Guest Comments – Riscombe Farm Self Catering Holiday Cottages, Exmoor National Park
Here are some examples of what our visitors have had to say about their stay here at Riscombe Farm Holiday Cottages & Stabling:
Fern
30th June -5th July 2021
We bought our horses on holiday, the scenery was stunning, cottage was very homely after long rides & the hosts were very accommodating we came with a large horse box so they kindly gave us lift into town, even when are box was flat they went through the effort to jump start it. Very welcoming friendly hosts. Horse friendly bridlepaths, exceeded my expectations.
Thanks again from Milly & Lucie
12.11.21-15.11.21
Lovely family time in the 3 cottages, Fern has such character as a cottage as do the other 2. We enjoyed surrounds& great walks with the dogs.Perfect place, lovely to hear pheasants in the morning. Thanks Sue & Richie for making us so welcome. “Look out” we will be back next year, keep up the great cottages, love them all so did daughters, nephews & family, grandchildren loved the games room. Take care both of you,
Carol & Cliff
Heather
18/04/21
After a strange year with covid it has been lovely to escape back to Riscombe to meet the new owners. We have had beautiful weather and have visited all of our favourite places, Horners, Lynmouth and Watersmeet. Thank you so much Sue and Richie!
Sam, Paul, Charlie, Izzy ,Annabel and the dogs Poppy, Daisy +Boo
19/6/21
I have really enjoyed my stay here at Heather – the highlight for me was sitting down by the river with a book and a camera. I am now determined to walk from the month of the Exe to the source( unfortunately my companions were reluctant walkers so I will return with some Moorland Ramblers!)
Thanks Sue +Richie
Pip Hayes (Dunsford) , Finn +Shenda Read (Didsbury)
Gorse
1st May -8th May 2021
Jim was he found a wonderful gem here !
A little oasis in the mad world we live in.
Thank you for your friendship help during our stay it will keep us warm until our next visit.
Many Thanks Adrian & Valerie.
19-26 June 2021
A wonderful quiet spot with loads of options for walking- exactly what we wanted !
Mixed weather but wasn’t a problem! Hope to see you again.
Maggie & Keith (Dorset)
Bracken
1 July 21
We have had the best time possible on our mini break.
Hosts absolutely perfect!!10/10 friendly, approachable accommodating.
We can not fault the cottage or surroundings.
Dogs + horse settled and loved the break as much as we did !
This shall be our annual getaway from here on out, being extra special of course after getting the engagement !
Beautiful places to ride on the door stop, we have seen many red deer which we was over the moon about !
Thank you so much to both of you ! Cant wait to return soon!
Leanne, Jobie, horse + dogs.
26th Sept -Oct 3rd 2021
Its been a lovely week up at Exmoor again, we love Bracken cottage & feel very at home here.
We went for some lovely walks down at the “Valley of the rocks” “Tarr Steps” + Horner Woods + “Watersmeet”.
Sue and Richie kept us informed when the local garage had fuel during the fuel shortage.
Hope to come again next spring + in the Autumn.
Liz & Gerald Thomas
St Ives Cornwall
“An absolute gem! Everything you could need or want for. A relaxing break. Look forward to returning many times, Thank you Sue & Richie.”Andy & Diana, Shropshire. – December 2020 [Gorse Cottage]
“Beautiful area, lovely cosy cottage, really enjoyed our Christmas break here and hoping to book next Christmas.Thank you we felt safe here.”David,Marion, Victoria, Alfie & Ziggy. – December 2020 [Fern Cottage]
“Had a week here to escape the stress of covid and arrived just before lockdown 2. What an amazing place so peaceful and friendly.Had days out to Minehead, Dunster, Porlock and Heddons Mouth. Spent time exploring this area, walked to the top of the woods, made friends with Charlie the horse and the chickens.We will come back for sure.This is a sanctuary in a troubled world.”Alan & Carol. Hayling Island – November 2020 [Heather Cottage]
“Lovely host & hostess who made us so welcome. Lovely warm cottage with all that we needed. A fabulous base for exploring Exmoor.”Jayne Rob Sue & James. – October 2020 Bracken Cottage
“We have had the most amazing stay in this beautiful & cosy cottage. It has been the perfect week so much so that we have cancelled all the holiday plans that we have made for 2021 and booked three separate weeks in Heather instead.Thank you for welcoming us we could not have had a better time.”Rob Beccy & Thistle the spaniel. – October 2020 [Heather Cottage]
“Thank you , we have had a lovely week in Gorse cottage, clean, warm and welcoming hosts.Look forward to returning.”Best Wishes Julie & Julian – August 2020 [Gorse cottage]
“Had a lovely 6 days re-exploring Exmoor and being able to return to the peace and quiet of Riscombe was the icing on the cake.Micheal & Liz – September 2020 [Bracken Cottage]
“Enjoyed a lovely peaceful week, the cottage is delightful a pleasure to come back to after a trip out or long walk. Saw plenty of deer too – an added bonus.”
Belinda &Dave, Leicester -July 2020 [Fern Cottage]
“Brilliant maps and information for walking. Especially appreciated the drying room [in the wet weather!]. Thank you for a very comfortable and well-equipped cottage. Lovely to be back on Exmoor again – a trip down memory lane.” The Kings, Sept/Oct 2019 [Gorse Cottage]
“Thank you for another wonderful week, this time in Fern Cottage (Heather Cottage last time). Hoolie our horse and Hemi our dog have had another great week! Living our dream of having our horse in the back garden, so to speak! [it was in the field next to the cottage]. Thank you Leone for a great ride and for both being amazing hosts again – we love it here and you always make us feel so welcome — and would highly recommend to anyone wanting to stay in Exmoor or holiday with their horse/dog. Great rides/walks. Being able to have a game and a glass of fizz in the garden watching the animals is bliss. Perfect holiday for us and memories to cherish for a lifetime.” Natasha & Chris, August 2019 [Fern Cottage]
“Thank you Brian & Leone. We had a lovely time. Exmoor is a beautiful place – an experience of a lifetime. Our girls had a lovely time and are sad to go back. It is a lovely cottage and we felt at home.” The Bhalla family, August 2019
“We loved our holiday at Riscombe Farm, thanks to the wonderful hosts, lovely animals and quiet and serene surroundings. Would love to return someday.” Arjan, Mirjam, Jelle & Eva from the Netherlands, August 2019 [Heather Cottage]
“Stayed here the last week of June 2019. Not much to say about the place as it was close to perfect! Hosts were so nice and helpful. The site was amazing (as were the duck eggs). Just needed to convey my thanks for an amazing weeks stay. Keep doing what you’re doing, it’s so close to perfect …. Thank you.” Alan & Shirley Cornell (& Pippa), June 2019 [Gorse Cottage]
“A beautiful place in the country. Quiet, lovely scenery, nice & dark at night, no street lights to keep you awake, animals to let you know you are in the countryside. Perfect. Not even the wet weather dampened our relaxing time here. Accommodation superb. Thank you.” Pat & Mike, June 2019 [Fern Cottage]
“A lovely relaxing week in a wonderful tranquil location. Loved waking up to the sound of birds and the friendly faces of the sheep and goats outside the bedroom window. Fern Cottage provided a great home from home place to relax which was most welcome. A very enjoyable break – just hope for a little more sun next time!” The Garratts and Billy the dog, June 2019 [Fern Cottage]
“Everything was perfect! Thank you.” Chris & Catherine from Cambridge, December 2018/January 2019 [Gorse Cottage]
“We have had a lovely New Year break. Lovely comfortable cottage. Everything we needed in a fabulous part of the country. Thank you.” Debbie, Paul, Simba & Hamish, December 2018/January 2019 [Fern Cottage]
“Spent a lovely Christmas break here. The cottage is very cosy and the bed is soooo comfy! Nice and peaceful location and central to everywhere in Exmoor.” Dave & June, December 2018 [Gorse Cottage]
“Thank you for a lovely stay and for being so friendly and welcoming. We really enjoyed our stay here and hope to be back soon.” Helen, Helen, Victoria, Suzann and Ulla, December2018 [Heather Cottage]
“Another lovely visit to Riscombe in warm and cosy Fern Cottage … looking forward to our next visit!” Ailsa & Leslie, November 2018 [Fern Cottage]
“Our stay was lovely. The cottage was beautiful and the animals were so friendly. There was something to do every day. The walks are amazing . We will definitely come back!” Lyndsay, Georgina, Sophie, Chloe & Alfie, October 2018 [Heather Cottage]
“A lovely week – weather amazing, crisp and dry. Our second visit, and again we enjoyed this lovely, warm and comfortable cottage – home from home! Great for our dogs, who are used to the freedom. Thank you Brian & Leone.” Liz, Mick, June & Mike (and the 4 collies!), October 2018 [Fern Cottage]
“We’ve been staying here for 2 weeks now – and it has been the most enjoyable holiday. All the animals on the farm, the farm itself, Brian & Leone, nature, everything here was very, very good.” [and they wrote much more!], Nicole & Gregor, Lippstadt, Germany, October 2018 [Gorse Cottage]
“Thanks to Leone & Brian for all they have done for us this past week. Heather Cottage is so lovely and the views are amazing, with horses and goats etc. – it was wonderful to wake up in the morning and see them there. The facilities are very good too, with a games room and laundry room. We couldn’t have wished for more.” Kath Sargent, August 2018 [Heather Cottage]
“Fantastic little cottage – everything in it that you could want. Lovely and peaceful and beautiful scenery. Brian & Leone very welcoming and helpful. We enjoyed visiting Tarr Steps, Lynton, Lymouth, Valley of Rocks and Porlock Weir.” Sheila & Claire, August 2018 [Gorse Cottage]
“To Mr & Mrs Larkin [Karen is referring back to the old TV show ‘Darling Buds of May’ for those of you who remember it!]: You do indeed live the good life in a rather beautiful part of the world. We have seen deer, cattle, ponies, your hilarious Indian runner ducks, your tame sheep and her lambs and, delightfully, a stoat! Some things shouldn’t change and Exmoor tries not to … we look forward to bringing our grandchildren and children again to this extraordinary legacy.” Karen & Rene from Australia, July 2018 [Bracken Cottage]
“Brilliant cottage! Brilliant scenery! Brilliant weather! Thank you for letting us bring our two dogs too. [they wrote lots more about Exmoor here …]. The cottage was superb and oh that bed and quilt! Slept like a log!” Peter & Margaret from Coventry, June 2018 [Gorse Cottage]
“I returned to the land of my youth and we have been absolutely delighted by the quality and efficiency of the accommodation and the amazing beauty and glory of the countryside. Thank you for enabling us to have such a stunningly wonderful 4 days. We would love to come back.” Steve & Dianne Ball, May 2018 [Gorse Cottage]
“Enjoyed our return to the cottages -been every year for 9 or 10 years. Still finding new places – e.g. Heddons Mouth, as well as reacquainting with old. beautiful area that we keep coming back to.” June Chapman, April 2018 [Fern Cottage]
“I couldn’t have spent my 50th birthday in a better place! A beautiful setting and a warm, welcoming cottage. So lovely to have had time with great friends and all the dogs. The sunshine was a real bonus! We must have covered all of Exmoor too! from Lynmouth to Dulverton, Dunster and the top of Dunkery Beacon. All are places I recommend, but especially Porlock Weir and the tea room at Horner Woods (and the woods themselves). The Crown And White Horse in Exford were both great for food as well as being friendly and welcoming. Thank you Brian & Leone – we’ll all be back again soon I hope!” Nicki Jempsen, April 2018 [Gorse Cottage]
“Now our 9th year of returning! So many family memories made here. weather not so great so we had to venture further to find some sun. We had a lovely day in Bude – worth the journey – and also discovered Exmoor’s Heddon Valley, with a lovely walk to the coast.” Sam, Paul, Charlie, Izzie & Annabel [Heather Cottage]
“A wonderful time (as always). We’re seeing Bracken Cottage as a ‘home from home’, with picturesque surroundings and great eateries. Bramble our dog loves it too!” Adrian & Denise Lawrence, April 2018 [Bracken Cottage]
“What a fantastic find this cottage has been! despite being snowed in for two days we have had a lovely time and have fallen in love with the area. Thank you so much Brian and leone for all your help. We will be back!” Moira, Bill (& Bobbie, Topsy & Millie), March 2018 [Fern Cottage]
“Thank you for the wonderful time – I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here exploring the area. I love the villages and pubs. Our hosts have been wonderful. A trip of fantastic memories.” Julie Wills (Melbourne, Australia). March 2018 [Bracken Cottage]
“Perfect! We’ll be back.” Verity, Patrick and Tallis their dog, February 2018 [Gorse Cottage]
“Perfect! Long walks and back to a warm and cosy cottage – what more could you want, thank you.” Jon, Mandy (plus dogs Denny, Cassie and Bailey), January/February 2018 [Fern Cottage]
“Another super stay in Fern Cottage. Nothing to fault at all. Comfortable, warm & relaxing. We will be returning.” Colin, Pauline (& Jazz), January 2018 [Fern Cottage]
“A birthday celebration gathering. A great place to bring the family to explore Exmoor. The cottage has been a joy – beautifully warm, with the added pleasure of a wood burner. It has everything we need and lovely beds to enjoy a great nights sleep. Brian & Leone are excellent hosts, keen to make it a good stay for us.” Maggie, December 2017 [Heather Cottage]
“We loved it, our 4 dogs loved it and our 4 month old daughter enjoyed it. All of us loved how cosy the cottage is. Dad really enjoyed being down here again. This now makes 4 generations of our family that have stayed at Riscombe Farm! Thank you.” Ian, Martin, Cindy & little Laura plus the dogs, November 2017 [Bracken Cottage]
“Our second visit to Heather Cottage and our 26th year of Exmoor stays. We’ve definitely found our ‘home from home’ and will be back!” Sarah & Catherine Coton, and Dipper the dog, October/November 2017 [Heather Cottage]
“Thank you for a very enjoyable stay. Very comfy cottage, well equipped for the whole family. Beautiful surroundings. Idyllic holiday for all!! Will be recommending to others.” The Hall family, October 2017 [Heather Cottage]
“What a lovely place. We have had a fantastic week. The cottage is beautiful and perfect for two. Comfortable and well-equipped. Love your ponies, goats and sheep. Fantastic walks. We will be booking again. Thank you. Sue & Dean, September 2017 [Gorse Cottage]
“Warm, comfortable, tasteful – home from home and lovely views! What more could you ask for? Thank you Leo & Brian.” Gordon, Yvonne & Hazel, September 2017 [Bracken Cottage]
“We had a great time! What a very nice landscape. We loved it! The kids enjoyed the goats, chickens, ducks, horses and the river.” The Hiansora family (the Netherlands), August 2017 [Fern Cottage]
“Many thanks to Brian & Leone. We have had a lovely time visiting Valley of Rocks, Lynmouth & Lynton, rockpooling, pony riding and a day at Ilfracombe. The boys loved the farm animals too. Will recommend to all!” Sarah, Pete, Oli & Louis, August 2017 [Bracken Cottage]
“What a fantastic week we have had. Cottage is great. Loved the hanging baskets – what a display! Lovely to wake up to see the beautiful green fields and countryside that surround this picturesque place. So enjoyed taking our dog ‘Brian’ for walks in the fields meeting the goats, sheep and ponies. Love the swing too! Spent every day exploring. Dunster Mill and gardens was superb and beautiful. Porlock Weir, Lynton & Lynmouth are a must to visit. Great cycle hire (with a dog carrier) on the Tarka trail at Barnstaple. Ilfracombe was great … [and they wrote much more!].” Sam and daughter Emma & Brian the dog, August 2017 [Gorse Cottage]
“Lovely stay – great location. So peaceful. Great time coasteering and kayaking at Watermouth Bay with Active Escapes. Really worth a visit – stunning scenery. Good cream tea at Watersmeet Cafe. Seen Tarr Steps and Heddon Valley. Love Exmoor – so unspoilt.” Louise, Simon, Tomas and Alex, August 2017 [Bracken Cottage]
“We’ve had a fabulous few days on our first visit to Exmoor. Great location from which to explore. Enjoyed Bracken Cottage and the facilities at Riscombe – particularly the swings in the meadow! We walked the Valley of Rocks – spectacular – and Tarr Steps is just stunning. Will definitely return to do more exploring. Thanks for our stay!” Helen, Ken, Jayne & Jamie (and Minx and Maisie), July 2017 [Bracken Cottage]
“A lovely, well-equipped cottage. Lovely warm welcome on arrival. Very enjoyable walks in lovely countryside, with wonderful scenery and magnificent views. Lots of things to do in the area. Visited West Somerset Railway and Lynton/Lynmouth funicular railway. Meals in the Exmoor White Horse Inn excellent.” Roy and Phillipa, July 2017 [Gorse Cottage]
“Thank you once again for a wonderful holiday in Fern Cottage. The peace and quiet is amazing and we are thoroughly ‘chilled out’.” Derek, Chris and Josie, July 2017 [Fern Cottage]
“A marvellous week in this lovely cottage, very homely and comfortable. Such a gorgeous and peaceful area. Very friendly and helpful owners. This has been a holiday to remember!” Les & Sheila Perrin, June 2017 [Bracken Cottage]
“Leone and Brain, your Heather Cottage is everything that we would have wished for. The welcome, surroundings and animals combine to make this a wonderful place in which to spend a few days of relaxation. The cottage atmosphere has been ideal for our family get-together.” Wilson & Barbara, Vito, Hannah, Scott and Rachael, June 2017 [Heather Cottage]
“Lovely cottage with very comfortable beds and a stunning view. We enjoyed seeing your friendly animals and the new lambs. Thank you Brian & Leone.” Joanne, George & Jack, June 2017 [Fern Cottage]
“We have had a wonderful week at Riscombe and loved Bracken Cottage. Well equipped and very comfortable! Lots of happy memories of horsey holidays here and more to add from this week. Thank you and see you again!” Susanna, Ward, Jess & Emma (and Meg the dog), June 2017 [Bracken Cottage]
“Thank you both so much, we have all had a super few days and marvellous weather. Such a beautiful peaceful area and a lovely, comfy cottage.” The Hayes family (and Jessica and Mikki), May 2017 [Heather Cottage]
“We have been Exmoor visitors for over 30 years – mostly day visits. This time for our 50th wedding anniversary a family stay and celebration. Riscombe is a wonderful place and our (sadly brief) stay in Fern Cottage has been so comfortable and relaxing with the farm animals sharing friendships. Thank you Brian & Leone.” Alan & Linda (Yeovil) and Tracey & Dave (Lake District), March 2017 [Fern Cottage]
“Thank you for such a great place to spend a 40th birthday with 4 great friends – catching up, exploring and drinking! The cottage was perfect and the bed heaven. Would love to come back with the kiddies.” Carly, Laura, Clare, Alex & Lisa, March 2017 [Bracken Cottage]
“A super cottage for a family short winter break. Brian, thank you for looking after the grandchildren when feeding the animals – the highlight of their stay!” The Radfords & Cara, February 2017 [Heather Cottage]
“This is the place Memories are made. Thank you, we loved it.” Mike & Brenda Cox, December 2016 [Heather Cottage]
“Our fourth time here at Riscombe … everything perfect as always. Thank you Leone & Brian for another peaceful and relaxing stay. See you again soon!” Tatiana, Mike & Spike, December 2016 [Bracken Cottage]
“What a fabulous find! Plenty to do, great surroundings. Wonderful cottage, perfect retreat. Great, friendly welcoming hosts. Thank you so much.” Wendy, Cara & Jo, November 2016 [Heather Cottage]
“Perfect accommodation for 5 and a wonderful setup. Great base from which to visit our favourite places in this stunningly beautiful area. Thank you so much for everything, including your eggs!” Rosie & Roger Britton and Tom, Eva & Mei, October 2016 [Bracken Cottage]
“Thank you for the use of Heather Cottage – a wonderful home from home. Exmoor is a lovely place and we’re already trying to decide when to return!” The Macdonald family, August 2016 [Heather Cottage]
“Lovely week spent here. Very comfortable cottage – one of the best we have stayed in. Dogs loved the walks and the nearby fields. Thank you Brian & Leone for your hospitality.” Jill & Richard (and their 3 dogs, Diva, Dennis & Tali), September 2016 [Fern Cottage]
“Fantastic cottage, hosts and area to explore. We have had a lovely stay. It was really nice to wake up in the morning and hear the birds singing and the river running … thank you to lovely hosts, Brian & Leone. We will definitely be back again very soon! Can’t wait ’til then!” The McCoy family, August 2016, [Fern Cottage]
“Bracken Cottage is a total joy – and everywhere interesting seems to be on the doorstep! Thank you both for your warm welcome and we hope to come again before too long. Can’t wait!” Adrian & Denise Lawrence (& Bramble), July 2016 [Bracken Cottage]