Skip to main content
An ancient twin-arched packhorse bridge spans a brook in an Exmoor village.

What to Do On Exmoor Self-Catering Holidays in Allerford

Great Little Places To Discover Allerford. An Exmoor Village on the West Somerset Coast.

Nestling in a picturesque Exmoor valley Allerford is a charming little West Somerset village that will appeal to those seeking a holiday exploring the West Somerset and Exmoor coast and countryside either on foot, by bicycle, or in the car.

Here are our top ten favourite ways to spend a week or a long weekend in this pretty little Exmoor village - and somewhere equally lovely (and handy) to stay. Click on a property's name for further information.

 

1.      View: Selworthy Beacon

Follow the South West Coast Path from Minehead and enjoy the coastal view from Bossington to Porlock Weir. Drop down to Selworthy Church for an equally wonderful photogenic inland view (or save that experience for another day).

 

2.      Discover Culbone Church

An ancient tiny, isolated church on the West Somerset coast surrounded by woodland. The best way to reach it is along the South West Coast Path from Porlock Weir.

 

3.        Paddle The Aller brook

There’s a ford that crosses by the old packhorse bridge in the centre of Allerford.

 

4.         Visit The West Somerset Rural Life Museum in Allerford

This historic collection depicting Somerset life is housed in a lovely, thatched building, once the village school in the 19th-Century. Go barefoot!

 

5.        Eat At Kitnors Tea Rooms in Bossington

Somerset Cream teas and some of the most wicked cakes in the West. Open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

 

6.        Walk The Holnicote Estate

Explore the myriad of beautiful, way-marked woodland and riverside walks in this National Trust estate. Paddling optional.

 

7.        Experience Life in the slow lane

Ride a steam-hauled train on the West Somerset Railway from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. 23 miles at an average speed of 20 miles an hour. A great way to view the coast and Quantock Hills landscapes.

 

8.        Drink (and Eat) At The ‘Bottom’ Ship in Porlock Weir

A characterful pub that overlooks the tiny harbour and beach with a tasty menu. NB: There’s a ‘Top’ ship in Porlock too!

 

9.        Go West: On the coast road to Lynmouth and Lynton

Another little harbourside village. In summer, enjoy the breathtaking views on the scenic drive from the 1st floor of an open-top bus. Combine the trip with a journey uphill from Lynmouth to Lynton via the Victoria Cliff Railway and explore its attractive range of independent shops, eateries and galleries.

 

10.      Go East To Dunster and Watchet

Dunster has a cracking castle, a historic yearn market building and a feast of tea rooms, while Watchet has a harbour with a fascinating cultural quarter and was the point of inspiration for Coleridge, who penned ‘The Ancient Mariner on the Quayside. Travel to both via the West Somerset Railway.

 

Stay At Allerford View at Bossington Hall

This appropriately named, charming and accessible rural holiday cottage in the grounds of Bossington Hall near Allerford sleeps 2-5 guests.

Great Western Railway engine 2-6-0 9351 waits with a train on a summer's day at Crowcombe Station
Exmoor landscape view of Porlock Vale from Selworthy Beacon. A hilltop view of the coast with a small village nestling between the hills overlooking the coast.
A small harbourside at low tide with two yachts moored on the pebble beache. Behind them is a large thatched holiday cottage.
The exterior of a Somerset tea rooms. Part of a row of very old, partially thatched cottages in Bossington
The yarn market in Dunster at the head of a shop-lined street. In the background, overlooking the street is Dunster castle.
Aerial view of open countryside with a clutch of buildings nestling in the foreground with the Somerset coast on the horizon.

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. 12 Exmoor Holiday Ideas
  4. 30+ Memorable Ways To Fill Self-Catering Holidays on Exmoor
  5. The Eight Tastiest Organic Food Shops and Suppliers on Exmoor
  6. Follow The Exmoor Cream Tea Trail