12 Enchanting Exmoor Holiday Ideas
Exmoor is a beautiful national park located in southwestern England, a land of steep-sided wooded valleys, rivers, moorland trails and cosy thatched village pubs. It's a land where you will eat well, dine on local produce, and still return home healthier, fitter and relaxed, and there are plenty of activities to do during your holiday there. Here are enough suggestions to fill a fortnight.
1. Just Go Anywhere
From moorland hilltops to steeply wooded valleys, the Exmoor National Park offers plenty of opportunities for walking, hiking, and cycling. There are hundreds of scenic miles of well-marked footpaths and bridleways that offer stunning coast and country views.
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2. Visit Exmoor's Coastal Towns
Exmoor has a long coastline, and there are four picturesque towns to : Combe Martin, Lynmouth, Porlock (taking in tiny little Porlock Weir), and Minehead. Travel 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 enjoy 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. You can book a wildlife safari tour, taking you to hidden corners of the Moor in 4WD vehicles to see these animals up close in their natural habitat.
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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 through Exmoor, offering scenic views of the countryside. 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.
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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.
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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?
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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 a wonderful 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 opportunities for some serious wild swimming. 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 near Lynmouth, Malmsmead, just up from the river at Withypool (great paddling by the bridge and look out for the vintage petrol pumps). NB: If cream teas are irresistible, then read our Exmoor Cream Tea Trail blog, which lists enough tea rooms to fill a fortnight!
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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.
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For further information and advice on things to do and places to visit while on holiday on Exmoor, read the following articles:
Click the title to view:
- Driving Across Exmoor.
- Christmas On Exmoor
- 30+ Memorable Ways To Fill Self-Catering Holidays on Exmoor
- What to Do On Exmoor Self-Catering Holidays in Allerford
- The Eight Tastiest Organic Food Shops and Suppliers on Exmoor
- Follow The Exmoor Cream Tea Trail
- Exmoor - Five Fabulous Walks For Discovering The Best of Exmoor.
