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All you need to know
Few places offer visitors such an idyllic escape as picturesque Exmoor. Famous for its rolling moorland and peaks, wooded valleys and varied wildlife - including the majestic red deer - it's a wonderful place to relax and unwind whilst soaking up the stunning rural scenery.
There are few places better suited to escaping the pressures of modern day living than a relaxing holiday in Exmoor. Stretching through Somerset and North Devon, rolling moorland and peaks can be found right alongside wooded valleys and sandy beaches, making for a truly picturesque holiday location.
Fans of walking, cycling and horse riding have miles and miles of tracks and walkways to explore, while boat rides and kayaks offer a different perspective of the sandstone cliffs and large sand dunes along Exmoor's coastline.
Clear night skies full of glistening stars await those who venture out after dark, while the wild red deer and Exmoor ponies are just two of the amazing animals that can be seen while wandering across the moor.
With such a rich environment available, literally just outside the doorstep of our Exmoor holiday cottages, you'll be sure to sleep soundly at night in the cosy surroundings of this idyllic rural moor.
Exmoor National Park itself covers an area of almost 267 square miles, rich in history and diverse in landscape. Although playing the role of little sister to its southerly neighbour, Dartmoor, Exmoor’s coastal border offers the something landlocked Dartmoor cannot. The stunning cliff top scenery that makes up the moors northern edge provides walkers, photographers, artists and general explorers endless opportunities to marvel at the rugged embrace between land and sea.
Moving south, Exmoor offers wilderness, rolling green fields, ancient woodlands and pretty meadows - ever-evolving and contrasting landscapes that reward visitors with dramatic scenery, whatever the season.
Lynton and Lynmouth offer a great destination for a visit during your holiday on Exmoor. Situated right on the coastline in breaks between the towering sea cliffs, the two small settlements are perfect for lazy days spent exploring the harbours, selection of shops and various tea rooms and restaurants. The villages are also a good spot to pick up the South West Coast Path that winds its way past them with a popular and worthwhile walk taking you west from the Lynton Cliff Railway Station to the famous Valley of Rocks. The dry valley is one of Exmoor’s most photographed landmarks and makes for a spectacular dose of fresh air all year round.
Exmoor meets the sea at Minehead making the town perfect for those looking for a coastal holiday with a healthy dose of moorland life. The mile-long sand and pebble beach with its wonderful views of the Bristol Channel offer guests a great spot for summer fun whilst a day pass for nearby Butlins is sure to keep the kids entertained on days when the beach doesn’t appeal. A trip to nearby Dunster, with its ancient Castle, is well worthwhile while guests won’t have to travel far to spot Exmoor’s famous ponies and red deer. Other days out might include fishing trips, tours to Lundy Island, a swing on the coastal golf course or just a wander through the weekly Farmer’s Market
This quintessential moorland town is the Southern gateway to Exmoor and is a great base for those looking to explore the National Park as well as nearby Exeter and Dartmoor, both of which can easily be reached on a day trip. Home to a range of wonderful independent shops, tasty pubs and restaurants and the excellent Heritage and Arts Centre, the town also plays host to a range of events throughout the summer months including festivals, concerts and an annual carnival.
One of Exmoor’s most popular destinations, the medieval village of Dunster is home to over 200 listed buildings comprising of delightful tea rooms, time-forgotten pubs and excellent restaurants. The jewel in Dunster’s crown is undoubtedly its famous castle that towers over the village and surrounding countryside. Now in National Trust ownership, the castle cuts a dramatic shape on the wooded hills above the village on a site that has been occupied for over 1000 years. Along with its fascinating history, the castle also rewards visitors with far-reaching views of the National Park and distant coastline.
The small unspoilt village of Winsford, nestled in the heart of the National Park, is widely regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Exmoor. With its charming cottages, 12th century inn, and traditional tea rooms, this ancient village is the perfect place to base your Exmoor holiday. Surrounded by interesting Bronze Age sites, bridleways and footpaths, Winsford is perfectly located for walkers looking to explore this beautiful corner of the moor on foot, or for anyone with a desire to take in some clean air, star gaze and then head to the nearest country pub for a cosy pint. From the village, the 3-4 mile walk to the ancient clapper bridge, Tarr Steps, and its wonderful adjacent inn, makes for a very enjoyable excursion.
The quiet unspoilt village of Withypool lies in the heart of the beautiful Exmoor National Park. With its characterful cottages, country pub, and traditional tea rooms, this ancient village is a wonderful place to base your Exmoor holiday. Surrounded by interesting Bronze Age sites, bridleways and footpaths, Withypool is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get loose on the moor for a walking holiday. Even those with just a desire to take in some clean air, star gaze, and then cosy up in a country pub will feel right at home. From the village, the 3-4 mile walk to the ancient clapper bridge, Tarr Steps, and its wonderful adjacent inn, makes for a very enjoyable excursion.
One of the best and most challenging locations for off-road cycling, Exmoor enjoys a network of bridleways, lanes and other permitted tracks with ample opportunity for some wonderful rides. The Exmoor OS Explorer Map has details of the many routes available, but it is asked that you take into consideration other users, wildlife and the environment when mountain biking in the area by only using permitted tracks and following the Countryside Code, which you can find on the Exmoor National Park website.
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Offering a range of award-winning outdoor activities, Exmoor Adventures gives you the chance to try your hand at coasteering, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, raft building, abseiling and a host of other adventure sports. Based in Porlock West Somerset, the team are fun, passionate and have lots of experience. Founder Dan was even a British Cycling MTB leadership tutor.
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A holistic horse riding experience on Exmoor, heading out with these guys is pretty magic. You can go barefoot and bitless if you fancy it in the grounds of Exmoor Owl & Hawk Centre, just one mile from Porlock, and five miles west of Minehead. Either way you can traverse woodland and moorland with spectacular views to the sea and across the moor to Devon and Cornwall.
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Watersmeet is a National Trust property where a dramatic river gorge, an ancient woodland and tea garden all come together for one beautiful holiday experience on Exmoor. A haven of wildlife and glorious views, you can stroll along the Lyn Valley or the dramatic Glenthorne Cliffs on the South West Coast Path before tea. Opening times are seasonal so keep an eye on the website for more information!
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A beautiful place with wonderful walks and waterfalls. Excellent tea shop with snacks and very good afternoon teas. Parking is inexpensive. Well worth a visit.
April 2019
A 12,000-acre National Trust property, Holnicote Estate is part of Exmoor National Park, made up of rugged moorland, shingle beaches, ancient woodland and charming thatched villages. Walk, cycle and horse ride as far as the eye can see, see red deer, Exmoor ponies, bats and rare butterflies as you go. There are picnic tables, footpaths and toilets as well as pay and display parking.
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A pretty riverside pub famous for its homemade pies along with other British classics, accompanied by a good range of cask ales and craft beers. Dog friendly, with a stash of treats behind the bar for visiting dogs.
The Bridge Inn 20 Bridge St, Dulverton TA22 9HJ (T: 01398 324130)
Stayed in the local area for a week and ate here on two occasions. Super food, well cooked, both times.
November 2018
Great pub with lovely food! Staff were very friendly and helpful!
June 2018
Very welcoming and dog friendly, excellent food, and squashed us in last minute even though they were full on an off season, weekday evening. Highly recommended.
September 2017
Lovely pub! Went in a couple of times after walking the dog. Staff very friendly wine good! Didn't eat there but only because they were fully booked.
September 2017
A traditional family run tea shop in the heart of Dulverton with large, sunny rear garden as well as cosy indoor seating by the woodburner for cooler days. A great spot to enjoy a full breakfast, light lunch, delicious cream tea or a choice of homemade cakes.
The Copper Kettle Fore St, Dulverton TA22 9EX (T: 01398 323697)
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Winner of multiple awards, Woods serves inspiring menus championing local produce in a relaxed, stylish setting. Pop in for a drink at the well-stocked bar, or settle around the log fire for some banter with the locals after your meal. Well behaved dogs and children welcome and there is a pretty courtyard garden for sunny days.
Woods Bar & Restaurant 4 Bank Square, Dulverton TA22 9BU (T: 01398 324007)
Really excellent food in a very dog friendly pub/restaurant, with a lovely atmosphere Very fair prices, good selection of drinks and some unusual dishes to choose from. Advisable to book for the above reasons---
June 2018
Well worth a visit. Staff very nice but food excellent! My only wish is it moved nearer to my home. Very reasonable for the quality of the food. Highly recommend!
September 2017
Whether you choose to dine in the beamed restaurant or outside in the pretty walled garden, you’re in for a treat at this fine dining restaurant in the heart of the medieval village of Dunster. From the warm welcome you receive front of house, to the fine ingredients used and attention to detail in the kitchen, Reeves is worthy of its glowing newspaper reviews.
Reeves 20-22 High St, Dunster, Minehead TA24 6SG (T: 01643 821414)
A friendly family run café serving well-presented light lunches, Sunday Roasts, indulgent cream teas and an array of delicious home-made cakes. Eat in the immaculate restaurant or outside in the quirky garden. Vegetarian and gluten free diets catered for.
Cobblestones 24 High St, Dunster, Minehead TA24 6SG (T: 01643 821595)