10 Historic & Natural Attractions in Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park Attractions

Known for its rushing rivers, ancient woodland, magnificent coastline and roaming hill paths, Exmoor provides the perfect setting for all those seeking the freedom of the great outdoors.

Here are ten places of historic significance and natural wonder to visit during your travels around Exmoor National Park…

Dunkery Beacon

 

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It’s Exmoor’s highest summit, sloping upwards to a height of 519 metres above sea level. Once you’ve reached the top you can experience one of Somerset’s most celebrated panoramas encompassing Dartmoor’s rugged tors to the south, the Mendip and Quantock Hills to the east, and the rolling Devonshire uplands and the Welsh peninsula to the north – a truly spectacular vantage point and well worth all the upward yards. Follow the ancient path to the summit cairn and enjoy a picnic lunch upon this lofty moorland perch, once part of the Royal Forest of Exmoor held by Henry II and forged from Hangman Sandstone.

Dunster Castle & Watermill

 

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Nestled into the wooded slopes above Dunster village on the north-east fringes of Exmoor, the ancient walls of Dunster Castle are surrounded by beautiful, terraced gardens filled with subtropical and Mediterranean flora and sun-dappled riverbanks. Visitors are enchanted by the historic watermill and can enjoy strolls around the grounds and far-reaching views of the Bristol Channel. The castle remained in the seat of the Luttrell family for more than 600 years, a former motte and bailey keep that saw its walls destroyed during the English Civil War before being eventually transformed into an opulent, Gothic country house.

Conygar Tower

 

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Also in the Somerset parish of Dunster lies Conygar Tower. This three-storey folly can be seen peeping out from its wooded hillside setting. Commissioned by Henry Luttrell and built in 1775, this iconic landmark and Grade II listed building is recognised by its characteristic four pointed-arched openings and “random red rubble sandstone”. Its history can be found in its name, Coney is a very old word for rabbit and Garth means garden. This hidden gem helps encapsulate Somerset’s rich architectural heritage.

Snowdrop Valley

 

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Every spring the Wheddon Cross vale is adorned by a carpet of snowdrops, an enchanting sight signalling the loosening of winter’s icy grip. This hidden enclave is home to thousands of snowdrop bulbs all waiting to burst into life from beneath the woodland floor in a sea of drooping white bell-shaped flowers. This quintessential woodland scene is one of Exmoor’s loveliest natural delights.

Lorna Doone Valley


Follow the waymarks along this beautiful valley named after the fictional hero of RD Blackmore’s famous novel Lorna Doone: A Romance of Exmoor. Tucked away in this hidden vale lies Doone village, a hauntingly beautiful setting surrounding by scatterings of scree (small rocks that cover the ridges and tors) and the home to the fictional Doone outlaws, as described so poetically by Blackmore. Explore the ancient shepherds’ paths and bridleways that traverse Exmoor’s roaming upland, home of some of the darkest skies in the UK – making it a dream location for stargazers.

Robber’s Bridge


Also featured in RD Blackmore’s novel, Robber’s Bridge is reputedly the location of the infamous Doone robbery where “Jan” Rid was fatally shot by Carver Doone, the most villainous of the Doone clan. The bridge crosses the Oare Water and is not far from the Anglican Church of St Mary, built from stone during the 15th century. It’s the perfect riverside picnic spot for summer afternoons.

Tarr Steps


Set in a beautiful, wooded valley, Tarr Steps is an ancient clapper bridge crossing the River Barle, not far from the picturesque Somerset village of Withypool. These striking stone slabs are medieval in origin, span 180 feet, and have been designated by English Heritage as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Surrounded by stunning circular walks, this precious pass is one of Exmoor’s most iconic natural landmarks.

Caratacus Stone

 

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Dating back to the 6th century, this ancient and inscribed standing stone lies on Winsford Hill, close to the Spire Cross cross-roads. It was laid as a memorial to a descendant of Caratacus, an ancient Celtic British chieftain of the Catuvellauni tribe who defied the Romans and resisted their conquest. Today, the monument is protected by a stone shelter that was constructed in 1906 and provides a historic interlude for walkers.

Felons Oak

An eery and macabre past surrounds Felons Oak, a once mighty tree that stood on the fringes of Langridge Wood. History tells of felons being hung from its branches and left to die, their bodies suspended until the rope frayed enough for their corpses to fall on the path below – the most gruesome of deterrents which were also public rituals best described as “rowdy hanging fairs”. Local folklore has it that if you place your ear to the Felon Oak stump, you’ll hear the rattle of prisoners’ chains.

Bat’s Castle


Built on top of a 699-foot-high hill, Bat’s Castle is an Iron Age hill fort set in the Somerset parish of Carhampton. The discovery of eight ancient, silver-plated coins by some inquisitive schoolboys led to the identification of the site in 1983. These characterful mounds and ditches lie four miles from the historic village of Dunster. From here you can enjoy sweeping views of the Bristol Channel and the roaming uplands of Exmoor. Bat’s Castle is the loftiest vantage point on Gallox Hill, once known as Caesar’s Camp. The ruins of its ramparts still linger from the surrounding scrub.

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