Selworthy Beacon
1 / 10

Selworthy Beacon

4.7
·44 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clearer skies, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Selworthy Beacon

Selworthy Beacon

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clearer skies, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(44 reviews)

"The views over the moors and sea are stunning. A steep climb up, but well worth it."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Coastal Views

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

Selworthy Village Charm

Base of Selworthy Beacon

Picturesque village with traditional thatched cottages, offering a peaceful contrast to the open beacon views.

Woodland Walks

Woodland Walks

Surrounding Selworthy Woods

Shaded trails through ancient woodlands, perfect for a cooler stroll before or after ascending the beacon.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Views

Selworthy Beacon offers breathtaking panoramic views, but haze can obscure them. Aim for clear days, especially during summer mornings or late afternoons for optimal visibility and photography. Arriving early can help avoid crowds, particularly if you prefer a quieter experience.

Navigating Selworthy Beacon Trails

While Selworthy Beacon itself is a rewarding climb, the surrounding area offers varied routes. Be prepared for steep ascents and potentially muddy terrain, especially after rain. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and consider checking weather forecasts for the best conditions.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Clear winter days
Why
Crisp air, dramatic coastal views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📌 Save this for your trip to Exmoor national park 🥾 Tarr Steps was up there as one of my FAVE stops on our Exmoor staycation 😍 It’s one of the most popular places in Exmoor, so it’s worth arriving early if you like places on the quieter side ❤️ 🅿️ Pay and display car park at the Tarr Steps national park visitor centre, ///fever.tractor.saturate 🚗 🐕 Stile and livestock free route with lots of pa...
@paws.explore.north
367 likes • 34.8K views

🚗 Parking Options

National Trust car park at Selworthy (donations) or near Bossington Hill. ///florists.pitch.shredder Instagram

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Terrain can be varied and muddy. Suitable walking shoes are a must! Reddit

SAVE this road trip for an epic South West trip this summer. We’re talking Devon, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Cornwall. All the good places 👑🇬🇧 You’ll do well to fit all these in and probs best not to rush it by squeezing them all in, but instead pick a couple of places suggested from each day. Day 1: Lyme Regis/ Beer/Branscombe Day 2: Dartmoor- Chagford/ Castle Drogo/ Teign Valley/ Lustleigh/ Haytor roc...
@myukstaycation
348 likes • 34.4K views
📌 Save this for you trip to Exmoor 💛 💜 Although Dunkery Beacon is the highest point in Exmoor, we preferred the views from Selworthy Beacon 😍 🅿️ National Trust car park in Selworthy (donations), ///florists.pitch.shredder 🚗 🐕 Stile free, but expect to come across sheep, cows and ponies, even in the woods 🌳 🧭 Straightforward walk with finger posts at most junctions, fairly gentle for a hill...
paws.explore.north
0 likes • 1.2K views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails

Stile-free paths, but expect to encounter sheep and ponies. Keep dogs under control. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

Best on clear days for stunning panoramic shots of the coast and moors. TikTok

Selworthy beacon and back
papa_john_young
12 likes • 155 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Options

National Trust car park at Selworthy (donations) or near Bossington Hill. ///florists.pitch.shredder Instagram

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Terrain can be varied and muddy. Suitable walking shoes are a must! Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails

Stile-free paths, but expect to encounter sheep and ponies. Keep dogs under control. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

Best on clear days for stunning panoramic shots of the coast and moors. TikTok

🗺️ Route Planning

Selworthy Beacon isn't on the official SW Coastal Path, so plan your route carefully. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(44 reviews)

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

Stunning panoramic views
Charming village
Woodland walks

What People Dislike

Steep climb
Not on SWCP

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.Instagram It's a popular spot within Exmoor National Park, often featured in road trip itineraries for the South West.TikTok

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.Reddit The climb can be steep, but the views are well worth the effort.Reddit

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.Reddit 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.Instagram 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.Instagram 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.Reddit 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 Instagram 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.Instagram 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.Instagram

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.Reddit 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.Instagram Clear days are essential to avoid haze obscuring the expansive coastal views.Reddit

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.Instagram

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

Selworthy Beacon offers a rewarding outing for families, though the climb to the summit is steep and requires supervision for younger children. The woodland walks in Selworthy Woods provide a gentler, more shaded option for little legs.Instagram The chance to see sheep, cows, and ponies grazing can be a real highlight for kids.Instagram

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

Selworthy Beacon is a fantastic destination for solo walkers looking for stunning views and a good workout. The well-defined paths, though sometimes steep, make navigation straightforward, especially if you're using a map or GPS.Reddit The National Trust car park provides a convenient starting point.Instagram

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

For photographers, Selworthy Beacon is a must-visit. The panoramic vistas are exceptional, particularly on clear days when the coastline and sea are vividly displayed.Instagram The 'golden hour' around sunrise and sunset offers magical lighting conditions for landscape shots.Instagram

Don't overlook the photogenic thatched cottages in Selworthy village Instagram and the atmospheric woodland trails.Instagram 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

Selworthy Beacon, a prominent Marilyn (a hill with at least 150m of relative height), offers more than just its summit views. The surrounding area includes the charming village of Selworthy, known for its picturesque thatched cottages,Instagram and the tranquil Selworthy Woods, providing shaded walking paths. Visitors can choose from various routes, including a popular 6.9k circular walk starting from the church in Selworthy.Reddit

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.Reddit 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.Instagram

Walking and Hiking at Selworthy Beacon

The walks around Selworthy Beacon cater to various fitness levels, though the ascent to the summit is notably steep.Reddit Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes are essential, as the terrain can be uneven and muddy, particularly after rainfall.Reddit The area is known for its diverse landscapes, from open moorland to dense woodland, offering a rich walking experience.

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.Instagram 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.Reddit

Wildlife sightings are common, with sheep, cows, and ponies often seen grazing in the fields.Instagram 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

Selworthy Beacon is a prime location for photographers seeking breathtaking landscapes. The panoramic views from the summit are particularly spectacular on clear days, offering vistas of the Exmoor coast, the Bristol Channel, and even Wales in the distance.Instagram The interplay of light and shadow across the moors can create dramatic scenes, especially during sunrise and sunset.Instagram

Beyond the expansive views, the charming village of Selworthy provides excellent opportunities for capturing quaint scenes of traditional thatched cottages.Instagram The surrounding woodlands also offer atmospheric shots, with dappled sunlight filtering through the trees.Instagram 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.

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