Tucked away in a quiet corner of the West Country, Exmoor National Park is a magical landscape of gentle rolling hills, steep wooded coombes, and wild heather-clad moors. Its’ villages are among the prettiest in the country, where time slows down and the immense sense of tranquillity makes you want to linger. Join us as we visit 6 of the loveliest.
Exmoor is beautiful, a land of plenty, with much to see and do, so it’s perfect for holidays and short breaks in the UK. Whether it’s a romantic break, a walking holiday, longer stays with friends and family, or multi-generational celebration weekends, you’ll find wonderful places to stay and lots to keep you smiling. Sleeps12 have fantastic large group holiday houses near Exmoor with hot tubs and games rooms – great for all ages.
One of the simplest joys when you’re staying on Exmoor is to go exploring, find hills to climb, cosy country pubs and sweet little tearooms, discover picturesque villages. Let’s go pootling, let’s show you 6 of the best.
Dunster
Dunster is packed with historic charm; a medieval castle stands on the hill above the village, at the top of the high street there’s a 17th century Yarn Market. There are independent shops to browse, restaurants, pubs and eclectic tearooms. Amble the backwaters lined with centuries old thatched cottages where roses scramble up the walls.
What are the best things to do in Dunster?
- Visit Dunster Castle – National Trust cards at the ready, see the dungeons, the leather wall hangings and subtropical gardens.
- Go to Dunster Working Watermill – stroll along the leat from the castle to the restored mill, buy freshly milled flour, see the working waterwheels.
- Follow the Tall Trees Trail – this short accessible loop has a babbling stream and some of the tallest trees in England.
Allerford
Allerford is postcard perfect, with its famous 15th century packhorse bridge, and comely red sandstone and whitewashed thatched cottages. Small it may be, but it’s easy to while away an afternoon here, far away from the humdrum of life.
What can we do in Allerford?
- Go to West Somerset Rural Life Museum – see a Victorian schoolroom, tools and machinery that for many years were an essential part of village life.
- Have crumpets at Allerford Tea Room – not just any old crumpets, these are savoury cheese crumpets, served with homemade coleslaw, salad and chips…
- Walk around Allerford Woods and St Agnes Fountain – stroll beneath the trees on this 2 mile woodland trail to a hidden spring and grotto.
Porlock Weir
Weathered cottages snuggle on the historic harbourside at Porlock Weir, boats bob about in the water, old trees stand skeletal in the salt marshes behind the long pebble beach. It’s equally lovely here in the summer, when it’s bustling, and out of season.
What is there for families to do at Porlock Weir?
- Go crabbing on the harbour – buy buckets, hand lines and bait from the local shops, see who can catch the biggest crab.
- Have a Paddleboarding Adventure – hire boards from Exmoor Adventures, paddle through the marshlands looking out for wildlife
- Eat oysters at The Kitchen@Porlock Bay Oysters – oysters grown in the bay are served with Exmoor Cider Jelly. Kids might prefer a beefburger or fish and chips.
Bossington
Thatched and cob cottages with tall chimneys line the main lane at Bossington, rambling roses frame the doorways, flowers tumble gleefully over the garden walls. It’s a magical little place where you’ll want to tarry.
Things to do at Bossington
- Wander down to the beach – see the old lime kilns and the WWII pill boxes, skim pebbles into the sea. The views of Porlock Bay are breathtaking.
- Have cream tea at Kitnors – the quaintest thatched cottage houses a tearoom that serves amazing freshly baked scones. Sit in the garden if it’s warm, or inside if it’s not.
- Tramp up to Hurlestone Point – a hufty-pufty walk up to a rocky headland with an abandoned coastguard station and panoramic views over the Bristol Channel to Wales.
Selworthy
Chocolate box thatched cottages stand around the village green at Selworthy, like a pop-up fairytale book, backed by dense wooded hillsides.
What can we do in Selworthy?
- Have tea at Periwinkle Cottage Tearoom – scrumptious cheese scones, mouthwatering homemade cake, and tea in China cups. What we call perfick in these parts.
- Hike up to Selworthy Beacon – stroll up through the woods for views that will fill your heart with joy.
- Poke your head in the church – church botherers will love the soaring pillars, the painted wagon roof and the Saxon font. Outside are limewashed walls and staggering views over Exmoor.
Winsford
The best thing to do when you come to Winsford is to have a wander and take it all in; the picture-perfect cottages, the narrow lanes, the tree lined green and the 8 bridges that cross the brook and River Exe. There will be many a time when you’re back at your desk in the city, wishing you were here instead.
What is there to do in Winsford?
- Walk to Tarr Steps – this moderate 3.5 mile walk takes you over open moorland, along wooded slopes and riverside paths. At Tarr Steps cross the ancient clapper bridge then wander up the hill for refreshments at the Tarr Farm Inn.
- Go to the Royal Oak Inn – once the haunt of highwayman Tom Faggus, now serving good homemade food made using local ingredients.
- Huff your way up to Winsford Hill – the rewards are views that roll on forever and wild ponies contentedly grazing among the Bronze Age barrows.