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The Royal Oak Inn
Sparrow Lane Exmoor National Park, Withypool, Exmoor National Park TA24 7QP England
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Avg. £135 /night, 1/25 - 1/26
£171
per night
£153
per night
£135
per night
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About
#1 of 1 inn in Withypool
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
After extensive refurbishment & taking over in April 2019, we offer 1 Standard Double, 3 Deluxe Doubles, 2 Superior Bedrooms & 2 Luxury Suites along with 2 indoor bars, a restaurant/function room & fully stocked outdoor bar with outdoor garden with covered areas & generous outdoor seating area with large picnic benches and then some loose seating for groups or individuals to enjoy eating and drinking outside. The Royal Oak is a traditional Exmoor Inn and we have retained the features of the beautiful building whilst adding some modern touches like Sky TV in all bedrooms, Nespresso machines and mini bars Luxury Suites... this is just a couple of the newest additions. We are open from midday everyday and food from 12-8 everyday and a Roast on a Sunday. We have an extensive Gin and Malt Bar and also offer local drinks including Exmoor Ales and our own Withy Wanger Ale and Withy Wurzel cider. Dogs and children are very welcome in our bars and dogs are welcome in all downstairs area whilst dogs and children can stay in selected Rooms
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Property amenities
Free parking
Street parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Quaint
Location
Sparrow Lane Exmoor National Park, Withypool, Exmoor National Park TA24 7QP England
Getting there
9 Restaurants
within 5 miles
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
Great pub for a quick lunch in between walks around Exmoor. Due to Covid-19, they have set a great system out in the car park/beer garden, they had clear instructions and well laid out tables. Me and my wife both had sandwiches which were excellent and a very good price. We also got a sausage for each of our black Labradors which they very much enjoyed. Will be back again.
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tracey Avery, Owner at The Royal Oak Inn
Responded 25 Jan 2021
Thank you for your kind review. We are so pleased you had a great visit. We do hope to welcome you again in the future. Tracey & Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Me and 17 friends went camping this weekend and after a long walk we descended onto The Royal Oak.
At first we were aware that we were pouncing on them unannounced and so we were wary they may not be prepared to host such a large amount for a meal.
However, as soon as we arrived, numerous members of staff jumped behind the bar enthusiastically to serve us and they were all very friendly and entertaining to talk with.
The outdoor seating area was really well kept with outdoor heating and a really large space to host a lot of people.
The staff were happy to take requests for menu changes and the food came out pretty quickly too!
I had the chicken burger which was DELICIOUS. amazingly presented and i could taste the lovely fresh ingredients.
The staff did a brilliant job and our young waitress was incredibly helpful and friendly.
Massive thank you to The Royal Oak for such a great meal.
At first we were aware that we were pouncing on them unannounced and so we were wary they may not be prepared to host such a large amount for a meal.
However, as soon as we arrived, numerous members of staff jumped behind the bar enthusiastically to serve us and they were all very friendly and entertaining to talk with.
The outdoor seating area was really well kept with outdoor heating and a really large space to host a lot of people.
The staff were happy to take requests for menu changes and the food came out pretty quickly too!
I had the chicken burger which was DELICIOUS. amazingly presented and i could taste the lovely fresh ingredients.
The staff did a brilliant job and our young waitress was incredibly helpful and friendly.
Massive thank you to The Royal Oak for such a great meal.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2020
Value
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tracey Avery, Owner at The Royal Oak Inn
Responded 25 Jan 2021
Thank you for your kind review. We are so pleased you had a great visit. We do hope to welcome you again in the future. Tracey & Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracey and team have worked very hard to create a very good post Covid environment to eat and drink. Food is good pub grub, and the conversion of the car park to beer garden with mobile bar is fantastic. Well worth a visit.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tracey Avery, Owner at The Royal Oak Inn
Responded 25 Jan 2021
Thank you for your kind review. We are so pleased you had a great visit. We do hope to welcome you again in the future. Tracey & Team
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We decided to visit Withypool as a staycation this summer due to the beautiful scenery in the near by vicinity and the local attractions.
We arrived for our one nights stay and made our way to our room.
The room was clean, the bed was comfortable and the bathroom was of a good standard, however we noticed a few minor faults such as the sky box/toilet flush not working properly.
We then went down to the bar for drinks/dinner, it seemed as though they were unstaffed as it took around 5/10 minutes for someone to even acknowledge we were waiting. We had booked a dinner reservation and we were shown to the dining room after enquiring as staff didn’t seem to make much effort with the guests. We then received menus and did not hear a word from any staff member until we asked to be served approximately 30 minutes later, to which the waitress almost seemed annoyed that she had to serve us. The waitresses generally seemed inexperienced and seemed to only chose to serve a few tables and ignore the rest.
The food arrived after about an hour from us entering the dining room however, it was good value for money and was enjoyable.
The same long wait occurred at breakfast, we got down for 8:40 and once again didn’t even get acknowledged for 30 minutes despite there only being 5 other tables at breakfast.This unjustified delay meant that we received our meals at 9:40 with a checkout time of 10:00 which made us feel rushed.
All in all the overnight stay didn’t seem worth the amount we paid and the staff could be more attentive to their customers as we feel this is the biggest issue and would put us off staying here again.
We arrived for our one nights stay and made our way to our room.
The room was clean, the bed was comfortable and the bathroom was of a good standard, however we noticed a few minor faults such as the sky box/toilet flush not working properly.
We then went down to the bar for drinks/dinner, it seemed as though they were unstaffed as it took around 5/10 minutes for someone to even acknowledge we were waiting. We had booked a dinner reservation and we were shown to the dining room after enquiring as staff didn’t seem to make much effort with the guests. We then received menus and did not hear a word from any staff member until we asked to be served approximately 30 minutes later, to which the waitress almost seemed annoyed that she had to serve us. The waitresses generally seemed inexperienced and seemed to only chose to serve a few tables and ignore the rest.
The food arrived after about an hour from us entering the dining room however, it was good value for money and was enjoyable.
The same long wait occurred at breakfast, we got down for 8:40 and once again didn’t even get acknowledged for 30 minutes despite there only being 5 other tables at breakfast.This unjustified delay meant that we received our meals at 9:40 with a checkout time of 10:00 which made us feel rushed.
All in all the overnight stay didn’t seem worth the amount we paid and the staff could be more attentive to their customers as we feel this is the biggest issue and would put us off staying here again.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tracey Avery, Owner at The Royal Oak Inn
Responded 25 Jan 2021
Hi Emily. I am very disappointed to read this review. I have looked at your check out and cant see that of the above points were raised at anytime. We do have sky and normally if it isn't working if it a case of just putting it on the right channel, with the toilet, as are family trade is plumbing & heating this could of been rectified straight away. Both of these points could have been rectified on your check in. I don't know if you just sat down or let anyone know you had come down as our customer services and attention to customers is very high and this is very out of the norm for which I can only apologise. I wish the points had been raised with a member of my management team on the evening so it could of been rectified for you. I am so sorry your visit wasn't at the standard you expected.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The land lady Tracy made us feel really welcome. So organised and completely compliant with all Covid rules and regulations which makes you feel safe and reassured.
The staff and particarly Mel was very friendly and welcoming.
Tracy has obviously spent a lot of hard to come by money during this awful pandemic in making the outside of the pub seating area safe and so nice and inviting.
The food and menu was fantastic and I honestly believe that this pub will become one of the best in North Devon. Highly recommended and you won't be disappointed.
A rare jewel and I wish Tracy and all her staff all the success.
Brian and Nicola
The staff and particarly Mel was very friendly and welcoming.
Tracy has obviously spent a lot of hard to come by money during this awful pandemic in making the outside of the pub seating area safe and so nice and inviting.
The food and menu was fantastic and I honestly believe that this pub will become one of the best in North Devon. Highly recommended and you won't be disappointed.
A rare jewel and I wish Tracy and all her staff all the success.
Brian and Nicola
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: The game pie and Venison burgers are fantastic
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tracey Avery, Owner at The Royal Oak Inn
Responded 10 Jun 2021
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review.. we are so glad you enjoyed and can’t wait to welcome you again Tracey & Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Just returned from 6 night stay at The Royal Oak. Tracy and her excellent team worked very hard to keep everyone safe. The room was very clean on arrival and although it could not be serviced due to Covid,toiletries etc replenished on request. Lovely breakfasts. Lunch/dinner menu varied enough to be able to eat here every day of our stay. Food was consistently good quality. Lots of outside seating when weather permitted. The service was good even at busy times and the staff very friendly.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tracey Avery, Owner at The Royal Oak Inn
Responded 25 Jan 2021
Thank you for your kind review. We are so pleased you had a great visit. We do hope to welcome you again in the future. Tracey & Team
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I thought I would try this place again after a bad experience with the food … I shouldn’t have bothered it was disgusting. Somehow it was even was than before
The chefs can’t even get an order right. It was not cooked as described. The quality of the meat was horrendous the skin on fries were soaked in oil, not fresh. It was like they have cleaned out the bottom of the tray from the deep fat fryer and served up the remains.
Like I say I’ve had a bad experience the time before … thought I would give it another go. It was literally inedible I didn’t eat it. To ask £17 for that I would save your money
The pub used to serve good quality food but the last 2 times I’ve decided to eat there has been terrible. Overpriced too, save your money don’t order food eat elsewhere
The chefs can’t even get an order right. It was not cooked as described. The quality of the meat was horrendous the skin on fries were soaked in oil, not fresh. It was like they have cleaned out the bottom of the tray from the deep fat fryer and served up the remains.
Like I say I’ve had a bad experience the time before … thought I would give it another go. It was literally inedible I didn’t eat it. To ask £17 for that I would save your money
The pub used to serve good quality food but the last 2 times I’ve decided to eat there has been terrible. Overpriced too, save your money don’t order food eat elsewhere
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Booked a table on Tuesday via the pub’s website for Sunday lunch, just me and my wife. We both had the traditional roast beef as I do each time we go on a Sunday. Yet again, as with mid week visits too in the past, the food and the service was excellent. There’s no aires and graces about The Royal Oak but what you do get is a fair quality in an English country pub that is clean, warm (nice log stove fire on the roar) comfortable with clean toilet facilities that have hot water. Every effort is given to be COVID acceptable. A proper pub serving good food and drink.
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Date of stay: December 2020
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tracey Avery, Owner at The Royal Oak Inn
Responded 25 Jan 2021
Thank you for your kind review. We are so pleased you had a great visit. We do hope to welcome you again in the future. Tracey & Team
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
5 of us have just had a dinner evening at this location & all of us thoroughly enjoyed the food & atmosphere which was extremely welcoming. Tracey & her staff were efficient and provided a personal service that made us all want to return soon. The sense of being in a warm homely environment is something that can be rare to find these days. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area looking for a lovely place to visit and 2 of our party were staying in a room overnight which they told me was extremely comfortable. I have to end by again praising Tracey for her cheerful friendliness which made us all feel so welcome.
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Date of stay: October 2021
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at the Royal Oak for one night on our walking holiday.
Our room was very nice, almost opulent...
We were booked into the restaurant that night and this was confirmed a couple of times I also mentioned that this night was a special celebration for me as it was my birthday.
We were seated in the restaurant and someone took our drinks order and as were were not quite ready to order our food we were told that the waitress would give us a few more minutes....which turned into about 20 minutes or so, we had to eventually flag someone down to take our food order. I realise it was busy but its no excuse to forget about your customers.
We ordered starters and main course and opted for the fish. The starter arrived and mine was mediocre (I had scallops and the chorizo was rock hard and the scallops were not that nice) but I decided to let this go at the time.
We then waited again....and waited and eventually we again flagged someone down to ask where our main course was.
It then quickly appeared and the fish was lukewarm, needless to say we let this go back, by that time I think we both lost our appetite and we did not order anything else.
It was very disappointing to say the least, especially since we had a lot of communications before arrival at the Royal Oak.
My tip is to stay with safe dishes such as chips and steak and you probably can't go wrong.
Our room was very nice, almost opulent...
We were booked into the restaurant that night and this was confirmed a couple of times I also mentioned that this night was a special celebration for me as it was my birthday.
We were seated in the restaurant and someone took our drinks order and as were were not quite ready to order our food we were told that the waitress would give us a few more minutes....which turned into about 20 minutes or so, we had to eventually flag someone down to take our food order. I realise it was busy but its no excuse to forget about your customers.
We ordered starters and main course and opted for the fish. The starter arrived and mine was mediocre (I had scallops and the chorizo was rock hard and the scallops were not that nice) but I decided to let this go at the time.
We then waited again....and waited and eventually we again flagged someone down to ask where our main course was.
It then quickly appeared and the fish was lukewarm, needless to say we let this go back, by that time I think we both lost our appetite and we did not order anything else.
It was very disappointing to say the least, especially since we had a lot of communications before arrival at the Royal Oak.
My tip is to stay with safe dishes such as chips and steak and you probably can't go wrong.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Tracey Avery, Owner at The Royal Oak Inn
Responded 29 Sept 2021
Thank you for your review. It was an extremely busy evening and sorry we couldn’t acknowledge your birthday throughout the evening and we couldn’t meet your standards on your visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
debbiefuggle1 asked a question Jul 2019
South Molton, United Kingdom220 contributions15 helpful votesHi are well behaved dogs allowed in restaurant please.
Thank You
Debbie
Hi there
Yes we love doggies in our bar areas, we have 2. We normally don’t allow them in the restaurant but depending how many others are booked in and what night of the week it is. Let me know what day and I will look to help and accommodate
"Booking advised in the popular location. Different areas to sit in so specify what’s required on booking Dog friendly too"Read full review
PRICE RANGE
£140 - £162 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the royal oak hotel withypool
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandExmoor National ParkWithypool
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Royal Oak Inn
Which popular attractions are close to The Royal Oak Inn?
Nearby attractions include Tarr Steps (2.5 miles), Dunkery Beacon (4.6 miles), and Luckyard Farm (2.9 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Royal Oak Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at The Royal Oak Inn?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Royal Oak Inn?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Royal Oak Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Exford Bridge Tea Rooms, Withypool Tea Rooms, and Tarr Farm Restaurant.
Is The Royal Oak Inn located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.02 miles away from the centre of Withypool.
Are pets allowed at The Royal Oak Inn?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to The Royal Oak Inn?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Simonsbath Sawmill (4.6 miles).