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Exmoor National Park

4.8
·5k reviews·, United Kingdom

Vast, wild landscapes of moors, woodlands, and dramatic coastlines, home to iconic ponies and deer.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
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Dulverton - Image 1

Exmoor National Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Vast, wild landscapes of moors, woodlands, and dramatic coastlines, home to iconic ponies and deer.

4.8
(5k reviews)

"Exmoor National Park is absolutely gorgeous, one of the nicest parts of the country, hands down."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Scenic Drives are a Must

Explore Exmoor's winding lanes for breathtaking views. Don't miss the route through the Valley of Rocks!

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Many trails involve uneven terrain. Comfortable walking boots are essential for exploring Exmoor.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Valley of Rocks

Valley of Rocks

North Devon Coast

Dramatic cliffs, sea views, and resident wild goats make this a must-see coastal gem.

Tarr Steps

Tarr Steps

River Barle

Walk across Britain's longest and oldest clapper bridge, a truly ancient and atmospheric spot.

Dunkery Beacon

Dunkery Beacon

Highest point in Exmoor

Ascend to the highest point for panoramic views across the moors and coast on a clear day.

Exmoor Ponies

Exmoor Ponies

Throughout the park

Spot these iconic, hardy native ponies roaming freely across the moors and coastal paths.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild: Prepare for Exmoor's Natural Beauty

Exmoor National Park offers vast, untamed landscapes. Pack sturdy walking shoes for its numerous trails and be ready for changeable weather, even in summer. Wild ponies and deer are common sights, so keep a respectful distance.

Timing is Key for Tranquility

While Exmoor is stunning year-round, visiting during weekdays or outside peak summer holidays can offer a more peaceful experience. Popular spots like the Valley of Rocks can get busy, so an early start is recommended.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn
Why
Stunning colours, fewer people
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Want to visit!? 🤩 VALLEY OF ROCKS 🪨 📍 located in Exmoor National Park (north Devon) 🚘 Yes, you can drive through the valley, there’s a carpark & a few bench spots for a little picnic 🏏 There’s a cricket ground in the valley! (Can you spot it in the reel?) 🐐 Valley of Rocks is home to feral free-roaming goats, you tend to hear them before you see them 😂 🥾 You can walk along this section of coas...
@cjexplores
5.4K likes • 205.7K views

🚗 Scenic Drives are a Must

Explore Exmoor's winding lanes for breathtaking views. Don't miss the route through the Valley of Rocks! TikTok

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Many trails involve uneven terrain. Comfortable walking boots are essential for exploring Exmoor. Reddit

Today we went on a big outside walk to Tarr Steps with friends 🐾 💦 Tarr Steps | Ancient Bridge & Nature Reserve Walk Beautiful, iconic and ancient – the Tarr Steps are well worth a visit if you have made it to Exmoor National Park. This “clapper bridge” is the longest and oldest of its kind in Great Britain, dating back hundreds if not thousands of years. What is a clapper bridge? A ‘clapper brid...
@ellandjakey
3.9K likes • 22K views
Exmoor National Park 🌿 I’ve already begun this series and will be resuming paintings inspired by these views soon 🩷 . . . . . #landscape #paintinginspiration #paintingseries #exmoor #exmoornationalpark #somerset #moorland #heather #heatherflowers #purpleflowers #moor #englishcountryside #nationalpark #uknationalparks #nationalparks #countryside #coastal #sunset #redsky #countryroad #lynmouth #devo...
emgpaintings
121 likes • 3.5K views

🐐 Watch for Wild Goats

The Valley of Rocks is famous for its resident feral goats. Listen for them before you see them! TikTok

⏰ Arrive Early at Tarr Steps

This popular ancient bridge gets busy. Beat the crowds by visiting early in the morning. TikTok

📍 Exmoor National Park 🐴 We are just home from the most lovely week exploring Exmoor National Park 🐾 I didn’t really know what to expect, and Exmoor completely blew me away! So many fantastic walks, beautiful scenery and of course the real stars of the show, the local Exmoor ponies 🐴 If you’ve not been, get yourself there! A great option for reactive dog owners too, probably the quietest nat...
paws.explore.north
0 likes • 3.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Scenic Drives are a Must

Explore Exmoor's winding lanes for breathtaking views. Don't miss the route through the Valley of Rocks! TikTok

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Many trails involve uneven terrain. Comfortable walking boots are essential for exploring Exmoor. Reddit

🐐 Watch for Wild Goats

The Valley of Rocks is famous for its resident feral goats. Listen for them before you see them! TikTok

⏰ Arrive Early at Tarr Steps

This popular ancient bridge gets busy. Beat the crowds by visiting early in the morning. TikTok

🐶 Dog-Friendly Adventures

Exmoor is a paradise for dogs, with plenty of walks and open spaces for them to enjoy. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moors

From heather-covered hills to dramatic coastlines, Exmoor offers endless photographic opportunities. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Exmoor National Park is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking beauty, serene landscapes, and abundant wildlife, including wild ponies and deer. Visitors love the numerous walking opportunities, scenic drives, and the peaceful, untouched atmosphere. Some note the narrow, winding roads and the need for sturdy footwear.

"This place is beautiful. The views are amazing. Great place to hike or just sit and watch the scenery. You can’t go wrong here. Worth the drive. We hada good time with the kids and enjoyed this area. But we were also cautious that it’s a cliff and had them stay close."

Hery Diaz

"Exmouth National Park proved to be an absolutely stunning destination, far exceeding expectations with its breathtaking beauty and serene landscapes. It was a true delight to explore, and what made the experience even more special was seeing how much my dogs enjoyed it too. The park offers an abundance of lovely walks, providing the perfect opportunity to leisurely wander through the magnificent scenery and soak in the tranquil atmosphere, making it an unforgettable visit for both me, my family and my dogs."

A

"Exmoor National Park is absolutely gorgeous, one of the nicest parts of the country, hands down. You’ll see wild ponies roaming around, along with sheep and cows in the fields, which makes it feel properly untouched and peaceful. There are little roads you can drive up, park, and then head out walking or cycling through stunning scenery. Whether you're after big open views or quiet trails, it’s just amazing. Highly recommend if you want to reconnect with nature and take in some proper countryside beauty."

Michael Freed

What People Like

Stunning natural beauty
Abundant wildlife
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Narrow, winding roads

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Exmoor National Park is accessible by car via various routes, with the A39 and A396 being key roads. Public transport options include train services to nearby towns like Barnstaple or Taunton, followed by local bus routes into the park. Some visitors also arrive by coach. TikTok

Driving through Exmoor involves navigating narrow, winding country lanes, especially in the more remote areas. While scenic, drivers should be cautious of livestock and other vehicles. Some TikToks show driving through areas like the Valley of Rocks. TikTok

Yes, under clear conditions, the faint outline of Exmoor's hills can sometimes be seen from coastal areas across the Bristol Channel, such as parts of South Wales. Reddit

Key gateways include towns like Lynton, Lynmouth, Porlock, and Dulverton. These offer access to various trails, visitor centers, and amenities within the park. Instagram

While many areas are rugged, Exmoor does offer some accessible options. For instance, Flora & Fauna safari tents provide wheelchair-accessible accommodation on the edge of the park. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Exmoor National Park itself is free. However, charges apply for parking at popular sites like Tarr Steps and some visitor centers. TikTok

As an open natural landscape, Exmoor National Park does not have set opening hours. However, specific attractions within or bordering the park, such as Exmoor Zoo or Dunster Castle, will have their own operating times. TikTok

Yes, there are visitor centers and information points throughout Exmoor, such as the one at Tarr Steps, which also offers parking facilities. TikTok

Accommodation in Exmoor ranges from charming inns and B&Bs to unique glamping sites like Ursabear Cabin and accessible safari tents. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. TikTok+1

While not always explicitly advertised, local tour operators and sea safari companies offer guided experiences, particularly along the Exmoor coastline. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Exmoor offers a variety of trails, from gentle walks like the Valley of Rocks TikTok to more challenging hikes like the ascent of Dunkery Beacon. The South West Coastal Path also runs through parts of Exmoor, offering stunning sea views. TikTok

Absolutely! Exmoor is renowned for its wild red deer, native Exmoor ponies, and even feral goats in the Valley of Rocks. TikTokInstagram+1

Families can enjoy walks, spotting wildlife, visiting Exmoor Zoo for animal encounters,TikTok or exploring historic sites like Dunster medieval village and Castle. TikTok

Yes, Exmoor offers scenic cycling routes, from quiet lanes to more challenging off-road tracks. Many visitors enjoy cycling through the stunning countryside. TikTok

Key viewpoints include Dunkery Beacon for expansive vistas,Instagram the Valley of Rocks for dramatic coastal scenery,TikTok and various points along the South West Coastal Path. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Exmoor boasts charming country pubs and inns, often serving local produce. Tarr Farm Inn is noted for its setting and food. InstagramReddit

Look out for local game, seafood along the coast, and traditional cream teas. Many pubs offer hearty, locally sourced meals. TikTok

Picnicking is a popular activity in Exmoor. Many scenic spots, like the Valley of Rocks, have designated areas or benches for enjoying a meal amidst nature. TikTok

Yes, you'll find cafes in villages like Porlock and Selworthy, offering refreshments and light meals for visitors. TikTok

Tarr Farm Inn, a 17th-century inn, offers a dining experience with views overlooking a wooded valley, serving meals like raspberry steamed sponge cake. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The Valley of Rocks offers dramatic cliff shots, Dunkery Beacon provides panoramic landscapes, and the ancient Tarr Steps present unique photographic opportunities. The moors themselves, especially with heather in bloom, are also stunning. TikTokInstagram+1

Sunrise and sunset, often referred to as golden hour, offer the most dramatic light for landscape photography. Early mornings can also be magical for capturing mist on the moors. Instagram

You have excellent chances to photograph wild red deer, native Exmoor ponies, and the feral goats of the Valley of Rocks. TikTokInstagram+1

While dedicated photography tours might be less common, many local guides and wildlife enthusiasts offer experiences that cater to photographers. TikTok

A wide-angle lens for landscapes, a telephoto lens for wildlife, a sturdy tripod, and weather-appropriate gear are recommended for capturing Exmoor's diverse scenes. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Exmoor National Park offers a fantastic escape for families. Exmoor Zoo is a highlight, providing hours of entertainment with its diverse animal collection. TikTok For outdoor fun, the Valley of Rocks offers accessible paths and the exciting chance to spot wild goats. TikTok+1 Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery, and consider shorter, well-marked trails to keep little legs happy. Many reviewers mention enjoying Exmoor with their children, highlighting the park's broad appeal. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Walkers

Exmoor is a hiker's paradise, with routes catering to all levels. The South West Coastal Path offers dramatic sea views, while inland trails lead through ancient woodlands and across open moors. TikTok Dunkery Beacon provides a rewarding climb to the highest point for panoramic vistas. Instagram+1 Don't forget sturdy walking boots, as many paths can be uneven. Reddit For a truly immersive experience, consider exploring the less-trodden paths and enjoying the profound silence of the moors. Instagram

🚗 Road Trippers and Scenic Drivers

Exmoor's winding country lanes are perfect for a scenic road trip. The drive through the Valley of Rocks is particularly memorable, offering stunning coastal views right from your car. TikTok Many visitors use Exmoor as a route to Devon, stopping to admire the scenery along the way. TikTokReddit Be prepared for narrow roads and potential encounters with livestock. Pulling over at designated spots to soak in the views is highly recommended. TikTok

🐶 Dog Owners

Exmoor National Park is incredibly dog-friendly, with vast open spaces and numerous walking routes perfect for canine companions. Reddit From the moors to the coast, your dog will love exploring the diverse landscapes. Remember to keep dogs under control, especially around livestock and wildlife, and always clean up after them. Many reviewers specifically mention how much their dogs enjoyed their visit. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Exmoor's Iconic Coastline

Exmoor National Park boasts a dramatic and rugged coastline, much of which is protected and offers breathtaking views. The Valley of Rocks is a standout feature, known for its towering cliffs, sea stacks, and resident population of feral goats that often graze precariously on the slopes. TikTokInstagram+1 This area is easily accessible with a car park nearby and offers short, manageable walks, making it a popular spot for visitors. The South West Coastal Path also traverses sections of Exmoor's coast, providing longer hiking opportunities with stunning vistas of the Bristol Channel. TikTok

Beyond the Valley of Rocks, other coastal highlights include Porlock Weir, a picturesque harbour village, and the dramatic cliffs around Countisbury Hill. For those seeking a different perspective, sea safaris departing from nearby Ilfracombe offer a chance to view the coastline from the water, spotting marine life and enjoying unique views of the Exmoor cliffs. TikTok The coastal areas are perfect for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset, offering moody skies and dramatic light. Instagram

The Ancient Wonders of Tarr Steps

Tarr Steps is one of Exmoor's most ancient and intriguing sites, featuring a 'clapper bridge' made of large, flat stones laid across the River Barle. TikTok This prehistoric crossing is considered the longest and oldest of its kind in Great Britain, with its origins dating back hundreds, if not thousands, of years. TikTok The surrounding area is a beautiful nature reserve, offering peaceful walks through woodland and along the riverbanks. It's a popular spot, so arriving early is advised to experience its tranquility. TikTok

The walk to Tarr Steps is often described as beautiful and iconic, making it a must-visit for many exploring Exmoor. TikTok+1 The site is accessible via a pay-and-display car park, with clear signage to guide visitors. TikTok The atmosphere at Tarr Steps is one of stepping back in time, offering a unique connection to the area's long history and natural beauty. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and to appreciate the enduring power of ancient structures.

Wildlife Encounters in Exmoor

Exmoor National Park is a haven for wildlife, offering visitors the chance to see a variety of native species in their natural habitat. The park is particularly famous for its wild red deer, with sightings often reported, especially during dawn and dusk. TikTok Another iconic resident is the native Exmoor pony, a hardy breed that roams freely across the moors, adding to the wild and untouched feel of the landscape. TikTokInstagram

Visitors can also encounter feral goats in the dramatic setting of the Valley of Rocks, adding a unique element to the coastal scenery. TikTok Sheep and cattle are also common sights, grazing on the hillsides and contributing to the pastoral charm of the countryside. Reddit For a more curated wildlife experience, Exmoor Zoo offers the opportunity to see a wider array of animals and is considered a delightful adventure for families and animal lovers. TikTok Remember to observe all wildlife from a respectful distance to ensure their well-being and your safety.

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