The Blackdown Hills is an almost secret area with a very precious and unique landscape. Few people realise the extent of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where narrow lanes are virtually historical monuments dating back centuries.

It straddles the Devon/Somerset border and the M5 and A303 skirt the north and south which has allowed the area to remain largely unspoilt.

The Blackdowns AONB is surrounded by towns with Wellington in the north the nearest to Clayhidon. Taunton is around 7 miles away and going round in a circle Ilminster, Chard, Axminster, Honiton, Cullompton and Tiverton are reached.

The area is an agricultural plateau dotted with villages and hidden valleys such as the Culm Valley which is overlooked by the Half Moon’s garden.

Clayhidon is one of the largest parishes in Devon, some seven miles long and three wide. Although hidden away it is central to reach all the attractions and amenities of The Quantock Hills, Exmoor, the Mendips with Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole, Yeovilton Air Museum, National Trust properties such as Montacute House and Killerton House. The city of Exeter is half an hour’s distance with Dartmoor beyond.

Dunkeswell Aerodrome (ICAO: EGTU) is an airfield in East Devon, England. It is located approximately 5 mi (8.0 km) north of the town of Honiton and 14 NM (26 km; 16 mi) northeast of Exeter. It is a busy civilian airfield with a mix of light aircraft, microlights and parachuting.

Dunkeswell Aerodrome has a CAA Ordinary Licence (Number P674) that allows flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying instruction as authorised by the licensee (Air Westward Limited).

The area is a Mecca for walkers & cyclists and there are many lovely walks and footpaths passing near to the pub. Click here to find out more.