Spot the best hotels near Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park stretches across the hills of Somerset and Devon, offering a peaceful mix of wild moorland and some of the highest sea cliffs in the country. It is a place where small wild ponies roam free and the night skies stay dark enough for you to spot a sea of stars. You can wander along quiet wooded valleys or stand on the edge of the coast to watch the waves roll in from the Bristol Channel. This pocket of the countryside feels like a friendly hidden treasure, perfect for when you want a bit of fresh air and a slower pace of life.

You will find a landscape where high moorland meets deep, wooded valleys and some of the highest sea cliffs in the country. It is a place known for its exceptionally dark night skies and the hardy wild ponies that have roamed here for centuries.

Planning your arrival and stay

You can visit the moorland at any time, but it is best to check the weather before heading out. While access to the park itself is free, an entry fee or parking charge may apply at specific sites managed by local authorities or the National Trust. Most visitor centres generally operate between 10:00 and 17:00 during the summer, with shorter hours in the winter months.

Please check the official Exmoor National Park website for up-to-date information on seasonal opening times, car park charges, and facility availability.

Ways to explore the landscape

You can spend your days hiking along the 1,000 km of waymarked footpaths that weave through the hills and coastal paths. If you prefer to explore on two wheels, there are plenty of bridleways suitable for mountain biking. For a different perspective, the area was designated the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Europe, so staying out after dark offers a clear view of the stars.

Walking the coastal trails takes you along cliffs that rise more than 240 m above the sea. If you want to learn more about the surroundings, you can join a guided ranger walk, which usually lasts about 2 hours. These walks are a great way to find hidden spots you might miss on your own.

What to look for in the wild

Keep your eyes peeled for the Exmoor Pony, a primitive breed that lives freely across the commons. The River Barle winds through the park, and you can cross it at Tarr Steps, an ancient clapper bridge made of large stone slabs. The wooded combes are also home to wild red deer, which are often spotted during the early morning.

The scenery changes from the purple heather of the open moors to the high point of Dunkery Beacon, which stands at 519 m. From this summit, you can see right across the Bristol Channel to the coast of Wales on a clear day. The varied terrain makes it a wonderful place for nature photography and spotting rare butterflies in the sheltered valleys.

Finding your way around Exmoor National Park is easy, and there are plenty of options to stay around the area and reach it. Whether you want a coastal escape or a deep valley retreat, you will find a spot that suits your style perfectly.

Where to stay

If you enjoy being by the sea, Lynton and Lynmouth are excellent choices for your base. These twin villages sit right on the coast and offer a mix of boutique guesthouses and family-friendly apartments within a 10-minute walk of the harbour. For those who prefer being surrounded by wooded hills, Dulverton is a lovely market town in the southern part of the park. It is ideal if you want a traditional inn or a cosy cottage located just 0 miles from local shops and tea rooms. Porlock is another great option, especially if you are looking for budget-friendly campsites or holiday parks situated roughly 1 mile from the unique shingle beach. The landscape here is diverse, so you can choose between staying high up on the moors for dark sky views or tucked away in a leafy coombe near a bubbling stream.

How to get there

You can reach the park by taking a train to Taunton Station or Tiverton Parkway, which are both about 28 miles away and connected to the area by regular bus services. If you are coming from the west, Barnstaple Station is a convenient entry point, located just 12 miles from the park boundary. Driving is also a popular choice, with the M5 motorway providing a direct link that gets you to the edge of the moor in roughly 45 minutes from the main junction.

Start your outdoor adventure by finding the best hotels near Exmoor National Park with eDreams. Our search tools allow you to filter through options that meet your criteria and reveal the best deals in seconds. Picking your perfect hotel ensures your trip to the countryside is both easy and enjoyable.