St Mary's Church, Oare

Inside St Mary's Church, visitors can discover several unique historical elements. Look for the 18th-century box pews, which offer a glimpse into past churchgoing practices. There's also a very old Norman font, dating back to around 1066 to 1154, resting on an 18th-century base. Don't miss the unusual 15th-century piscina with a 'grotesque head' believed to represent St Decuman, projecting from the south wall of the nave. The church also houses Georgian-era furnishings, memorials, and a painted wooden panel from 1718 representing Moses.

Due to its remote location deep within Exmoor National Park, St Mary's Church, Oare, is not directly accessible by public transport. Visitors typically reach the church by car, or as part of a longer hike or cycle route through the Doone Valley. Planning for private transport or integrating it into a walking itinerary is recommended.

Yes, the area around St Mary's Church offers several family-friendly walking opportunities. You can enjoy gentle strolls along the Weir Water, which flows alongside the church, providing a picturesque and relatively flat path. Many circular routes of varying lengths can be found in the surrounding Exmoor landscape, suitable for families looking to explore the natural beauty and literary connections of the Doone Valley.

While dogs are generally welcome in the Exmoor National Park and on many of its trails, it's always best to keep them on a lead, especially near livestock or in sensitive wildlife areas. For the church itself, it's advisable to check for specific signage regarding dog access inside the building. Typically, dogs are not permitted inside historic churches, but they are usually welcome in the churchyard on a lead.

For visiting the church itself and its immediate surroundings, including the churchyard and a brief walk along the Weir Water, you might want to allocate 30 minutes to an hour. If you plan to incorporate it into a longer hike or cycle through the Doone Valley or explore other nearby literary sites, your visit could extend to several hours or even a full day.

Oare is a small hamlet, so immediate options are limited. However, within a short driving distance, you can find pubs and accommodation in nearby villages such as Malmsmead, Brendon, or Porlock. These locations offer traditional Exmoor hospitality, including places to eat and stay, making them good bases for exploring the Doone Valley and St Mary's Church.

The roads leading to St Mary's Church are known to be steep and narrow, winding through the heart of Exmoor's hills. Visitors should be aware that large vehicles, such as motorhomes or caravans, are not advised due to the challenging approach. Drive carefully and be prepared for single-track sections with passing places.

Yes, St Mary's Church is a popular point of interest for many circular walking routes in the Doone Valley. These trails often incorporate the church with other local landmarks like Cloud Farm Campsite, Malmsmead, or sections of the Two Moors Way. Hikers can find detailed maps and route descriptions online to plan their circular adventure.

While the church is accessible year-round, spring and summer generally offer the most comfortable walking conditions with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, these seasons can also be busier. For a quieter experience and to witness the changing Exmoor landscape, early autumn can be beautiful, though weather can be more unpredictable. Winter walks are possible but require appropriate gear for potentially cold and wet conditions.

The journey to St Mary's Church itself offers breathtaking views of the rugged Exmoor countryside. As you navigate the winding roads and trails through the Doone Valley, you'll encounter numerous elevated spots that provide stunning vistas of the rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and the Weir Water below. Specific viewpoints are often marked on local walking maps, or can be discovered by exploring the surrounding trails.

St Mary's Church is famously depicted in R.D. Blackmore's classic 19th-century novel, 'Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor'. It is the setting for the dramatic wedding scene where the heroine, Lorna, is shot at the altar. Blackmore's grandfather was the rector of the church, giving the author intimate knowledge of the area that inspired his novel. This connection makes the church a significant draw for literary enthusiasts on a 'literary pilgrimage'.