7 Fab Things to Do in Exmoor National Park and Beyond
Our recent glamping stay at Middlestone Farm meant we had the perfect base for exploring West Somerset and North Devon, as well as being right on the border of the beautiful Exmoor National Park. Beautiful landscapes, rolling countryside, dramatic coastlines and quirky little hamlets are all easily reachable, especially if you’re travelling by car. If you’re planning a stay in the area then here are 7 fab things to do in Exmoor and beyond!
Wild pony spotting in Exmoor National Park
There’s nothing more thrilling than spying a group of Exmoor ponies in the wild. They may be small and stocky, but they are incredibly hardy and survive exposed to harsh conditions on the moorland. They’re Britain’s oldest breed of native pony, and are sadly potentially under threat of extinction.
Exmoor National Park is 267 miles of open heather-studded moors, spectacular cliffs, riverside valleys and lush woodland, and sits on the border of Somerset and Devon. We spent a lot of time driving back and forth across the Park, pulling over into parking spots and admiring the view. The B3223 from Simonsbath through to Lynton was a particularly splendid stretch for pony-spotting.
Lynton & Lynmouth
Linked by a water-powered funicular railway which is a magnificent feat of Victorian engineering, these two towns are worth a visit. The harbourside Lynmouth sits below, hugging the coast, whilst Lynton is 500ft overhead, perched on the cliffs. The drive to Lynmouth is twisty-turny, through a green tunnel of overhanging trees, and draws comparisons to the spectacular passes in the Swiss mountains.
We parked in a soggy Lynmouth, raindrops smearing our glasses and waterproofs securely in place. None of which stopped us eating an ice cream, or sharing a bag of salt- and vinegar-soaked fish and chips. We used the cliff railway to haul us up to Lynton before carefully making our way downhill – it’s tough on the knees, but probably not half as tough as walking up.
Just beyond Lynton is the dramatic Valley of the Rocks, with spectacular scenery and towering cliffs overlooking the Bristol Channel. We shared our visit with a handful of feral goats, chewing happily on the grass, not minding the odd anorak-clad walker ambling past.
Tiny hamlets – Allerford, Bossington, Porlock Weir
West Somerset is liberally sprinkled with the cutest small villages and hamlets. Wisteria covered buildings, half-timbered tea-rooms, gorgeous packhorse bridges spanning a babbling brook, these are postcard-perfect spots. We didn’t catch Porlock Weir at it’s best, with heavy black clouds threatening to spill their load at any minute, and all the businesses closed for the day. There’s no doubting however that the row of summer cottages are picturesque in any weather. Bossington is full of pretty thatched cottages and inviting tea rooms with wisteria and rose covered facades.
Climb a Big Hill – Dunkery Beacon
At 519m above sea level, Dunkery Beacon is the highest point in Somerset. There’s a small car park at Dunkery Gate with trails leading to the summit, or you can do as we did, and park a little further away with the intention of putting a good hike in. Except we walked in the wrong direction, and ended up further away from Dunkery Beacon than when we started. Typical of our hikes really. Instead we headed up a different big hill.
Dunster Castle
From it’s location atop a densely wooded hill, Dunster Castle and it’s luscious gardens command views over Exmoor, the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel. Run by the National Trust, this medieval manor house was home to the Luttrells from the 14th century onward.
You can find out more about visiting Dunster Castle here.
Take a Hike at Simonsbath
I didn’t pack my walking boots without good reason. Planning on getting a good few miles in, we headed to the village of Simonsbath, deep in the heart of Exmoor. This 10km circular walk took us riverside along the banks of the River Barle, past the ruins of an old copper mine and an Iron Age hillfort. Which is much easier to see on the return leg, at a higher level across fields, moors and farmland.
It’s a fairly easy walk, with a few ascents which are steep enough to cause a bit of leg wobble. There are lots of beautiful places to stop along the way, including a stunning wooded glade by the river – the perfect place for a brew with a view.
For anyone wanting to do this walk, there is parking at Simonsbath (TA24 7SH). The Exmoor Forest Inn also provides a very welcome pitstop and is right opposite the trailhead.
There were other potential hikes on our list, giving us plenty to choose from on a return visit. Tarr Steps to Withypool. The perimeter of Wimbleball Lake. Malmsmead and Lorna Doone Valley. The Qunatock Hills. And of course, our old friend, the South West Coast Path.
Walk the South West Coast Path
Our relationship with the South West Coast Path is legendary. There’s the time our 15km walk turned into a 15 mile walk. And the time that Mr Fletche had to be rescued by the coastguards. So this time we preferred to stick to more inland pursuits. However if we’d wanted a relatively easy stroll, the Bossington to Porlock Weir stretch is around 2.5 miles. This can be extended to a 5.5 mile circular walk, returning via Porlock.
In conclusion…
There is so much to discover in this area. The North Devon beaches of Ilfracombe and Woolacombe are within easy driving distance for family-friendly beach fun. There are gardens, parks and attractions suitable for everyone, and – as we proved – whatever the weather.
Where we stayed
Looks like such a beautiful area to visit.
Bit of a trek for you guys but it really is a great part of the UK to explore!