Guide to Exmoor: England’s Sprawling and Dramatic Landscape

Tucked away in the southwest of England, Exmoor National Park is a tapestry of dramatic moorlands, deep wooded valleys, windswept cliffs, and charming rural villages. Designated as a national park in 1954, Exmoor offers an unspoiled blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure.

Exmoor’s allure lies in its diverse and ever-changing landscape. The park is perhaps most famous for its open moorlands, where purple heather blooms in late summer and wild red deer roam free. These high plateaus give way to deep coombes (valleys), such as the East Lyn and the River Barle, lined with ancient woodlands and crossed by picturesque stone bridges.

Along the coast, Exmoor boasts some of the highest sea cliffs in England, including the staggering Great Hangman cliff above the Bristol Channel. The South West Coast Path winds its way through this section, offering hikers awe-inspiring views and invigorating challenges. Here’s our comprehensive guide to Exmoor National Park;

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Overview of Exmoor National Park

Exmoor lies on the northern edge of England’s southwestern peninsula, bordered to the north by the Bristol Channel and situated just north of Dartmoor National Park. Spanning 267 square miles (692 square kilometers), it encompasses a wide variety of landscapes. These include the Brendon Hills, the East Lyn Valley, the coastal stretch of the Bristol Channel, and the scenic Vale of Porlock.

Its 34-mile (55-kilometer) coastline is especially striking, with rugged cliffs, forested slopes, and cascading waterfalls that add drama to the terrain. Historically, Exmoor served as royal hunting grounds, a nod to its rich cultural heritage. The terrain ranges from lowland heath and ancient woodlands to upland moors and deep ravines, culminating at Dunkery Beacon, the park’s highest point at 1,703 feet.

The landscape is crisscrossed by around 300 miles (483 kilometers) of rivers, with the River Exe—flowing uniquely southward toward the English Channel. It stands out from the majority of rivers that drain into the Bristol Channel. While its diverse habitats support a range of wildlife and traditional livestock, including sheep, cattle, and the world’s oldest pony breed, the hardy Exmoor pony.

Wildlife in Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering an extraordinary range of species across its varied landscapes. It is best known for supporting England’s largest herd of wild red deer, which are often spotted grazing across open hills or retreating into secluded wooded valleys.

Equally iconic are the Exmoor ponies, a hardy and ancient breed that roams freely in semi-feral herds across the moorlands—about 20 herds currently graze the commons. The park’s mammal population also includes familiar species like badgers, foxes, and grey squirrels, as well as both roe and fallow deer. Along riverbanks, patient observers might catch sight of elusive otters.

Impressively, Exmoor is home to all the bat species native to Britain, including the distinctive brown long-eared bat, which thrives in the area’s diverse habitats. Birdlife is equally rich and varied: the heather-covered moors provide shelter to moorland birds such as meadow pipits, stonechats, linnets, whinchats, and the rare Dartford warbler.

In the wooded valleys and forests, birdwatchers can listen for pied flycatchers and redstarts. Other parts of the park reveal green woodpeckers, goshawks, and a range of raptors, including kestrels and sparrowhawks. Even fungi and insects play a vital role in Exmoor’s rich ecosystem.

Best Time to Visit Exmoor National Park

The best time to visit Exmoor National Park really depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip, but spring and autumn are generally the sweet spots. These seasons offer a good balance of pleasant weather and thinner crowds compared to the busy summer months. In spring, Exmoor bursts into life with blooming wildflowers, active birdlife, and mild temperatures.

These conditions are ideal for scenic walks through awakening woodlands. Summer brings longer days and warmer weather, perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling, and coastal exploration, while the moorland glows with purple heather.

Autumn transforms the landscape with vibrant foliage and golden light, offering crisp air that’s great for walking and stargazing under clear skies. For those seeking solitude, winter provides a quiet, frosty beauty, with snow-dusted hills and excellent opportunities to spot wildlife. It’s also a wonderful time to marvel at the stars thanks to Exmoor’s renowned dark skies.

Getting to Exmoor National Park

Getting to Exmoor National Park from London is relatively straightforward, with several travel options available depending on your travel preferences. Many visitors take the train from London Paddington to either Taunton or Tiverton Parkway, the two mainline stations located closest to the park. From there, you can continue your journey into Exmoor by taxi, which offers direct access to more remote areas, or by local bus services.

From Taunton, the number 28 bus provides a scenic route into the park. Once inside, services like the Exmoor Coaster make it easier to explore different regions without a car. Those who prefer to drive can make the trip entirely by road; the drive from London to Exmoor takes around three and a half hours.

Other Activities in Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park offers more than just scenic moorland; it’s a dynamic destination filled with diverse outdoor and cultural experiences. Its rugged coastline is among the park’s most dramatic features, marked by steep cliffs, rocky outcrops, and natural landmarks like Little Hangman and Culbone Hill. For those interested in nature walks, Exmoor’s trails are some of the most explosive in the UK.

A visit to the Lynton-Lynmouth Cliff Railway should always be on the cards. This historic water-powered railway links the two towns across a steep cliff and provides sweeping views of the surrounding area. Travelers can also immerse themselves in the charm of the national park’s many small villages, where local culture and community life continue to thrive.

Park Fees in Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park charges no admission fee. However, some practical costs may arise, particularly for those arriving by car. Exmoor National Park Authority has started implementing fees at two of its car parks. At Exford car park, you can park at no cost for the first 30 minutes. Beyond that, the charges are £1.50 for up to one hour, £3 for up to three hours, and £5 for longer stays.

FAQs

Is Exmoor National Park worth visiting?

Yes, Exmoor National Park is definitely worth a visit. It’s a great destination for hiking enthusiasts, wildlife watchers, and anyone who appreciates unspoiled countryside. Visitors can also enjoy activities like stargazing in one of the UK’s best dark sky areas.

How long to spend in Exmoor National Park?

To truly experience the charm and variety of Exmoor National Park, it’s best to plan for a stay of at least three days. This allows enough time to enjoy a mix of its scenic moorlands, wooded valleys, rugged coastline, and characterful villages.

Conclusion

Exmoor National Park is a place where time seems to slow. Whether you’re hiking across wind-swept ridges or watching deer at dawn, the park lets you reconnect with nature and embrace the rugged beauty of the British countryside.