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12 Exmoor Holiday Ideas

Exmoor is a beautiful national park located in southwestern England, a land of steep-sided wooded valleys, rivers, moorland tails and cosy thatched village pubs. It's a land where you will eat well, dining 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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Lynmouth harbour full of pleasure and fishing boats. In the foreground is a stack of lobster pots. Little coottages and shops line the harbour edge behind a steep backdrop of trees.

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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Exmoor ponies graze on a quiet road side.

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. Its also a good stating place 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 history of the railway. 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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A large steam engines pulling a long line of carriages pauses at Crowcombe station in Somerset.

6. Marvel at the Night Sky

Exmoor 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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A punch and judy show at a country fair overlooked by Dunster castle

8. Follow in the Footsteps of Poets

A 51-mile long-distance foot path along moorland trails and down deep country lanes following the footsteps of the footsteps of Coleridge (and Wordsworth) who lived and wrote here.

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watchet harbour at low tide..Small fishing boats and yachts are settled on the sandy harbour floor.

9. Cross Exmoor on Two Wheels

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

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An empty Exmoor lane stretches into the distance under a cathedral of trees.

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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A wild-swimmer makes a large splash diving into a remote riverside pool on the River Barle on Exmoor.

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).

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An Exmoor tearoom display cabinet featuring sweet and savoury scones, cakes and pies.

12. Where should you Stay?

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

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a thatched holiday cottage in Porlock Weir over looks a small harbour with a few boats ar moored.

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:

  1. Driving Across Exmoor.
  2. Christmas On Exmoor
  3. 30+ Memorable Ways To Fill Self-Catering Holidays on Exmoor
  4. What to Do On Exmoor Self-Catering Holidays in Allerford
  5. The Eight Tastiest Organic Food Shops and Suppliers on Exmoor
  6. Follow The Exmoor Cream Tea Trail