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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Exmoor National Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast, wild landscapes of moors, woodlands, and dramatic coastlines, home to iconic ponies and deer.
"Exmoor National Park is absolutely gorgeous, one of the nicest parts of the country, hands down."
🚗 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Valley of Rocks
North Devon Coast
Dramatic cliffs, sea views, and resident wild goats make this a must-see coastal gem.

Tarr Steps
River Barle
Walk across Britain's longest and oldest clapper bridge, a truly ancient and atmospheric spot.
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
Throughout the park
Spot these iconic, hardy native ponies roaming freely across the moors and coastal paths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: Prepare for Exmoor's Natural Beauty
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🐐 Watch for Wild Goats
The Valley of Rocks is famous for its resident feral goats. Listen for them before you see them!
⏰ Arrive Early at Tarr Steps
This popular ancient bridge gets busy. Beat the crowds by visiting early in the morning.
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!
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Many trails involve uneven terrain. Comfortable walking boots are essential for exploring Exmoor.
🐐 Watch for Wild Goats
The Valley of Rocks is famous for its resident feral goats. Listen for them before you see them!
⏰ Arrive Early at Tarr Steps
This popular ancient bridge gets busy. Beat the crowds by visiting early in the morning.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Exmoor is a paradise for dogs, with plenty of walks and open spaces for them to enjoy.
📸 Capture the Moors
From heather-covered hills to dramatic coastlines, Exmoor offers endless photographic opportunities.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Key gateways include towns like Lynton, Lynmouth, Porlock, and Dulverton. These offer access to various trails, visitor centers, and amenities within the park.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Yes, there are visitor centers and information points throughout Exmoor, such as the one at Tarr Steps, which also offers parking facilities.
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.
While not always explicitly advertised, local tour operators and sea safari companies offer guided experiences, particularly along the Exmoor coastline.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Exmoor offers a variety of trails, from gentle walks like the Valley of Rocks
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.Absolutely! Exmoor is renowned for its wild red deer, native Exmoor ponies, and even feral goats in the Valley of Rocks.
Families can enjoy walks, spotting wildlife, visiting Exmoor Zoo for animal encounters,
or exploring historic sites like Dunster medieval village and Castle.Yes, Exmoor offers scenic cycling routes, from quiet lanes to more challenging off-road tracks. Many visitors enjoy cycling through the stunning countryside.
Key viewpoints include Dunkery Beacon for expansive vistas,
the Valley of Rocks for dramatic coastal scenery, and various points along the South West Coastal Path.🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Exmoor boasts charming country pubs and inns, often serving local produce. Tarr Farm Inn is noted for its setting and food.
Look out for local game, seafood along the coast, and traditional cream teas. Many pubs offer hearty, locally sourced meals.
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.
Yes, you'll find cafes in villages like Porlock and Selworthy, offering refreshments and light meals for visitors.
Tarr Farm Inn, a 17th-century inn, offers a dining experience with views overlooking a wooded valley, serving meals like raspberry steamed sponge cake.
📸 📸 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.
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.
You have excellent chances to photograph wild red deer, native Exmoor ponies, and the feral goats of the Valley of Rocks.
While dedicated photography tours might be less common, many local guides and wildlife enthusiasts offer experiences that cater to photographers.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
🚗 Road Trippers and Scenic Drivers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Exmoor's Iconic Coastline
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. The coastal areas are perfect for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset, offering moody skies and dramatic light.
The Ancient Wonders of Tarr Steps
The walk to Tarr Steps is often described as beautiful and iconic, making it a must-visit for many exploring Exmoor. The site is accessible via a pay-and-display car park, with clear signage to guide visitors. 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
Visitors can also encounter feral goats in the dramatic setting of the Valley of Rocks, adding a unique element to the coastal scenery. Sheep and cattle are also common sights, grazing on the hillsides and contributing to the pastoral charm of the countryside. 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. Remember to observe all wildlife from a respectful distance to ensure their well-being and your safety.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit