Family Holidays in Exmoor family holiday guide

To view a fantastic variety of family holidays currently available in Exmoor please scroll down.

WHY HOLIDAY IN EXMOOR?

Exmoor family holidays are all about the great outdoors. From the coast to the countryside, Exmoor embodies nature at its finest. Enjoy walks, bicycle rides, horse riding and scenic drives, with plenty of opportunities to encounter the area’s diverse wildlife.

Here are the top 10 things we love about family holidays in Exmoor:

1. Exmoor National Park offers access to some of England’s most stunning countryside.
2. A variety of habitats ensure plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities.
3. Lots of wonderful beaches, coves and bays to explore.
4. Perfect for walking, cycling and horse-riding.
5. Picturesque villages and towns.
6. Bursting with history that stretches back to the time of the dinosaurs.
7. Close to the rides and attractions of Watermouth Castle.
8. Activities suitable for the whole family.
9. Good road and public transport links, with cross-country rail connections.
10. A foodie’s paradise, with traditional West Country cream teas, ice cream and other local delights

EXMOOR OVERVIEW:

Located in the South-West of England, Exmoor extends across a wide area of west Somerset and north Devon. It is home to Exmoor National Park, rugged coastline and lots of pretty villages. When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of options, including family-friendly hotels, self-catering lodges and glamping.

THINGS TO DO ON A FAMILY HOLIDAY IN EXMOOR:

• • Exmoor National Park. A diverse and spectacular area of moors, woods, farmland and valleys that covers nearly 270 square miles.
  • Walking. This is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of Exmoor. With an abundance of natural beauty and more than 600 miles of public rights-of-way, you will be spoilt for choice. Local visitor centres in the Exmoor area are good resources for planning your walk. Popular routes include:
    • The Tall Trees Trail at Nutcombe Bottom. This is an easy walk that is wheelchair accessible and particularly good for children. It is also home to England’s tallest tree!
    • Wistlandpound Reservoir offers an easy two-mile, wheelchair accessible walk.
    • The 180-mile Tarka Trail follows the route taken by Tarka the Otter in Henry Williamson’s famous novel (you might even be lucky enough to spot one!)
    • The South West Coast Path stretches an epic 630 miles from Minehead to Poole Harbour, but for a more manageable walk, the section that extends across Exmoor takes in the rugged coastline.
  • Rock pooling. Low tide reveals a hidden world of marine creatures to discover. The beaches at Lynmouth and Combe Martin are both great for rock pooling.
  • Fossil hunting. West Somerset’s coastline boasts both Jurassic and Triassic rocks, which makes it a great area for budding palaeontologists. You may be lucky enough to uncover reptile remains, belemnites and unusual shells. Watchet is particularly good for ammonites. The bays around Blue Anchoddir, Kilve, St Audries Bay and Quantoxhead are also worth exploring.
  • Horse-riding. With 300 miles of bridleways in the National Park alone, Exmoor is a great place for a ride. Whether you want a low-key amble or a fast-paced gallop across the open moors, there are riding experiences to suit all ages and abilities.
  • Wildlife spotting. Exmoor offers an abundance of wildlife you can enjoy watching in its natural habitat.
  • The National Park is home to hundreds of semi-feral Exmoor ponies. You can find out more at the Exmoor Pony Centre (open February to November, closed Tuesday and Sunday), where you can also meet some rescue ponies.
  • Red deer have been living on Exmoor since pre-medieval times. They can be elusive, but autumn brings the red deer rut, which gives you the opportunity to hear them, at least, as their loud roars echo across the moors. You can also visit the red deer exhibition in Dulverton or take a 4×4 safari.
  • The Valley of Rocks near Lynton offers the chance to glimpse some feral goats, which have been a feature of this part of the world for around 6,000 years.
  • Birds of prey. Exmoor National Park is home to buzzards, sparrowhawks, kestrels and peregrines. You can also try your hand at falconry at one of the centres in the area, such as Exmoor Owl & Hawk Centre.
  • Nearby places to visit. Exmoor offers easy access to some nearby areas that are worth a visit.
  • Ilfracombe. Explore this charming harbour town, pick up the boat to Lundy Island, or visit Ilfracombe Aquarium. Watermouth Castle, one of the most popular family attractions in the West Country, is about a 10-minute drive away.
  • Barnstaple. This lovely and historic market town is located in north Devon, about 25 miles from the National Park. There are lots of shops and local attractions. It also provides easy access to the beautiful beaches at Woolacombe and Croyde.