AN idyllic Exmoor tea room is reopening later this month under the management of new tenant Antony Chipperfield.

Mr Chipperfield, who lives in Porlock, has taken on The Buttery, at Malmsmead, in Lorna Doone Valley, made famous by R.D. Blackmore’s 1869 novel of romance and banditry in 17th century Devon and Somerset.

The Buttery is set to reopen its doors on March 29, almost exactly a year since Mr Chipperfield and his wife Jessica also opened the Rambler’s Rest tea room not far away in the grade two listed County Gate building.

A view over Exmoor's Lorna Doone Valley.
A view over Exmoor's Lorna Doone Valley. PHOTO: Mark Johnson. ( )

The Rambler’s Rest is billed as the highest coastal road tea room in Britain.

The re-opening of The Buttery will sit alongside Easter events in the valley hosted by the National Trust.

Mr Chipperfield said: “I consider it a huge privilege to be entrusted with The Buttery tea room.

“Alongside our staff we will endeavour to offer a superb service to all who visit.”

Malmsmead Bridge and the old ford in Exmoor's Lorna Doone Valley
Malmsmead Bridge and the old ford in Exmoor's Lorna Doone Valley. PHOTO: Mark Johnson. ( )

The trust is also holding a free, fun-filled family activity day in Lorna Doone Valley on Wednesday, April 3, featuring a wide range of nature and craft activities in the garden in front of The Buttery. 

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a popular National Trust Easter trail running throughout the school holidays from March 29 to April 14 at £3 per trail, including an egg.

Doone Valley Gallery and Gifts will also be open with its focus on local artists, showcasing a selection of unique gifts and homeware for visitors.

National Trust Lorna Doone programming and partnerships officer James Adams said: “We cannot wait to be back open at Lorna Doone and look forward to sharing Easter fun with visitors of all ages in this beautiful spot on Exmoor.

The old ford at Malmsmead, in Lorna Doone Valley, on Exmoor.
The old ford at Malmsmead, in Lorna Doone Valley, on Exmoor. PHOTO: Mark Johnson. ( )

“We are looking forward to working with Antony and his team and are delighted for them to be joining us in the valley.”

National Trust Easter trails will also be held in Baggy Point, Woolacombe, Heddon Valley, and Arlington Court.

They offer a variety of fun activities along the route and are dog-friendly, although visitors are advised to follow any on-site lead recommendations.