Exmoor National Park was designated in 1954 to protect its natural beauty, especially its open and wild moorlands. Who would have thought that only 130 years before, serious attempts were made to drain the bogs and plough up the moors?
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Exmoor National Park has a hidden secret, a mansion that was never completed, a garden that was lost and a community that was started only 200 years ago.
In what people know to be Exmoor today, lies the small village of Simonsbath. Until 1820 it had just one house, but then change happened, a vision was created and a barren landscape became a hive of activity. This website tells it's story; the story of a landscape changed, a family's fortune and loss and of one man's vision. It also talks about the present situation and of its possible future. Please read on to find out this fascinating tale of Gregorian passion, Victorian industrialisation and 21st Century hopes. |
Latest Event News:
Monday 16th Sept 2019
Heritage Open Day for White Rock Cottage and Ashcombe Gardens ... more details to follow
Wednesday 17th July 2019
Exmoor National Park Big Picnic to celebrate 70 years of National Parks. Ticket only event
The Simonsbath and Exmoor Trust will be launched at this event and representatives of the Ashcombe Gardens Project will have a stand at the Sawmill to talk to people about the work that is being carried out by volunteers.
Advanced booking is essential. Tickets are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis viawww.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/bigpicnic. Should you have any problems with the booking please email ENPA at bigpicnic@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.ukor call them on 01398 323665.
The Simonsbath and Exmoor Trust will be launched at this event and representatives of the Ashcombe Gardens Project will have a stand at the Sawmill to talk to people about the work that is being carried out by volunteers.
Advanced booking is essential. Tickets are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis viawww.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/bigpicnic. Should you have any problems with the booking please email ENPA at bigpicnic@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.ukor call them on 01398 323665.
Past Events...
Sunday 7th April 2019
John Knight's Ashcombe Gardens in Simonsbath were on BBC Countryfile.
Saturday 6th April 2019 ...
Coffee Morning held at St Like's Church, Simonsbath to keep local residents and visitors up to date with the latest news about the White Rock Cottage, School and Ashcombe Gardens.
Simonsbath Sparkle
Saturday 10th November 2018
Ashcombe Plantation, Simonsbath.
Come and join us in Simonsbath to celebrate the Autumn Season around a bonfire.
Fire to be lit at 6pm.
Hot food, tea and coffee will be available to purchase (while stocks last!) and please feel free to bring your own chairs or picnic blankets.
You are welcome to bring your own sparklers but to be used at your own risk, no fireworks please. Please be prepared for all weathers.
Held in conjunction with The Simonsbath Steering Group, The Exmoor Parish Council and ENPA
Contact: exmoor1820@gmail.com or 01643 831535
Saturday 10th November 2018
Ashcombe Plantation, Simonsbath.
Come and join us in Simonsbath to celebrate the Autumn Season around a bonfire.
Fire to be lit at 6pm.
Hot food, tea and coffee will be available to purchase (while stocks last!) and please feel free to bring your own chairs or picnic blankets.
You are welcome to bring your own sparklers but to be used at your own risk, no fireworks please. Please be prepared for all weathers.
Held in conjunction with The Simonsbath Steering Group, The Exmoor Parish Council and ENPA
Contact: exmoor1820@gmail.com or 01643 831535
In Search of John Knight's Lost Gardens
at Simonsbath
Open Day
Wednesday 27th June 2018
10am-1pm
This is a chance to see archaeological excavations in progress - led by South West Archaeology with local volunteers - searching for elements of John Knight's lost gardens which he laid out in the 1820's to ornament his planned mansion.
Location: Ashcombe car park in Simonsbath
Email: exmoor1820@gmail.com to find out more.
at Simonsbath
Open Day
Wednesday 27th June 2018
10am-1pm
This is a chance to see archaeological excavations in progress - led by South West Archaeology with local volunteers - searching for elements of John Knight's lost gardens which he laid out in the 1820's to ornament his planned mansion.
Location: Ashcombe car park in Simonsbath
Email: exmoor1820@gmail.com to find out more.
If you are interested in this project then please get in touch via email at: exmoor1820@gmail.com
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