Discover a range of holiday cottages, farmhouses, barn conversions, and glamping pods, set on working farms in Exmoor National Park. These hand-picked, self-catering farm stays are located in some of Exmoor’s most popular rural destinations including Withypool, Minehead, Luxborough, Dunster, and Ilfracombe ideal for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for an unforgettable getaway.
Exmoor National Park, which straddles the counties of Somerset and Devon, has been shaped by people and nature over thousands of years. The result is a spectacular landscape of wide open moorland, deep wooded valleys, fast-flowing rivers, and towering sea cliffs, making the park a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Climb to Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor’s highest point, to enjoy exceptional views across the Bristol Channel to Wales, over Dartmoor and beyond. Near the summit you can spot Bronze Age burial mounds and the cairn commemorating the hill being gifted to the National Trust. For dramatic coastal scenery, walk through the Valley of Rocks, a U-shaped dry valley where feral goats roam freely along the jagged cliff edges. Alternatively, follow the River Barle through oak woodland to Tarr Steps, a Grade I listed ancient clapper bridge and a popular spot for wild swimming. Along the way, keep an eye out for mosses, liverworts, and lichens that thrive in the clean, damp air, as well as otters along the riverbanks.
Exmoor has a well-earned reputation as one of the best horse-riding destinations in the country, thanks to its extensive network of bridleways. Riding is a fantastic way to explore more remote areas such as Doone Valley, where you can discover prehistoric standing stones, the abandoned medieval village of Badgworthy, and a 17th-century packhorse bridge.
Another wonderful way to experience Exmoor is by train. The West Somerset Railway is a heritage steam railway running between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard, following the Bristol Channel coast and passing through the Quantock Hills. Stop off at Dunster, a charming village overlooked by an ancient castle with an impressive gatehouse and ruined tower, a working Victorian watermill, and beautiful terraced gardens home to Mediterranean and subtropical plants, as well as a riverside woodland garden.
For breathtaking coastal scenery, take a ride on the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, a Grade II listed, water-powered funicular linking the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. Lynton is an unspoilt village with many independent shops and eateries, while Lynmouth offers charming fishermen’s cottages, a picturesque harbour, and an excellent surfing beach. The Exmoor National Park Visitor Centre sits next to the railway and has interactive displays, plenty of information, and friendly staff on hand to help. Nearby, the cliff-top café serves traditional Devon cream teas against a backdrop of arguably some of the best views in the county.
With an abundance of wildlife Exmoor is a haven for nature lovers. Look out for ground-nesting birds such as Dartford warblers, meadow pipits, and stonechats; numerous reptiles including the adder, Britain’s only venomous snake; over 30 species of butterfly, including the rare heath fritillary; and England’s largest herds of wild red deer. A particular highlight for many visitors is spotting Exmoor ponies grazing freely across the moor. For a chance to get up close to the ponies, visit the Exmoor Pony Centre to learn about their history and life on the moor.
Exmoor’s dark skies are among the best in the British Isles. With minimal light pollution, a clear night reveals thousands of stars and astronomical sights such as the Milky Way with the naked eye. Telescopes can be hired from National Park Centres, and throughout the year there are guided stargazing sessions and events, such as the annual Dark Skies Festival held each autumn. If you venture out after dark, you may even spot a badger or the elusive pine marten, both nocturnal residents of the moors.
Beach lovers are spoilt for choice in Exmoor, with sandy, shingle, and rocky beaches tucked beneath steep cliffs. Minehead has a wide, family-friendly stretch of sand ideal for sandcastles and beach games, along with classic seaside attractions such as crazy golf, amusements, and fish and chips. Combe Martin is one of the best beaches in the area for rock pooling and also offers watersports including sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. For a quieter experience, head to the remote Heddon’s Mouth, a rocky cove where a small river runs down the centre of the beach, and once a favoured haunt of smugglers.
For a relaxing countryside escape with opportunities for walking, cycling, horse riding, wildlife watching, surfing, and other watersports, choose a farm holiday in Exmoor for your next break.
