Exmoor Holiday Guide

Dreaming of exploring Exmoor national park on holiday?  Exmoor with its beautiful landscape and stunning coastline, is an amazing place to discover on a luxury cottage escape.
 

Why Discover Exmoor National Park on Holiday?

Exmoor moorland
Exmoor in the South West of England is one of England’s best loved national parks.  Whether for a romantic break, a family holiday or a getaway with your pet pooch, Exmoor has lots to offer.  This National Park is situated on the north coast of Somerset and West Devon in South West England and is a tranquil and beautiful place to escape to.   Covering a landscape of ancient woodlands, heather covered moors and uplands, waterfalls, rivers, streams, farmlands, valleys, coastal cliffs, and sheltered, quaint Exmoor towns and villages, this area really does have it all.  There are even beautiful beaches to discover in Exmoor too!  Visit and soak up the tranquillity, peace and relaxation, as well as adventure, excitement and activity. Nearby are also the Quantock Hills which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty boasting superb views across the Moorland and over to Wales. You can also go fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast and take a peek at the attractive villages and deep wooded valleys.
 
 

So What Exactly Is There to See and Do in Exmoor National Park?

Exmoor has so much to offer holidaymakers, including places of interest, outdoor pursuits, eateries and good restaurants.

In this guide we will take you on a journey through:
 
 

Exmoor Best Loved Attractions and Places of Interest

Before enjoying a delicious evening meal you'll be looking for exciting and interesting places to visit and enjoy during the day, Exmoor is home to many historical and heritage sites which can be great fun to visit during a luxury self-catering break. Places such as Cleeve Abbey, Arlington Court, Knightshayes Court and of course the pride of Exmoor, Dunster Castle. Aside from this, Exmoor is also home to lesser known attractions like historic churches, medieval villages like Dunster, ancient bridges like the Tarr steps, and iron age hill forts.  For more family friendly attractions to enjoy with the kids, you can also find Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, Sheepdog and Falconry Shows, Exmoor Zoological Park and Tropiquaria Wildlife Park.
 
 

Exmoor’s Best Towns and Villages

Some of Exmoor’s best loved villages and towns include:

• Dunster with its medieval buildings and cobbled streets,

• Porlock with its excellent coastal walks,

• The coastal towns of Lynton and Lynmouth,

• Dulverton with the Tarr steps close by,

• Minehead with its beach and seaside town vibe,

• Winsford with its picture-postcard appeal,

• Withypool by the River Barle,
 
 

Beaches within Exmoor National Park

Exmoor coastline

If you want to enjoy time by the coast, as well as time in rural Exmoor, the following are the best loved beaches in Exmoor.

• Porlock Weir, a charming pebble beach,

• Lynmouth beach with its mix of pebbles and rocks,

• Lee bay with its rocky cove,

• Heddons Mouth pebble cove beach,

• Wringcliff Bay with its sand and shingle beach,
Covering large expanses of the outdoors, much of Exmoor National Park is dog-friendly including:

• The Tarr steps,

• Valley of Rocks

• Watersmeet

• Dunkery Beacon
 
 
 
Exmoor with its gorgeous scenery, is an ideal place to enjoy exploring the great outdoors.   Enjoy a walk or hike along one of Exmoor’s best known areas like the Valley of the Rocks in Lynton and Lynmouth, the Tarr Steps, or the Coleridge Way, and soak up some magnificent scenery along the way.  Cycling, mountain biking, fishing, horse riding and wildlife watching are popular pursuits in the park.  Exmoor ponies can often be spotted, and you may also be lucky enough to see shy animals like red deer, buzzards, otters and badgers whilst exploring the area too!

Why not enjoy a wonderful picnic on one of the fabulous beaches or spend some time exploring the coast for fossils? There is also the opportunity to sail at Wimbleball as well as get immersed in the Exmoor culture at one of the fantastic festivals, Exmoor Walking Festival and Minehead Summer Festival.
 
 
When it comes to food in Exmoor you will be spoilt for choice. Making the decision between cooking your own wonderfully fresh produce dish within the comfort of your luxury accommodation or stepping out into the wonderful towns to experience some delightful cuisine in a quality restaurant will be a difficult choice. There are plenty of wonderful farm shops throughout Exmoor for you to pick up some delightful organic fresh products from a local farm. Just like the many farmers' markets available, you will be able to talk to the people responsible for the growth, rearing or making of the products in front of you so you know you're taking home the best ingredients. On the other hand many people enjoy taking a break from cooking whilst on holiday and would much rather explore the varied collections of high quality and award winning restaurants and gastro pubs in Exmoor. 
 
There are a large number of attractions in Exmoor and the hardest choice you may have during your luxury cottage stay may be deciding where to go. Choices include the Attic and Basement tours of the Castle, Exmoor Pony Centre, Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre, Hestercombe Gardens, Ghost Tour, Quince Honey Farm, Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park, Dunster Working Watermill and Watermouth Castle.

Wherever you choose to explore on holiday in Exmoor, we hope we’ve inspired you with the variety of available options.

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