Exmoor Guide: How to See Exmoor in a Day

Start with Tarr Steps

To get your day off to the perfect start, we recommend heading to Tarr Steps, one of Exmoor’s most famous landmarks. Believed to date back to the Bronze Age, this traditional ‘clapper bridge’ features 17 stones spanning across the River Barle. From this landmark, you can also enjoy numerous walks with picturesque scenery, peaceful picnic spots and spot a multitude of wildlife. From short strolls to longer walks, it’s great for all levels. Just be sure to wear stout footwear and pack a waterproof, as the weather can be changeable.

Parking is available at a pay-and-display car park, but it’s best to arrive early to secure a parking spot. There are also public toilets available.

Visit Dunster and Dunster Castle

The next stop on our one-day Exmoor guide is the medieval village of Dunster. One of Somerset’s most well-preserved historic settlements. The charming village features cobbled streets, independent shops, traditional cottages and centuries-old buildings, making it a great place to uncover some of Exmoor’s history. 

The village is also home to Dunster Castle, a magnificent country house and former fortress. Now managed by the National Trust, it offers fascinating insights into over 1,00 years of history, with its historic artefacts and landscaped gardens. For up-to-date details on opening hours and ticket prices, we recommend heading to the National Trust website, where tickets can be booked in advance.  

Walk the Valley of Rocks

From Dunster, you can meander west along the coast to the dramatic Valley of Rocks. With towering rock formations, rugged cliffs and spectacular views out across the Bristol Channel, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the rugged beauty of Exmoor. 

Despite traversing craggy peaks, there is a well-maintained path which is relatively easy and accessible. Just be sure to watch out for the wild goats that roam the slopes, wear suitable sturdy footwear, and avoid getting too close to the edge. It’s also best to check the weather before visiting, as it’s best avoided in high winds, rain, or when visibility is poor. 

Stop at Lynton and Lynmouth

The twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth are the penultimate stop of our Exmoor Guide. Just a short drive from the Valley of Rocks, a visit here ensures you get to visit the coast on your one-day tour of Exmoor.

Lynmouth sits at the foot of the valley and offers a traditional harbour feel with quaint fishing cottages and harbourside pubs, so it’s the ideal spot to enjoy a quiet pub lunch or some fish and chips.

Lynton sits on the hillside above and is commonly known as Little Switzerland for its stunning scenery and charm. With independent shops galore, it’s great for souvenir hunters, while a range of bakeries, tearooms and pubs offer plenty of options for those looking for a lighter bite.

The two villages are linked by the famous Lynton and Lynmouth cliff railway, which runs continuously throughout the day. Tickets can only be purchased via card payment immediately prior to each trip to help reduce waiting times.

Our top tip: Lynton has more parking than Lynmouth, which can reach capacity quickly, especially in the summer months, so we recommend parking up top and taking the railway down.

Choose One Extra Stop: Dunkery Beacon, Watersmeet or Porlock Weir

For the final stop of your one-day Exmoor adventure, we recommend heading to Dunkery Beacon, Watersmeet or Porlock Weir. Although all three are top destinations, if you’ve only got one day to explore Exmoor, we suggest picking one depending on your preferences.

Best for keen walkers and photographers, or just those seeking a memorable view to round off their day, Dunkery Beacon is the highest point on Exmoor. Yet as it's only a short walk to the summit, it rewards its visitors with a real sense of Exmoor’s vast landscape.

Nestled in a deep wooded gorge, Watersmeet offers visitors a taste of Exmoor’s stunning river valleys. Teeming with wildlife, waterfalls and scenic walking trails, it offers a distinct contrast to the open moorland and coastal wonders throughout the National Park and is great for those looking to experience the quieter side of Exmoor.

Finally, if you’re craving a final bit of coastal charm, the picturesque harbour village of Porlock Weir is hard to beat. A great place to enjoy a relaxing end to your day, explore the historic harbour and colourful cottages, or just sit and soak up the coastal atmosphere.

Return to Northcote Manor

After a busy day exploring Exmoor, Northcote Manor is the perfect place to unwind in the tranquillity of the North Devon countryside. Our elegant 18th-century manor house is home to 16 individually designed bedrooms, allowing you to relax in style, while our on-site 2 AA Rosette restaurant ensures you can enjoy a freshly prepared seasonal meal to end your day. 

You can even bring your four-legged friend along for the adventure, as all but two of our rooms, Honeysuckle and Heron, are dog-friendly.