A visit to Exmoor is an opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the UK’s most wonderfully unique natural environments. Discover magnificent open moorlands, wild woodlands, picturesque valleys, and the incredible dramatic coastline.

Read on to discover just a few reasons why you should make Exmoor your next staycation destination, whatever the season…

Exmoor puts on a spectacular show as the seasons change. In the Autumn, the landscape becomes a riot of colour, displaying a vibrant palette of warm oranges, russet reds, and golden browns. Exmoor National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve, the first in Europe and is now celebrating 10 years of this prestigious status. It is home to some of the darkest skies in the country; on a clear night, many amazing astronomical sights can be seen with the naked eye, with even more to be discovered through binoculars or a telescope. Dark skies accredited accommodation and activity providers can help you discover the magnificent starscape.

There is something incredibly special about crisp and clear Winter days on Exmoor, when there is a nip in the air, and the chance of snow makes heading out just that bit more exhilarating. Take a walk up to Dunkery Beacon – Exmoor’s highest point – and admire the wintry landscape far and wide!

Take a guided wild foraging tour in Spring and discover all the natural treasures the season brings, including the unmistakable aroma of wild garlic. It is also a fantastic time of year to take on a walking adventure – try the 51-mile Coleridge Way – a long distance trail in the footsteps of the romantic poet Samuel Coleridge, starting in Nether Stowey where the poet lived, traversing the Quantocks and Brendon Hills and ending up in the quaint coastal village of Lynmouth.

Visit in the Summer and roam the many miles of footpaths, bridleways and byways that criss-cross the expanse of Exmoor, West Somerset, the Quantock Hills, and North Devon. Experience a walking wildlife safari and stop off for a traditional Exmoor cream tea! Exmoor comes alive in summer; however, you can still find peace and tranquillity on the moor.
www.visit-exmoor.co.uk

Discover Exmoor’s Iconic Routes… in any Season…
Exmoor National Park have launched a fantastic set of self-guided short walks, showcasing ten of the most iconic and quintessential ‘Exmoor’ routes. Each of the walks, of up to two and half hours, aims to immerse the walker in a different aspect of the unique character of the National Park, from the heather-clad heights of Dunkery Beacon to the riverside beauty of Heddon’s Mouth, and untamed wildness of the Doone Valley. The dedicated website – exmoorwalks.org – details each of the ten walks, and there are accompanying video guides and OS Mapping for each route. There are also tough water-resistant guides available to purchase, see the website for details.

Photo credit: Jim Johnston