Exmoor
The beauty of Exmoor lies in its setting. 267 square miles of National Park, and a wider area that includes the Quantock hills, this is an area packed full of stunning scenery, countryside and coastline, wildlife, rural villages, and plenty to see and do.
The wildlife is one of the main attractions in Exmoor, with the rare Exmoor Pony living up on the moors, and a high concentration of Red Deer also in the area. The woodlands also provide a habitat for other species of deer, while Buzzards are often sighted on the moors, and Otters have been spotted along the 300 mile stretch of rivers. The Quantock Hills, an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is also famous for its ponies, along with a large number of Flora and Fauna species.
Exploring the countryside and coastline, is just one of the outdoor pursuits available in the area. There are activities to suit the most active, or inactive of souls, including rambling, cycling, horse riding, canoeing, and fishing. There’s also a seasonal program of events, such as the National Trust Easter Trail, Lynmouth Harbour Boat Trips, and traditional summer fayres. The Exmoor area is also home to Doone Country, the area that inspired the classic Lorna Doone story.
The towns and villages within the National Park, and surrounding area, also add to the tourist experience, and range from small and picturesque, to lively and bustling. There’s the village of Combe Martin which houses a museum, a dinosaur and wildlife park, sand/pebble beaches, and one of the longest streets in Britain, which has many inns and shops to tempt visitors. For small hamlets, peaceful walks, and quaint cottages, try Culbone, Bridgetown, and Withypool, which has excellent walks along the surrounding hillside. Also worth a visit is Porlock, where the 36 mile Coleridge Way finishes, and there’s also a museum of local history. By contrast there is the busy town of Watchet, with its historic harbour, and Minehead, the town that marks where Exmoor meets the sea, and the start of the South West Coast Path. These lively towns have a wide selection of accommodation, with caravan sites, camping, guesthouses, and hotels scattered across the town. Throughout the rest of Exmoor, there are inns and pubs offering rooms in stunning villages, holiday cottages, and even the odd country house.
Whether it be accommodation, places to eat and drink, or things to do, Exmoor is a part of Devon that welcomes and caters for all tastes and budgets. It’s also easily accessible too. Exmoor is well served by nearby airports in Exeter and Bristol, connections to the M5 motorway, the Great Western Railway, and local bus services. There are tourist information centres throughout the area, and National Park Centres located in Dunster, Dulverton, and Lynmouth, to help you make the most of your visit. All the ingredients are here, so why not mix them up into your ideal break, and take your next trip to Exmoor.
