Attractions and Places To See in Exmoor - Top 20

Exmoor is home to several striking natural landmarks. The Dunkery Beacon Summit, the highest point in Exmoor National Park, offers expansive views across the Bristol Channel. The Valley of Rocks is a dramatic dry valley with steep cliffs and sea views, known for its feral goats. You can also explore the ancient Tarr Steps, a unique clapper bridge crossing the River Barle, surrounded by scenic oak woodland.

Yes, Exmoor boasts a rich history. Dunster Castle, a historic castle transformed into a grand country house, showcases 1,000 years of history. Cleeve Abbey is a well-preserved 13th-century Cistercian monastery. The charming medieval Dunster Village, with its iconic Yarn Market, and the Victorian seaside towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, connected by the historic Cliff Railway, also offer cultural insights.

Exmoor is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy extensive walking and cycling opportunities across the moorlands and along the coast. For example, there are numerous hiking trails, including routes like the 'Valley of the Rocks, Lynton & Lynmouth' or 'Tarr Steps & Withypool loop'. Cyclists can find challenging road cycling routes such as the 'Dunkery Beacon & Simonsbath loop'. More adventurous activities like coasteering, kayaking, and mountain biking are also available.

For breathtaking vistas, head to Dunkery Beacon Summit, the highest point in Exmoor, offering panoramic views. Selworthy Beacon also provides magnificent views over the rolling countryside and out to sea, including the Bristol Channel. The North Walk (South West Coast Path) near Lynton offers stunning coastal views across to Wales.

Exmoor offers several family-friendly options. The Valley of Rocks is a great place for families to explore the dramatic landscape and spot wild goats. Dunster Castle features a natural play area within its parkland. The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway is a fun experience for all ages, connecting the two charming towns. Many of the easier walking trails, such as those around Tarr Steps, are also suitable for families.

Exmoor is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer are particularly popular. In spring, Snowdrop Valley near Wheddon Cross is carpeted with thousands of snowdrops, and wildflowers bloom across the moorlands. Summer offers ideal weather for walking, cycling, and enjoying the coastline. Autumn brings vibrant colours to the woodlands, while winter can offer dramatic, quiet landscapes, especially for stargazing in the International Dark Sky Reserve.

Exmoor is renowned for its wildlife. You can often spot wild Exmoor ponies and herds of red deer roaming the moorlands. The Valley of Rocks is home to a local population of wild goats. Along the Exmoor Coastline, you might catch glimpses of seals, dolphins, and various seabirds.

The Exmoor coastline is dramatic, featuring towering sea cliffs, secluded beaches, and hidden caves. Beyond the well-known spots, areas like Combe Martin offer a shingle and sand beach with rock pools, popular for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The South West Coast Path provides access to many less-trodden sections of this rugged and beautiful shoreline.

Exmoor is a walker's paradise. Popular routes include sections of the South West Coast Path, the Coleridge Way, and numerous circular trails. For running, consider running trails like 'The Valley of Rocks loop' or the 'Heddon Valley & Woody Bay loop'. The open moorlands and wooded valleys provide diverse terrain for all levels.

Exmoor National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it an excellent location for stargazing. High points like Dunkery Beacon Summit are particularly recommended for clear views of the night sky, away from light pollution.

Several picturesque villages and towns dot the Exmoor landscape. Dulverton is a market town with independent shops and a Heritage Centre. Dunster Village is famous for its medieval architecture and the iconic Yarn Market. Lynton and Lynmouth are charming Victorian seaside towns with a picturesque harbour. Selworthy Village, part of the Holnicote Estate, is known for its traditional 'chocolate-box' cottages.