WILLITON.

Originally this old Coaching Inn was called 'The Blue Anchor' - a name that would indicate it was probably a smuggling house. In 1720 the building became an inn called the Coach & Horses and had stabling built for 36 horses. Increased in size in the early 19th century it became the Wyndham hotel and finally in 1843 The Egremont Hotel. The last Earl of Egremont was then still living. Under its present name the House stands here still, as it always has, to provide shelter and hospitality both for the travellers and for those who may wish to tarry awhile. From the cobbled courtyard to the Regency Ballroom the building is steeped in history and is, of course, reputed to have a ghost or two - tales abound of hearing horses in the old stable block and smelling perfume in the corridor. The owners regret they have never experienced these phenomena! The Egremont is in the centre of this pleasant Somerset village and it is close to all amenities and shops. Located at the foot of the Quantock Hills, just over a mile from the sea, it is an ideal centre for visiting the beautiful countryside of north Somerset and Devon. It is in easy reach of Exmoor National Park, Dunster Castle and many picturesque villages where history abounds. There are many and varied local attractions from the West Somerset Steam Railway to a day out at Somerset World. There is ample opportunity for walking, golfing, sea fishing, trout fishing, or shooting in the area. Beers on at the time were Butcombe Bitter, Tolly Cobbold Bitter and Exmoor Stag. There are two bars - one specialising in farmhouse cider - the other in real ales lined up on a historic village. The real ales change more than weekly. The candlelit Oak Room with its wood panelling and open fire is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the a la carte menu or some traditional home made fayre. A range of bar snacks is also available at lunchtimes and evenings (open 12 -2 & 7-9ish). Accommodation is a range of double and family rooms. Some are very large and have original Victorian fireplaces - each room is different and has a colour television and tea/coffee making facilities. The tariff for double en suite rooms are £20 per person including a full English breakfast and for rooms with shared facilities £17.50 per person. Children sharing a family room with their parents £10.