay
Distance: 7 miles
TA24 6JS

Is Exmoor Gate Lodges Right For You?

Is this hot tub glamping retreat best suited to couples or families? What standout glamping features and private hot tub can you look forward to? And is it a dog-friendly getaway? Discover if this short break is the right for you.

For Families
Appley Cottage Plus is not suitable for children as it sleeps only two guests in one double bedroom. The property is designed specifically as a romantic couples retreat without facilities for families. The hot tub, wood burner and peaceful adult atmosphere make this exclusively for grown-ups wanting a quiet escape together.
Glamping Features
The private hot tub sits on your own deck with countryside views stretching across Somerset moorland. A wood-burning stove creates cosy warmth inside while the outdoor fire pit lets you toast marshmallows under the stars. The deck has comfortable outdoor furniture for alfresco dining and morning coffee. These features combine lodge comfort with proper outdoor living.
Pet Friendly
Pets are not allowed at Appley Cottage Plus. The property maintains a pet-free policy to accommodate guests with allergies and keep the lodge pristine. If you're travelling with dogs, you'll need to look at other properties within the Exmoor area that welcome four-legged companions on their moorland adventures.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Exmoor Gate Lodges

The Notley Arms Inn

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA23 0RR

The Valiant Soldier

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA4 4LS

The Staghunters Inn

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TA22 9PY

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Exmoor Gate Lodges

Is Appley Cottage Plus pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property. The lodge maintains a pet-free environment for guests with allergies.
What are the hot tub operating hours?
The hot tub is available for your private use throughout your entire stay at any time. It sits on your private deck with complete privacy from other guests.
How many guests does Appley Cottage Plus sleep?
The lodge sleeps two guests in one double bedroom. The open-plan living space and single bathroom make this perfect for couples only.
What cooking facilities are provided?
The fully equipped kitchen includes an oven, hob, microwave, fridge and all essential cookware. You'll find everything needed to prepare meals during your stay.
Is there parking at the property?
Yes, dedicated off-road parking is provided right next to your lodge. You can unload easily and your car stays secure throughout your visit.
What heating is available?
The lodge has a wood-burning stove for cosy warmth and atmosphere. Central heating is also installed throughout the property for year-round comfort.
Can I use the fire pit?
Yes, the outdoor fire pit is yours to use during your stay. Logs are available to purchase on site for both the fire pit and wood burner.
How far is the nearest shop?
Williton village is 3 miles away with a Co-op supermarket and local shops. The market town of Minehead sits 8 miles away with larger supermarkets and facilities.

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