
Selworthy Beacon
A majestic beacon offering breathtaking panoramic views of Exmoor's coast and moors, with a charming village below.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds

Selworthy Beacon
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic beacon offering breathtaking panoramic views of Exmoor's coast and moors, with a charming village below.
"The views over the moors and sea are stunning. A steep climb up, but well worth it."

🚗 Parking Options
National Trust car park at Selworthy (donations) or near Bossington Hill. ///florists.pitch.shredder
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Terrain can be varied and muddy. Suitable walking shoes are a must!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Coastal Views
Summit of Selworthy Beacon
Stunning vistas stretching across Exmoor's moors to the Bristol Channel and the Welsh coast. A true highlight!

Selworthy Village Charm
Base of Selworthy Beacon
Picturesque village with traditional thatched cottages, offering a peaceful contrast to the open beacon views.

Woodland Walks
Surrounding Selworthy Woods
Shaded trails through ancient woodlands, perfect for a cooler stroll before or after ascending the beacon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Navigating Selworthy Beacon Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Options
National Trust car park at Selworthy (donations) or near Bossington Hill. ///florists.pitch.shredder
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Terrain can be varied and muddy. Suitable walking shoes are a must!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Stile-free paths, but expect to encounter sheep and ponies. Keep dogs under control.
📸 Capture the Views
Best on clear days for stunning panoramic shots of the coast and moors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Options
National Trust car park at Selworthy (donations) or near Bossington Hill. ///florists.pitch.shredder
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Terrain can be varied and muddy. Suitable walking shoes are a must!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Stile-free paths, but expect to encounter sheep and ponies. Keep dogs under control.
📸 Capture the Views
Best on clear days for stunning panoramic shots of the coast and moors.
🗺️ Route Planning
Selworthy Beacon isn't on the official SW Coastal Path, so plan your route carefully.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning panoramic views from Selworthy Beacon, describing them as breathtaking and well worth the steep climb. The charming Selworthy village with its thatched cottages and the surrounding woodland walks are also frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects of the visit. Some confusion exists regarding its location relative to the official coastal path.
"Beautiful walks and scenery. The views over the moors and sea are stunning. A steep climb up, but well worth it."
Stimpy Goat
"I walked to the summit from the car park to the west, near Bossington Hill. I was talking part in the Summits On The Air (SOTA) programme. The views were limited because of the haze but on a clear day this must be a spectacular place."
John Laidler
"Nice views, adequate parking near the trig pointed summit. There are a variety of easy popular walking routes in the area. Not the grandest mountain views but very pleasant and it is a UK designated Marilyn. The latter has a prominence of 150m."
david howells
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Selworthy Beacon is accessible by car. The National Trust offers parking at Selworthy village, with donations appreciated. Another parking option is near Bossington Hill. The postcode ///florists.pitch.shredder can be helpful for navigation. It's a popular spot within Exmoor National Park, often featured in road trip itineraries for the South West.
Public transport options to Selworthy Beacon are limited. While buses may serve nearby towns like Minehead, walking from these locations would be a significant undertaking. It's generally recommended to travel by car for easier access to the beacon and its surrounding trails.
You can walk to the summit from the car park near Bossington Hill or from Selworthy village. The walk from the church in Selworthy is a popular 6.9k circular route. The climb can be steep, but the views are well worth the effort.
Interestingly, Selworthy Beacon is not directly on the official South West Coast Path (SWCP). Some visitors have reported confusion when planning walks from Minehead, as it's located on a bridleway rather than the coastal path itself. Ensure you have a clear map or GPS for your chosen route.
Yes, the National Trust car park in Selworthy is often cited with the What3Words code ///florists.pitch.shredder. This can be a reliable way to pinpoint the parking location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Selworthy Beacon itself is free. However, the National Trust car park at Selworthy operates on a donation basis. It's a good idea to have some change available if you plan to park there.
Selworthy Beacon is an open natural landmark, so there are no specific opening hours. You can visit at any time of day. However, for the best experience and views, consider visiting during daylight hours, especially during clear weather.
There isn't a formal visitor center directly at Selworthy Beacon. However, the nearby Selworthy village offers a charming atmosphere, and the National Trust Holnicote Estate manages the surrounding area, providing information and facilities.
As Selworthy Beacon is a natural outdoor attraction, no advance ticket booking is required or available. Access is open to all, making it a spontaneous destination for walkers and nature enthusiasts.
The walking routes around Selworthy Beacon are generally free to access. The primary cost would be associated with parking, if you choose to use the designated car parks.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The terrain around Selworthy Beacon is varied. Expect some steep climbs to reach the summit, and the paths can be muddy, especially after rain. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended to navigate the different surfaces safely.
While there are no facilities directly on the beacon summit, the charming village of Selworthy nearby has a tearoom and restrooms. It's a lovely spot to stop for refreshments before or after your walk.
You might encounter sheep, cows, and ponies grazing in the fields and woodlands around Selworthy Beacon. The area is rich in natural beauty, and keeping an eye out for local wildlife adds to the experience.
Absolutely! Selworthy Beacon is a photographer's dream, especially on clear days. The panoramic views of the Exmoor coast and moors are stunning, and the golden hour light can create magical shots.
The time to reach the summit depends on your starting point and fitness level. A walk from the Selworthy church can take around 1-2 hours for a circular route. The climb itself from the nearest parking is relatively short but can be steep.
📸 📸 Photography
For the most dramatic and clear photos, aim for early mornings or late afternoons, especially during the 'golden hour' when the light is soft and warm. Clear days are essential to avoid haze obscuring the expansive coastal views.
You can capture sweeping panoramic landscapes of the Exmoor coast, the Bristol Channel, and the rolling moors. Don't forget to photograph the picturesque thatched cottages in Selworthy village for a different perspective.
The summit of Selworthy Beacon itself offers the most expansive viewpoints. Additionally, the paths leading up through the woods and the village of Selworthy provide charming photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the vast landscapes. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the sky and sea. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions or capturing long exposures of the coastline.
Yes, if you're patient! You might spot sheep, ponies, and various bird species. A telephoto lens would be beneficial for capturing wildlife from a respectful distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider parking at the National Trust car park in Selworthy village and exploring the charming thatched cottages before or after your walk. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited. The views from the top are a fantastic reward for their efforts, and the open spaces allow for plenty of running around.
🚶♀️ Solo Walkers & Hikers
While the beacon itself is a focal point, exploring the surrounding trails and the picturesque village of Selworthy adds depth to a solo excursion. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquility of Exmoor. Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans and carry essential safety gear.
📸 Photographers
Don't overlook the photogenic thatched cottages in Selworthy village and the atmospheric woodland trails. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the expansive views. Be prepared for changing weather, as it can add dramatic flair to your photographs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Selworthy Beacon Area
While the beacon itself provides expansive views over the moors and the Bristol Channel, it's important to note that it's not directly on the South West Coast Path (SWCP). This distinction has caused some confusion for long-distance walkers. Planning your route carefully using maps or GPS is advised to ensure you stay on your intended path.
The National Trust manages a significant portion of the land in this area, including the Holnicote Estate, ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty and historical charm. Parking is available at the National Trust car park in Selworthy, which operates on a donation basis.
Walking and Hiking at Selworthy Beacon
Many visitors enjoy combining a walk up to the beacon with a stroll through the idyllic Selworthy village, admiring its traditional thatched cottages. The woodland trails in Selworthy Woods offer a cooler, shaded alternative, especially on warmer days. For those undertaking longer hikes, it's crucial to be aware that Selworthy Beacon is not on the official SWCP, so route planning is key.
Wildlife sightings are common, with sheep, cows, and ponies often seen grazing in the fields. These encounters add to the authentic rural experience of walking in Exmoor National Park. Remember to keep dogs under control, as livestock is present in the area.
Photography Opportunities
Beyond the expansive views, the charming village of Selworthy provides excellent opportunities for capturing quaint scenes of traditional thatched cottages. The surrounding woodlands also offer atmospheric shots, with dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. For those interested in capturing the essence of Exmoor, Selworthy Beacon presents a diverse photographic palette.
To make the most of your photography, consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for soft, warm light. A wide-angle lens is recommended for capturing the sweeping panoramas, and a polarizing filter can enhance the sky and sea colors. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as they can significantly impact the mood and quality of your photographs.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit