Picking just 10 beauty spots in Exmoor National Park is no easy task - the whole area is one enormous beauty spot itself! There’s nothing not to like on Exmoor – from the rolling hills, the bracken-clad moorlands, lush river valleys and fertile pastures to the craggy heights, the dramatic cliffs and peaceful harbours, it’s all so glorious.
It's hard not to love everything about Exmoor - the picturesque villages, the quiet coastal and inland market towns, the ancient monuments, views that reach on forever, wildlife a-plenty – Exmoor ponies roam free on the heaths, red deer contentedly graze, buzzards soar high in the skies, kingfishers dart on the rivers, and Dartford warblers, well, they warble, of course.
The villages are for another day, the focus here is on the natural beauty of Exmoor, 10 places that will hopefully inspire you to visit when you’re down in the West Country on your large group holiday.
Dunkery Beacon, Minehead
At 1,705 feet, Dunkery Beacon is the highest point in the National Park, with the most incredible panoramic views across Somerset and Devon, and out over the Bristol Channel to the Welsh coast. The summit is about a mile from the car park, and at times it can feel like a pilgrimage, but it’s well worth the trek. There are several cairns and barrows along the way, and you might well spot a bit of wildlife, including red deer and merlins. If you have time take the longer 2.5 mile route and see more of those views. Take a picnic or go for sustenance at Horner Tea Gardens or the Rest & Be Thankful at Wheddon Cross.
Tarr Steps, Dulverton
Tarr Steps is one of Exmoor’s most famous landmarks, just 5 miles from Dulverton. Park at the pay and display car park and amble down to the ancient clapper bridge that crosses the clear waters of the River Barle, although not in its original form as it’s been repaired a few times after being washed away in floods. Legend has it that the bridge was built by the devil so that he could sunbathe on the huge stone slabs – believe what you will! There are lovely woodland walks along the riverbank and refreshments can be had at Tarr Farm Inn back up the hill.
Valley of the Rocks, Lynton
On the Exmoor coast, the craggy Valley of Rocks is a popular spot because of the spectacular sea views and breathtaking sunsets. Discover the unique rock formations, with names like Mother Meldrum’s Cave, Ragged Jack and The Devil’s Cheesering; go for a walk, come back for a picnic or save yourselves for tucker at The Crown Hotel or Mother Meldrums Tea Gardens down in Lynton. Feral goats climb the jagged cliff edge at the Valley of Rocks, and it was a filming location for The Salt Path (2025).
Watersmeet, Lynmouth
Watersmeet is where the East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water meet, and what a wonderful spot it is. The waters rush over the rocks as you walk along the banks beneath the trees; wander a little further than most people do and you might be lucky enough to spot dippers, herons or even an otter. You can go canoeing here between October and March, and there are fishing beats available by permit in the season. Cream tea at the Watersmeet Tearooms is a must – the building was originally built in the 1830’s as a fishing lodge and romantic retreat.
Horner Woods, Porlock
Part of the immense Holnicote Estate, Horner Woods is one of the biggest ancient oak forests in Britain, covering a staggering 800 acres. There are lots of streamside woodland trails and bridleways and even a few spots where you might brave the waters for a spot of wild swimming. Look out for the 500 year old oak, the Tudor iron smelting site and the 17th century packhorse bridge. Go to Horner Tea Gardens for a light lunch or tea and cake after your walk.
Selworthy Beacon, Selworthy
There are amazing views to be had from Selworthy Beacon, especially from the trig point at the summit so this is a walk you shouldn’t cut short. On a clear day you can see all across Exmoor in one direction and out over the Bristol Channel to Wales in the other. Note the ancient cairns on the way up, take 5 in the memorial hut erected in 1878 by the Acland family who owned the Holnicote Estate, read the pastoral poems inscribed on the walls and think how appropriate they are. Wander on the South West Coast Path of head down through the woods to the village and Selworthy Green, where like something from a fairytale, the prettiest thatched cottages stand; one of them is Periwinkle Tea Rooms so go and have a slice of homemade cake.
Winsford Hill, Winsford
Winsford Hill is between Dulverton and Exford, best approached by walking from Tarr Steps. On the hilltop are 3 bronze age barrows and the Caractacus Stone, believed to date back to the 6th century when it was possibly erected as a as a memorial to a relative of Caractacus. The hill is a favoured spot of Exmoor ponies, and of people who come to admire the views across the heath covered common to Dunkery Beacon, Dartmoor and the Blackdown Hills. If you’re not in the mood for a picnic, go to The Royal Oak in Winsford or to Tarr Farm Inn.
Landacre Bridge, Withypool
Landacre Bridge is a 5 arched Medieval stone bridge that crosses the River Barle in the staggeringly beautiful Lorna Doone Valley. This used to be a local secret but as with all good things, word got out. It’s a 10 minute stroll from the car park to the bridge, the riverbed is shallow and stoney so it’s good for a paddle and you may even be joined by wild ponies. Have a little play, go for a walk, come back and unpack your cool box for a leisurely picnic, or save yourselves for lunch at the Withypool Tea Room or The Royal Oak in Withypool.
Porlock Hill, Porlock
Yes, another hill, but we’re talking about Exmoor’s beauty spots, and this is certainly one of them. Puff your way up from Porlock village through the woods and out onto the open moorland and there before you is the Porlock Vale in all its glory, a view that will knock your socks off, more than worth the steep climb. Have a good rest and remember that what goes up must come down and at the end of it are a choice of pubs and cafes in Porlock or down at Porlock Weir.
Culbone Church, Porlock
There’s something very enchanting about Culbone Church, the walk, the setting, it’s just so adorable. St Bueno’s, as Culbone Church is also known, is hidden away in the woods, accessed only on foot. It’s a serious contender for the smallest parish church in England, with a span of just 11m and seating for 33. Walk from Porlock Weir or park at the Toll Gate and follow the South West Coast Path as it winds its way up through the trees, taking you through tunnels carved in the hillside in the early 19th century, giving you wonderfully framed sea glimpses. There’s no café up here, so go to Whortleberry Tea Room or The Ship Inn in Porlock.