Are you planning an action-packed holiday? Well, there are lots of things to do in Exmoor. A wild and rugged landscape of open moorland, ancient woodland and giant sea cliffs, Exmoor National Park offers inspiration and tranquillity in equal measure in a unique and spectacular natural environment.
It's the most northerly of the two national parks you can discover in Devon, and it stretches over some of Somerset's most beautiful landscapes too. If you are looking for the best things to do in Exmoor, the national park offers breathtakingly scenic walks, plenty of action-packed days out and lots of cosy pubs serving up hearty local food and ale.
If you’re inspired to see it all for yourself, read on to find out what to do in Exmoor National Park on your holidays. Or, click the button below to browse our full collection of Exmoor cottages.
Exmoor cottages
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The best walks in Exmoor National Park
Tarr Steps
One of the most picturesque attractions in Exmoor National Park, Tarr Steps near Withypool, is an ancient stone bridge – the longest of its kind in Britain – across the River Barle. Walk over this historic bridge and through the ancient woodland surrounding it on this easy walk. Designated a National Nature Reserve, keep your eyes peeled for deer, dormice and bats here. For even more walks on Exmoor, check out our handy blog.
Good to know
- Distance: 2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Interesting fact: The bridge dates back potentially thousands of years, with each stone weighing between 1 and 2 tons!
Withypool cottages
Dunkery Beacon
Climb to the highest point in Exmoor National Park and stand amongst the heavens on this unforgettable walk. Dunkery Beacon (near Wheddon Cross) stands 519 metres above sea level, and you can see towards Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons on a clear day. For one of the most scenic Somerset walks, visit in summer to wander among moorland carpeted with purple heather.
Good to know
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Handy tip: Parking is limited so visit early if you have your heart set on this walk
Wheddon Cross cottages
Heddon’s Mouth
This gentle, family-friendly walk is one of the few mostly flat routes in Exmoor National Park. Follow the River Heddon through ancient woodland and out to the sea at Heddon’s Mouth (near Woody Bay). Listen to the babbling water, the sound of your own footsteps as you trip-trap over the bridge, and finally the crashing of waves onto pebbles as you reach the shore. For even more Exmoor and Devon coastal walk inspiration, why not read our guide?
Good to know
- Distance: 2.25 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Handy tip: Refuel at the Hunter’s Inn after – a traditional inn with a roaring fire and a hearty menu
Woody Bay cottages
The best visitor attractions in Exmoor National Park
Dunster Castle and Watermill
Owned by the National Trust, this Exmoor attraction is a must-visit for those who love history, architecture and beautiful gardens. Explore the Norman castle, wander the Mediterranean gardens and soak up the views over the Bristol Channel. There’s a play area too which kids will adore. The nearby village of Dunster is lovely, with its hordes of olde-worlde pubs and restaurants; it's perfect for Exmoor days out.
Good to know
- Cost: Adults – £13, children – £6.50, family – £32.50, 1 adult and 3 children – £19.50, free for National Trust members
- Best for: An impressive and unique day out
- Stay nearby: Mulberry Cottage – Somerset, Dunster | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Dunster cottages
Exmoor Zoo
Come face to face with the Exmoor beast at Exmoor Zoo, near Challacombe. This is one of the best tourist attractions in Exmoor National Park. As well as meeting the only black leopard in the UK, you can also see rare creatures such as the bat-eared fox, the capybara and the singing dog. Or, try your hand at being a keeper on one of the zoo’s fun experience days.
Challacombe cottages
Exmoor ponies
One of the the area's best attractions are the Exmoor ponies which are a common sight in Exmoor National Park and are always a joy to see. The herds are managed, so they aren't 100 per cent wild. However, most of the time they are free to roam the lonely expanses of Exmoor. There are around 20 herds on Exmoor, so the likelihood of a sighting is high.
Good to know
- Where can I see Exmoor ponies? For a chance to get up close to the ponies, visit the Exmoor Pony Centre near Bampton
- Can I feed the Exmoor ponies? It's best to avoid feeding or touching the ponies
- Stay nearby: Gracious Ford Farm | sleeps 10 + 3 dogs
Bampton cottages
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway
Linking the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, allowing you to explore both while saving your legs on the epic hill climb, the Cliff Railway opened in 1890 and hasn’t really changed since. It’s the highest water-powered railway in the world – climb aboard to gently ascend or descend the steep cliff while soaking up the breathtaking coastal views as you go. For more days out in Devon, read our handy blog.
Good to know
- Cost: Adults – £3, children (4–13 years) – £2, dogs – £1
- Best for: A front-row seat for the Exmoor views
- Stay nearby: Witham Cottage, Parracombe | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Lynton cottages
Places to stay in Exmoor National Park
Minehead
Minehead is Exmoor National Park's leading seaside resort. It's also its largest town, standing at the national park's most easterly point. Highlights are its beach, the West Somerset Railway, and Blenheim Gardens. Minehead also has lots of cool shops and lovely places to eat and drink, so it's well worth your time if you are looking for somewhere within the park that isn't overly rural.
Minehead's best attractions
- West Somerset Railway: This heritage steam railway runs between Minehead and Taunton taking in the coast and the lovely Quantock Hills
- Blenheim Gardens: These gardens are close to the beach and are a lovely relaxing place for a summer picnic
- Stay nearby: The Flat by the Sea | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Minehead cottages
Lynton and Lynmouth
The twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth have earned the nickname of Little Switzerland for the way its buildings cling to the steep hillsides and the Alpine-like rivers and streams that course their way through them. There are pubs and restaurants galore, lovely shops, and easy-walking access to Exmoor National Park via Riversmeet. There are lots of things to see and do including the Valley of Rocks, Watersmeet, Glen Lyn Gorge, the cliff railway, and Lynton Cinema. If you want to consider other great places to stay on Exmoor, head over to our inspirational blog.
Lynton and Lynmouth's best attractions
- Watersmeet walk: Follow the River Lyn inland through hill woodland to the National Trust-owned Watersmeet Cafe. It's fantastic
- Valley of Rocks: This valley of interesting rock formations is linked to Lynton by the South West Coast Path. Look out for the roaming goats at the Valley of Rocks
- Stay nearby: The Orangery | sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Lynmouth cottages
The best beaches in Exmoor National Park
Watermouth Cove
Nestled between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin, Watermouth Cove is a picturesque bay popular with water sports fanatics due to its sheltered and gentle conditions. As well as offering coasteering, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, the cove is also home to Watermouth Castle, a family-friendly theme park.
Good to know
- Lifeguards: No
- Dog friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome all year round
- Other information: Wander the South West Coast Path above the cove to see if you can spot seals, porpoises and dolphins
Ilfracombe cottages
Bossington Beach
Wander through the quintessential hamlet of Bossington near Porlock, past the thatched cottages and rolling fields, to reach Bossington Beach – a picturesque shingle beach where Exmoor meets the sea. Overlooking Porlock Bay, this beautiful Somerset beach is a peaceful place and is home to a wide variety of wildlife protected by the shingle shelf.
Good to know
- Lifeguards: No
- Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome all year round
- Other information: For refreshments Kitnors Tea Garden at Bossington is excellent but only open in the spring and summer.
Porlock cottages
Combe Martin Beach
If you’re planning a family day out by the coast, head to Combe Martin Beach. Sheltered by high cliffs, it’s a fantastic location for creating memories together. There is a stretch of sand at low tide, perfect for building sandcastles and, as the tide recedes, it reveals intriguing rock pools so make sure you pack a net and bucket too. Combe Martin is one of Devon's best beaches for a day.
Good to know
- Lifeguards: No
- Dog friendly: There’s a seasonal dog ban in place between 1 May and 30 September, but dogs are welcome outside of this time
- Other information: There’s easy parking, public toilets and plenty of facilities here, so it’s perfect for spending a whole day by the coast
Combe Martin cottages
The best pubs in Exmoor National Park
The Ancient Mariner, Lynmouth
Close to the babbling River Lyn as it makes its way to the sea, The Ancient Mariner is a chic yet quirky bar and restaurant. Tuck into an eclectic menu that showcases many local ingredients, while admiring the unusual curios including a full-size torpedo. This is a great place for pleasing a group, with many dietary requirements catered for.
Good to know
- Menu pick: Visit for the Sunday roast, with locally sourced meat from just up the road near the Valley of Rocks
- Are dogs allowed?: Yes, dogs are welcome in the bar
- Special features: The pub is extremely committed to reducing its impact on the world, having ditched single-use plastics and encouraging patrons to take part in a beach clean in exchange for ice cream!
Woods Bar and Restaurant, Dulverton
Boasting 'good quality wine and good quality food', Woods is the place to go for a special Exmoor meal and has won many awards for its delectable fare. Cosy up in the wooden interior amongst roaring fires and tuck into local produce sourced from its very own Dulverton farm at this fantastic Somerset bar.
Good to know
- Menu pick: Try any pork or lamb on the menu; sourced from the restaurant’s farm, it’s the ultimate taste of Exmoor
- Are dogs allowed?: Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the pub
- Special features: The beautiful bar was hand-built by Woods’ owner
The Poltimore Arms, Yarde Down
This quirky, 13th-century off-grid pub is almost a destination in itself. Run by an eccentric manager and a cat called Frederick Albert Hitler, who has his own Facebook page, the pub has no electricity, water or gas connection. Despite its unconventional ways, people visit for the unique atmosphere and its spectacular, unspoilt setting. The pub features heavily in the documentary about living off-grid on Exmoor called Where is Heaven? Looking for more places to eat in Devon, then check out our foodie blog here.
Good to know
- Menu pick: There’s no menu but occasionally a special menu is available – check the Facebook page for availability
- Are dogs allowed?: Yes, dogs are welcome
- Special features: Keep your eyes peeled for the peculiar taxidermy in the pub
Map of Exmoor National Park
Each of the places in this handy blog feature on this map.
Stay with us in Exmoor National Park
If you’ve been inspired to visit Exmoor, take a look at our range of cottages in the national park. From cosy coastal cottages to historic homes surrounded by heather-carpeted moorland, find your perfect base for exploring this incredible part of Devon. Click on the button below to find your perfect place to stay on Exmoor.
Exmoor cottages