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The Lion is a family run Hotel located in the heart of the quaint town of Dulverton, at the edge of the Exmoor National Park, surrounded by green hills and picturesque views. Built in 1822, the hotel was a former coach station, retaining its historic charm in the cozy interior. Spend your day exploring the Exmoor and its diversity of activies such as hiking, fishing, horse riding, bird-watching and more; and then come to relax in our bar or restaurant. We serve home-cooked meals made with seasonal, local produce - why not join us for a nice dinner paired with a nice wine? Or, unwind with a local ale or cider at our bar. The rooms, restaurant, and bar are dog friendly so don't forget to bring your best friend along. Well behaved pets even get treats! We also offer storage facilities for bikes and sporting equipment. We look forward to your visit, don't hesitate to contact us about any special requirements. We and our friendly staff are eager to welcome you!
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
Business
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English
Location
2 Bank Square, Dulverton, Exmoor National Park TA22 9BU England
Lion Hotel
103 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
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The Lion Hotel is often celebrated for its cozy rooms and family-friendly atmosphere, though the charm is somewhat diminished by an outdated decor that guests feel needs rejuvenating. While opinions on cleanliness are divided, the value is widely acknowledged, with many praising the fair pricing and delightful breakfast. The hotel's prime location in Dulverton is a highlight, offering lovely views and convenience.
Amenities are generally appreciated, especially the quality food, but some travelers suggest a need for better upkeep. The staff's attentiveness is a consistent plus, adding to the hotel's appeal.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Outdated
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Friendly
Amenities
Satisfactory
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We were on a cycling trip from Bath to Barnstaple and stayed in Dulverton on route. The Lion did not disappoint! The bikes were safely locked away and then we enjoyed comfortable rooms, a delicious dinner and great breakfast, all with quiet care and attention. Thank you all
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
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 here for one night on a flying visit to Exmoor. This is an old hotel and, like many of its kind, many of its furnishings are a little dated. There were lots of positives though. The family running the hotel are very friendly, and the hotel has a relaxed atmosphere (breakfast is available until 9.30). Speaking of breakfast, it was excellent. We stayed on a Monday night, which was 'pizza night'. The pizzas were really tasty, and great value. The bar and dining room were lovely, and there was a good selection of beers, wines and cider on offer. Our room was charming, albeit some of the decor could do with updating. There was good wi-fi, a good selection of toiletries and teas, and complimentary bottled water. We were able to park outside, and the hotel also offers subsidised parking in the town car park, which is a 2-minute walk away. The location and setting is really lovely, with views over the roofs of Dulverton, and the surrounding hills.
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Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip 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.
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From the moment we walked in Pete was attentive and friendly. He explained everything in great detail and even showed us where to park our car. The room was very well presented and even had little chocolate biscuits on the tea stand. The attention to detail was noticed and carried out throughout the hotel. Food was outstanding with every mouthful full of flavour. We are glad we stayed for dinner which although took time to prepare was well worth the wait. The chef came to our table to make sure everything was in order and to make sure we were happy. It can be typical for British people to be asked if their food is good and for them to reply it is, when it isn't. In the case of our stay this was never an issue. We thoroughly recommend The Lion hotel both to stay at and to eat the wonderful food. Thank you to Pete and his family for providing such a wonderful service.
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Book in advance to avoid disappointment
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.
Recently stayed here with some friends, and it was an ‘experience’ to say the least!
Dated bedroom decor, uncomfortable bed, peeling wood chip wall/ceiling paper, disgusting bathroom extractor fan, constant whirling of macerator toilet whilst showering, and awful, stained carpet are just a ‘few’ issues!
Hot shower water took a good ten minutes to come through on my first morning, with the macerator constantly going at the same time too. On the second morning, the water was scoldingly hot and even turning down to 1 did nothing to calm the liquid lava dribbling out. It was one temperature, boiling hot and that was it!
The dust and detritus in the bedroom was rather off putting too. And the carpet stains the worst I’d seen in any establishment I have stayed at.
After eating at Woods on the first night, we thought we would have a nightcap back at the Hotel on our return at 10.30pm, but it was all locked up! We thought we’d get back early on our second night, but again it was locked up at 10pm.
Breakfast was ok, although poached eggs were overcooked on both days. Percolator/American style coffee pot producing disappointing weak coffee. The large accumulation of fly cadavers on the windowsill was an added bonus, which remained throughout our two night stay.
The hotel seriously needs investment, upgrading and a b****y good clean!
Sorry Lion, but and I would not recommend anyone to stay here.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Family-run hotel with comfy beds and a warm atmosphere. Lovely staff you can have a laugh with. The German gent who runs the place is really friendly, and is keen to add a few personal touches.
The building itself is a bit tired, it’s a bit of a woodchip wallpaper fest in places, and it does take about 10 minutes for hot water to come through. However, I had a nice (very hot) bath with a little patience. This is a very old building so expect wonky floors etc.
Tasty evening meals are available on some evenings, and the menu is a bit limited, but there are great places to eat out in the village anyway. The Thai restaurant around the corner is particularly good.
If you’re looking for a modern building then this isn’t for you. It’s not “fancy”, it’s not really designed for you to spend your afternoon in the room watching the TV (there was a TV but it was about the size of an A4 sheet of paper) If, however you are looking for a great location to access Dartmoor, if you like a decent breakfast, and want to soak up a bit of Exmoor charm then this is the place for you. Dunster Castle, Minehead, Porlock, Tarr Steps and Knightshayes Court are lots of places to visit in the area.
You will need a car to get about. We had no issues with parking at all, there is some free parking outside the hotel on the road, we always managed to park up fine.
I thought this hotel was brilliant. I’d definitely go back one day.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip 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.
We stayed here on the way to Cornwall for one night and booked 2 rooms. Im not sure if the other travellers stayed in the same place as I but my experience was not the best.
To start with the positives, the owners were really nice and friendly. The food in the restaurant looked really good and so did the breakfast however I personally didn’t eat there due to the following reasons.
I found the room to be frank, absolutely disgusting. The carpet in my particular room were heavily stained and filthy. The room smelt and needed a deep clean. The furniture was tried and shabby, in my opinion, needs to be disposed of and replaced. There was a hole in the bathroom floor and every time we flushed the toilet or ran the tap there was a really loud banging and rattling sound.
Im not sure if I just got the short straw and ended up the worst room possible as the other reviews appear to be contradictory to my own experience but the 2nd room we booked was only marginally better than mine.
The building in general need’s completely refurbishing from top to bottom. This could be a lovely place with some investment.
I understand the owners have only recently purchased the property in the last couple of years however in its current state, it isn’t fit for paying guests. For the same price or less you could book in at the local travel lodge and be guaranteed better accommodation.
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip 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.
We made a very last minute booking to stay at the Lion Hotel as we had just moved to the town but found we couldn't stay in our new property due to a burst water pipe. We were made to feel very welcome, nothing was too much trouble and even kept the kitchen open later so we could have a hot meal (which was very delicious - if you have a chance to eat in the restaurant, do!). The room was very comfortable and had everything we needed, including a lovely hot shower which was much needed after a stressful moving day. Our breakfast the next morning was excellent, the food is cooked with loving care and it makes such a difference. Thanks to all the family at the Lion Hotel for a short but great stay.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip 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.
We were extremely well looked after during our stay at the Lion Hotel. The owner, his wife and son all delivered. Whatever we asked for (and we did have a few personal requests) they delivered. The breakfast was delicious and well cooked with good quality ingredients. Again, very accommodating with all our boring old dietary requirements. The bed was comfortable too. The position is perfect for everything within Dulverton. Our room was at the front so a bit noisy on the Saturday night as next to a bar and restaurant, but then it was very quiet. Parking outside the hotel was easy too. Perfect access to Tarr steps from Dulverton, along with Exmoor. I would just recommend that they oil their doors as they were incredibly squeaky - an easy fix.
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Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip 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.
The hotel is in a central part of Dulverton and the owner provides reduced price parking in the nearby car park. Great for exploring into Exmoor and found some lovely circular walks. Tarr Steps washed away at the moment but we found a bridge further upstream. We had a lovely stay in a large, clean room complete with tea/coffee and choc biccies and all the usual bathroom essentials. The lovely owner and his son were very attentive. Lovely breakfast including perfect poached eggs :) Ate in the restaurant one night (food Thursdays to Sundays when we were there) and had a lovely meal. Recommend the pork schnitzels and marinated potatoes - gorgeous! Thank you
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip 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.
Old fashioned family run hotel. Guests can expect to be treated courteously and attentively and to be served the the best breakfast on Exmoor.
The hotel is set within the small town of Dulverton, close to all the main amenities.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Make sure you ask for a parking permit
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.
There are more places to choose from in the Dulverton area.
PRICE RANGE
£101 - £123 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandExmoor National ParkDulverton
NUMBER OF ROOMS
13
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LION HOTEL - Updated 2025 Reviews, Photos & Prices
Frequently Asked Questions about Lion Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Lion Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Dulverton Exmoor National Park Centre (0.1 miles), Dulverton Heritage Centre (0.05 miles), and Browns Of Dulverton (0.03 miles).
