
Exmoor National Park Centre Dulverton
Discover the wild beauty of Exmoor National Park, famed for its ponies, dramatic landscapes, and star-filled skies.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Exmoor National Park Centre Dulverton
Best Time
Best light for scenery

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the wild beauty of Exmoor National Park, famed for its ponies, dramatic landscapes, and star-filled skies.
"Magnificent National Park with outstanding wildlife and wild ponies roaming around."

🚗 Drive with Caution
Roads are narrow and winding. Be mindful of wildlife and potential flooding after rain.
🥾 Pack for All Weather
Exmoor's weather can change rapidly. Layers and waterproofs are essential, even on sunny days.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Exmoor Ponies
Throughout the park
Witness these hardy, wild ponies roaming freely across the moors and valleys. A truly iconic sight!

Exe Valley Views
Various viewpoints
Experience breathtaking vistas of the Exe Valley, often shrouded in mist for a magical atmosphere.

Dark Skies
Designated Dark Sky areas
Marvel at the star-filled night sky, with Exmoor being a designated International Dark Sky Reserve.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Exmoor's Charm
Center's New Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive with Caution
Roads are narrow and winding. Be mindful of wildlife and potential flooding after rain.
🥾 Pack for All Weather
Exmoor's weather can change rapidly. Layers and waterproofs are essential, even on sunny days.
📍 Check Visitor Center Location
The main National Park Centre has moved. Confirm its current location before heading out.
📸 Capture the Scenery
From misty valleys to golden hour light, Exmoor offers incredible photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive with Caution
Roads are narrow and winding. Be mindful of wildlife and potential flooding after rain.
🥾 Pack for All Weather
Exmoor's weather can change rapidly. Layers and waterproofs are essential, even on sunny days.
📍 Check Visitor Center Location
The main National Park Centre has moved. Confirm its current location before heading out.
📸 Capture the Scenery
From misty valleys to golden hour light, Exmoor offers incredible photo opportunities.
🐴 Horse Riding Adventures
Explore the moors on horseback for a unique perspective of the park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Exmoor National Park for its magnificent scenery, outstanding wildlife, and the chance to see wild ponies. The dark skies are a significant draw for stargazers. However, some find the village of Dulverton expensive and note that the roads can be quite narrow and prone to flooding.
"Quite, narrow roads, if raining floods likely, lovely scenery, expensive village, camping good, Dulverton not like it used to be unfortunately."
ray gregory
"I'm blessed to live & work here.
You don't need to go abroad, just visit this magnificent National Park.
Wildlife is outstanding as well as the Wild Ponies roaming around."
Dave Sorrell
"Very friendly and service provider good shop as lots of information and goody's"
Christine matthews
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Exmoor National Park Centre is now located at Exmoor House, near the river in Dulverton. Access is primarily by car, with narrow, winding country roads leading to the area. Public transport options are limited, so planning your route in advance is recommended.
Yes, the roads within Exmoor National Park, including those around Dulverton, are often narrow, steep, and winding. Drivers should exercise caution, especially during wet weather when flooding can occur.
Parking availability can vary, especially in Dulverton village. It's advisable to check for local parking information upon arrival or consult the Exmoor National Park website for guidance.
While challenging, it is possible to visit parts of Exmoor National Park using public transport, such as buses that connect some villages. However, exploring the wider park is significantly easier with a car.
Many visitors find that driving allows for the most flexibility to explore the diverse landscapes. However, hiking and cycling are also popular ways to experience the park's natural beauty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Exmoor National Park is a public access area, and there is no general entry fee to visit the park itself. However, specific attractions or events within the park may have admission charges.
The Exmoor National Park Centre has relocated to Exmoor House. It's best to check the official Exmoor National Park website for the most up-to-date opening hours and any seasonal variations.
There is no entrance fee to visit Dulverton village. However, some visitors have noted that the village can be expensive for shopping or dining.
Generally, no booking is required for general access to Exmoor National Park. However, if you plan to participate in specific guided tours, activities, or stay at campsites, booking in advance is often recommended.
The Exmoor National Park Centre provides maps, information on walking routes, wildlife spotting, local attractions, and advice for visitors. The craft centre at the old location offers local products.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Exmoor is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the iconic Exmoor ponies roaming freely, red deer, and a variety of bird species. Keep an eye out during your visit!
Absolutely! Exmoor offers a vast network of walking trails, from gentle valley strolls to challenging moorland hikes. The South West Coast Path also runs through parts of the park.
Popular viewpoints include the Exe Valley, Porlock Hill, and various spots along the coast. The scenery is stunning, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Exmoor is a photographer's paradise, offering dramatic landscapes, unique wildlife, and stunning skies, especially during the golden hour and at night as a Dark Sky Reserve.
Yes, horse riding is a popular activity in Exmoor, with many stables offering hacks and treks across the moors and through valleys.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dulverton offers a selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants. While some find the village expensive, you can find options for meals and refreshments.
Yes, Exmoor National Park has numerous beautiful spots perfect for picnics. Many scenic viewpoints and walking routes offer ideal locations to enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature.
The former Exmoor National Park Centre in Dulverton now houses a craft centre that sells well-priced local products, which may include food items.
While specific restaurants with panoramic views might be limited, many pubs and cafes in villages bordering the park offer pleasant settings. The true dining experience is often the picnic with a view.
Expect traditional British pub fare, often featuring local ingredients like lamb, game, and seafood. Cream teas are also a popular regional treat.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' around sunrise and sunset offers beautiful light for landscapes. Clear nights are perfect for astrophotography due to Exmoor's Dark Sky status.
The Exe Valley, the rugged coastline, the open moors with ponies, and the charming villages like Dulverton are all highly photogenic.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A tripod is recommended for low-light conditions and astrophotography.
While not always advertised, local photographers or guides may offer specialized photography tours. It's worth checking local tourism websites or asking at the visitor centre.
The unpredictable weather can be a challenge, but also creates dramatic photographic opportunities. Narrow roads require careful planning for access.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic spots. The former National Park Centre in Dulverton, now a craft centre, might offer some interesting local items for kids to see. Remember to dress everyone in layers and bring waterproofs, as the weather can be unpredictable.
🚶 Hikers and Walkers
Be sure to pick up detailed maps from the visitor centre (or download them beforehand) and be prepared for varied terrain and weather. Many trails offer stunning vistas and opportunities to spot wildlife, making for a rewarding hiking experience.
📸 Photographers
Timing is key; aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset for the best light. Be prepared for changing weather, as it can add incredible atmosphere to your shots. A good range of lenses and a sturdy tripod will enhance your photographic capabilities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Exmoor Pony
Seeing these ponies in their natural habitat is a highlight for many visitors. They are generally docile but should be observed from a respectful distance. Avoid feeding them, as this can disrupt their natural diet and behavior. The sight of a foal with its mother is particularly heartwarming and a common subject for photographers.
While the ponies are wild, they are managed by various landowners and conservation groups. Their conservation is vital to maintaining the ecological balance of the moorland habitat. Spotting them can be a matter of luck, but areas like the open moors and higher ground are good places to look.
Navigating Exmoor's Roads
Visitors should be prepared for limited passing places and the possibility of encountering oncoming traffic, agricultural vehicles, or even the park's famous Exmoor ponies. It's advisable to pull over when possible to let faster traffic pass and to allow for safe passage for others. Always check your route beforehand, as GPS signals can be unreliable in some areas.
Furthermore, Exmoor's weather can significantly impact driving conditions. Heavy rainfall can lead to flash floods in low-lying areas and valleys, making certain routes impassable. It's wise to check local weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out, especially if you are visiting during autumn or winter.
Exmoor's Dark Skies
Several viewpoints across the park are particularly well-suited for observing the night sky. Areas away from village lights, such as open moorland or designated stargazing spots, offer the best experience. Visitors can often see a multitude of stars, planets, and even meteor showers with remarkable clarity.
For those interested in astronomy, local events or guided stargazing sessions may be available. Bringing a red-light torch is recommended to preserve night vision. Exmoor's dark skies provide a truly magical and humbling experience, connecting visitors with the vastness of the universe.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit