![Portrait of Hugh Squier (1625-1710), benefactor of South Molton, Devon, in the Mayor's Parlour, Guildhall, South Molton. Oil on canvas (74cm * 60cm). Painted in 1799 by a certain Mr Whitby, a copy of the miniature purchased by the Town Council in 1796. It hung formerly in Hugh Squier's School.[1]](https://prod-images.planyourroadtrips.com/img/city-images/south-molton-gb-510167--38333/1-HughSquier_GuildhallSouthMolton.JPG?w=1080&q=80&f=webp)
bridge
Tarr Steps
A 17-span prehistoric-style clapper bridge across the River Barle on Exmoor, repeatedly rebuilt after floods.
17 km · about 20 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
South Molton
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About South Molton
South Molton works well as a base: 20 minutes from Chulmleigh, 23km from Watersmeet.
South Molton is in England, United Kingdom, with about 5,100 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Chulmleigh, about 12 km away.
South Molton is a town and civil parish in the North Devon district, in the county of Devon, England. The town is on the River Mole. In 2021 it had a population of 6225.
South Molton is a market town trading mostly in sheep and cattle. There was a railway station on the Devon and Somerset Railway until 1966, when theRead more
branch line was closed. It is situated on the southern side of Exmoor just off the A361 North Devon link road, which in part follows the route of the railway line.
Where to Stay in South Molton
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near South Molton?
Within an hour or so of South Molton: Tarr Steps (17 km), Watersmeet (23 km), Valley of Rocks, Exmoor (24 km), Lynmouth (24 km).
Are there any good drives near South Molton?
The nearest famous roads are Countisbury Hill, Porlock Hill and A39 Atlantic Highway (Barnstaple to Bude).
Where is South Molton?
South Molton is in England, United Kingdom, about 12 km from Chulmleigh.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 5,108
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 51.0167, -3.8333
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from South Molton
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
natural wonder
Watersmeet
A wooded gorge where Hoar Oak Water joins the East Lyn, with a National Trust tea garden in a former fishing lodge.
23 km · about 25 min drive
natural wonder
Valley of Rocks, Exmoor
A dry U-shaped valley of rock towers above the sea near Lynton, grazed by feral goats.
24 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Lynmouth
A harbour village where the East and West Lyn rivers meet the sea, rebuilt after the catastrophic flood of 1952.
24 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
A water-powered funicular opened in 1890, climbing 152 m of 1-in-1.75 cliff between the two villages.
24 km · about 25 min drive
famous road
Countisbury Hill
A long 1-in-4 climb on the A39 out of Lynmouth onto Exmoor, with sweeping views over the Bristol Channel.
24 km · about 30 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Dunkery Beacon
The highest point on Exmoor and in Somerset at 519 m, with views to the Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor on clear days.
24 km · about 25 min drive
famous road
Porlock Hill
Britain's steepest A-road, where the A39 climbs out of Porlock onto Exmoor at gradients up to 1-in-4 with two severe hairpins. A scenic Victorian toll road offers a gentler coastal alternative.
26 km · about 30 min drive
Driving roads near South Molton
- 17 kmTarr StepsA 17-span prehistoric-style clapper bridge across the River Barle on Exmoor, repeatedly rebuilt after floods.
- 24 kmCountisbury HillA long 1-in-4 climb on the A39 out of Lynmouth onto Exmoor, with sweeping views over the Bristol Channel.
- 24 kmDunkery BeaconThe highest point on Exmoor and in Somerset at 519 m, with views to the Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor on clear days.
- 26 kmPorlock HillBritain's steepest A-road, where the A39 climbs out of Porlock onto Exmoor at gradients up to 1-in-4 with two severe hairpins. A scenic Victorian toll road offers a gentler coastal alternative.
- 26 kmPorlock Hill (A39)One of England's steepest A-roads at 1-in-4 with hairpins out of Porlock onto Exmoor; a toll road offers a gentler alternative.
- 40 kmA39 Atlantic Highway (Barnstaple to Bude)The North Devon and Cornwall coast road with sea glimpses, steep combes and access to Clovelly and Hartland.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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