I must confess, I have a bit of a soft spot for Exmoor.
It was the destination for many of our family holidays when I was a child. I would spend many hours hanging around the stables at the campsite where we stayed, brushing the long suffering trekking ponies when I wasn't riding them, or playing in the river with new found friends. Occasionally I would be dragged away for family activities like going for walks which culminated in a delicious cream tea and occasionally, as a treat, eating fish and chips by the sea.
Yes, many of my happiest memories are rooted in this part of the world.
Maybe that's part of the reason why I love visiting The Culbone so much, although you don't need nostalgia to appreciate this lovely pub with rooms.
Perched on the top of Porlock Hill, on one of the highest point of Exmoor, it boasts unrivalled views over the moors, and is gloriously peaceful.
But one of the best things about The Culbone is the warm welcome and friendly atmosphere. It's the sort of place where you feel instantly relaxed and at home.
We arrived in a torrential downpour, rivulets of water gushing down the hill and thick cloud sinking into the valley.
It was just a short dash from the car to the front door, but just long enough, and the rain heavy enough, to ensure that we were more than a little damp by the time we got inside.
As soon as we stepped through the door we were greeted like old friends.
There was no stuffy check-in procedure - no standing around shivering while we filled in endless forms.
Instead we were ushered to an inviting sofa next to a roaring log fire and plied with hot drinks which was the best welcome we could have asked for.
The Culbone is very much a pub with rooms rather than a hotel, and there's only five bedrooms so the service is really personal and friendly.
Despite the weather and it's fairly remote location all the tables were fully booked that evening - testament to its popularity with the locals as well as visitors.
The food is outstanding - proper pub food, but done exceptionally well. There's a real emphasis on local produce, with Exmoor game, Somerset pork and fish from just down the road in Brixham. The Culbone is also very proud of its Devon Red steaks - and rightly so. The meat is dry aged for a minimum of 28 days and this local breed gives rich, dark meat with a little marbling, which creates steaks that are juicy and full of flavour.
It's not fine dining, but it's delicious and hearty and the sort of food that you want to keep eating even when you're full to bursting.
After a meal out it's always a treat not to have to deal with a journey home, and we almost rolled back to our room.
We were staying in Room 1, the biggest of the five rooms, which also has its own terrace.
The rooms are all cosy and comfortable and while they are not the most luxurious in the world, they have everything you need, with big beds, toiletries in the bathroom, tea and coffee trays and big flasks filled with water from their own well.
When we awoke the next morning, after a wonderful night's sleep, the rain had gone, leaving a bright and crisp autumnal morning.
The darkness and driving rain of the night before had obscured the views, but that morning they were revealed in all their glory.
We could see for miles, the autumnal reds and golds of the trees and the bracken glowing against the clear blue sky.
It can be easy to take the British countryside for granted, but it was a sharp reminder of just how beautiful our country can be.
The Culbone is perfectly placed for exploring Exmoor. There are walks leading from the car park, and some of the rooms are pet-friendly so you can take your dog with you too.
The quaint village of Porlock is just a short drive, as well as the old market town of Dunster with its castle and quaint shops and the seaside is within easy reach.
The Culbone can also arrange activities - they have a cookery school on site, run Exmoor food safaris where you can find out more about the local food producers, and can also arrange Dark Skies safaris.
Rooms start from around £85 a night for bed and breakfast, but there are a range of deals available.
For more details visit www.theculbone.com.
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