An Moorland Experience: 12 Exmoor Holiday Ideas.

Exmoor is a beautiful national park located in southwestern England. It is a land of steep-sided wooded valleys, rivers, moorland trails, and cosy thatched village pubs. Here, you can eat well, dine on local produce, and still return home healthier, fitter, and relaxed. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do during your holiday there. Here are enough suggestions for a family holiday to fill a fortnight.

1. Follow a Signed Trail

From moorland hilltops to steeply wooded valleys, the Exmoor National Park offers plenty of walking, hiking, and cycling opportunities. Its hundreds of scenic miles of well-marked footpaths and bridleways provide stunning coast and country views.

2. Visit Exmoor's Coastal Towns

Exmoor has a long coastline, and there are four picturesque towns to visit: Combe Martin, Lynmouth, Porlock (taking in tiny little Porlock Weir), and Minehead. Travel a few miles further afield to discover the North Devon resorts of Ilfracombe and Woolacombe. You can enjoy the beach, explore the town's history, and sample some of the local cuisine.

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3. Go on a Wildlife Safari

Exmoor is home to a wide range of wildlife, including red deer, otters, and birds of prey. Get to see indigenous animals and birds on a tour with Exmoor Wildlife Safaris, which will take you to hidden corners of the Moor in 4WD vehicles to see these animals up close in their natural habitat.

4. Visit Tarr Steps

Tarr Steps is a prehistoric stone bridge that crosses the River Barle. It is a popular spot for picnics, paddling, and fishing. It's also a good starting point for circular moorland walks.

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5. Travel By Steam

The West Somerset Railway runs from outside Taunton to Minehead between Exmoor and The Quantock Hills, offering scenic countryside views. You can book a steam train ride to enjoy the scenery and learn about the railway's history. On the western side of the Moor, the Lynton-Barnstaple Railway offers shorter but wonderfully picturesque tours on a narrow gauge line from Woody Bay on the Devon side of the Moor.

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6. Marvel at the Night Sky

The Exmoor National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve, meaning it has some of the darkest skies in the country. You can book a stargazing tour to learn about the constellations and enjoy the beauty of the night sky. Tourist Information Centres on Exmoor will have lots of leaflets indicating the best places for stargazing.

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7. Explore Dunster Castle

This historic castle in Dunster is located on the edge of Exmoor and dates back to the Norman era. You can explore the castle's gardens and grounds and learn about its history. Can you find the secret priest hole in the Castle or the hole made by a Civil War cannonball in the roof of the Yarn Market?

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8. Follow in the Footsteps of Poets

Explore the Coleridge Way. The Coleridge Way is a stunning 51-mile (82 km) long-distance walking trail spanning Somerset and Devon. It was inaugurated in April 2005 and connects key sites related to the Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who resided in Nether Stowey for three years from 1797. The trail begins at Coleridge Cottage in Nether Stowey and extends to Lynmouth, having been lengthened from its original endpoint at Porlock in 2014.

This beautiful route takes you through the Quantock Hills, a designated National Landscape and Exmoor National Park, showcasing the diverse landscapes that inspired Coleridge’s literary creations. Along the way, you can discover notable landmarks, including Coleridge’s former home, highlighting the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Hikers can choose from various holiday cottages in the Quantock Hills and on Exmoor, including inviting inns in nearby villages and camping sites for those who like an adventure. It’s a good idea to plan your hike in advance, ensuring you have the right gear and enough provisions, as certain sections of the trail may be quite remote.

Ultimately, the Coleridge Way is a tribute to Coleridge’s literary contributions and an excellent opportunity to walk in the inspiring moorland landscapes that shaped his work.

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9. Cross Exmoor on Two Wheels

Rent a mountain or e-bike from Exmoor Adventures and ride scenic moorland trails on your own or join a guided tour. Choose routes with terrains suitable for all members of your party.

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10. Make a Splash: From Paddling to Wild Swimming

Exmoor is ridden with opportunities to get wet, from tiny moorland streams perfect for paddling to the waters of The River Exe and Barle, where pools in deserted valley corners offer some serious wild swimming opportunities. Spots include The Barle at Cadover Bridge and Simonsbath or the Lyn at Brendon or Malmsmeade.

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11. Make Time for Tea

Many Exmoor villages feature tea rooms - with the level of competition ensuring standards remain high. Take tea by the Lynn River at Watersmeet overlooking the confluence of the East and West Lynn Rivers near Lynmouth, or try Malmsmead, just up from the river, which you can cross by stepping stones (there's a bridge for those who want to keep their feet dry). A bit further inland is a justifiably popular tearoom in Withypool (great paddling by the bridge and look out for the vintage petrol pumps). It's a great place to relax after a Riverside walk along the River Barle. NB: If cream teas are irresistible, read our Exmoor Cream Tea Trail blog, which lists enough tea rooms on the Moor to fill a fortnight!

12. Where should you Stay?

Click here to View our collection of Exmoor Holiday cottages, from Cottages for couples to luxury country houses, available to rent for groups of all sizes.

The thatched pub in the photo is The Royal Oak in Winsford - highly recommended!