Walking in and around
Withypool
Exmoor boasts 600 miles of rights-of-way, some of which can be on the strenuous side if you choose! Whether it’s just a short gentle walk or trekking for the whole day, Exmoor has one of England’s most beautiful landscapes for walking. Withypool is set in the heart of Exmoor and is surrounded by walks all over the moors, along the River Barle to Landacre Bridge or Tarr Steps.
There are guided walks and tours available. Alternatively, pop into the local village shop where they have plenty of walking books and maps of the area.
Take a look at the walking routes on the Visit Exmoor website. Here you’ll find information on short and long distance walks such as the Two Moors Way, the South West Coast Path, the Coleridge Way and the new Exmoor Explorer Series.
Exmoor is fantastic for
Horse Riding
Exmoor is a rider’s paradise. There are plenty of riding stables in the area. You can trek across the open moorland, through picturesque villages or spectacular wooded riverside trails. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, Exmoor can cater for your needs. For more information visit: Pine Lodge Riding on Exmoor or Brendon Manor or Exmoor Riding
Visit The Exmoor Pony Centre. The Exmoor Pony is the oldest native pony breed in Britain and yet is currently listed as an endangered rare breed. Approximately 3,500 of these ponies survive worldwide, of which around 350 still live free on Exmoor.
If you wish to ride an Exmoor pony, the Centre offers various options from novice sessions to trekking the moor. For more information visit: Exmoor Pony Centre
Head out for a spot of
Fishing
Exmoor boasts some stunning places to fish. There are spectacular river valleys, lakes, ponds and also coastal fishing. With beautiful scenery and clean fresh air makes Exmoor a special pleasure that will make you want to come back time and time again. Day Tickets are available from various outlets, like hotels, tourist information offices, Local farms and specialist fishing agents. Take a look at these sites for more information about fishing: Get Hooked SW Lakes Trust
Take to the water and go
Kayaking
Exmoor offers a range of opportunities to get out on the water. With the highest sea cliffs in mainland Britain and one of the most remote and inaccessible coastlines it is often only by taking to the water that you can truly appreciate the scale and drama of Exmoor’s Wilderness Coast. Inland opportunities range from the gentle waters of Wimbleball to the raging rivers and streams descending the moors.
Surfside Kayak Hire offer 1-hour family tours and 2-hour scenic tours and are based in Combe Martin. Check out there website for more information.
Exmoor Adventures offer a variety of water sports activities and are based in Porlock Weir. Take a look on their website for all the options and booking.
Head out on two wheels and go
Cycling
Bring your cycle and enjoy Exmoor’s absence of traffic and explore its peaceful roads winding through magnificent countryside, find your own pub, café or tea shop for relaxing refreshment. Choose between the upper routes for wide panoramas or the valleys for cool wooded views and perhaps stop for a picnic by a sparkling stream. If you don’t want the bother of bringing your bike with you, you can always hire one locally – Exmoor Adventures now have their superb E-Bikes available for hire.
Learn all about our local wildlife with a
Safari
The perfect way to explore Exmoor. There are several safari companies on Exmoor. Whether you like to search out the elusive red deer and the famous Exmoor ponies, follow a local hunt or even just see what Exmoor has to offer, with its pretty villages and stunning winding valleys, hiring a guided safari is a great way to start your holiday.
Take a look at Exmoor Wildlife Safaris and Red Stag Safaris for more information and to book your tour.
Try clay pigeon
Shooting
Exmoor has plenty of shooting experiences, whether its Clay pigeon shooting, a simulated game shoot or even a real game shoot, Exmoor offers it all. Experience is not essential as we can offer qualified instructors with lessons or for the experienced ones, put you in contact with organised local shoots. Take a look here for more information: Shalden Shooting School and South West Shooting School
Fun for all the family visit our
Local Attractions
Perfectly geared up for families with kids big, small and young at heart, there are loads of wonderful engaging attractions across Exmoor to keep everyone happy!
Take a trip to Quince Honey Farm for a family day out. Buzz around The Play Hive adventure park where you’ll find the ever-popular indoor soft play, a new outdoor play area, lake and picnic area – a fantastic space for children and families to enjoy together. Here you will also find a café serving light bites and refreshments.
Visit The BIG Sheep, a multi award-winning family attraction, with world-famous Sheep Racing, great rides, including the South West’s largest family rollercoaster. Animal magic and a brilliant selection of indoor and outdoor play and activities to keep everyone in the family entertained all day long.
Wildlife lovers will adore getting up close with Exmoor’s most famous residents – our super friendly Exmoor ponies – at the Pony Centre. You can even enjoy wildlife from the skies and below the seas at Exmoor’s Owl and Hawk Centre or Ilfracombe’s great aquarium! Check out the Wild Life Dinosaur Park in Combe Martin.
Dunster Castle, Arlington Court and RHS Rosemoor offer delicious slices of history to soak up and beautiful gardens to explore and get lost in, the ideal spot to while away a whole day learning a little about the history of Exmoor and seeking out a fantastic cuppa and bit of cake to refuel.
There is Exmoor Zoo “Home of the Exmoor Beast”, Tropiquaria, Watermouth Castle & Family Theme Park or take trip and enjoy the golden era of steam on the West Somerset Railway
Useful Links
We’ve put together this short list of links, which with think you might be interested in, for more information about the local area:
Here you’ll find a guidebook by AirB&B for your stay in Exmoor.
Take a look on the official tourism website Visit Exmoor for further activities and things to do in the area.
Learn more about Exmoor National Park and the work they do.