Exmoor is fortunate since it can let the facts do the talking!

It is a remarkable blend of coast and country, with stunning landscapes of the highest quality. Coastline, internationally rare heather moorland, deep valleys clothed in ancient woodland, delightful villages ….Exmoor has it all.

Designated as a National Park in 1954, Exmoor has a spectacular coastline stretching for 54 kms (34 miles), from Combe Martin to Minehead. It is England's highest coastline with hills mostly in the unusual 'hog's back shape', with low cliffs and gentle upper slopes. The sheltered cliffs support England's longest stretch of coastal woodland, where sessile oak, yew and rare whitebeams grow, and provide safe nesting sites for sea and heathland birds.

This refreshing, relaxing 'great outdoors' is a natural choice for all kinds of holidays and short breaks - whether you wish to take a tranquil break away from it all or be more active. This is wonderful walking country, with options for a gentle stroll by a river, or a more demanding walk across open moorland or along the South West Coast Path. Or perhaps cycling or horse riding may appeal - with over 1000kms of footpaths and bridleways there is plenty of scope.

This special landscape supports wonderfully diverse wildlife and with 80 resident species of bird, bats, badgers and over 1000 different flowering plants and grasses there is always something new to see. Of course there are also the Red deer and the Exmoor pony, an ancient and rare breed. Both roam wild across the moors.

Its amazing scenic variety combined with being a comfortable size, really does set Exmoor apart. Explore Exmoor - you won't be disappointed!

Tourist Information Centres
Lynton, 01598 752225, email, website
Combe Martin, 01271 883319, email, website
Lynmouth, 01598 752 509, website

Exmoor is one of the smaller National Park areas (about 265 square miles) but it contains some of the most spectacular and varied scenery in the country.

The largest part of the National Park area is in Somerset rather than in Devon. The A39 coastal road from Minehead is a fine way to explore this area as it passes through Lynton and Lynmouth, Combe Martin and Ilfracombe and there are several good routes to take inland, exploring via Dulverton or South Molton for example.

The highest part of the moors is at Dunkery Beacon - 1708 feet above sea level - while its coastline is wooded, rugged and red deer wander freely all year round. There are also the little shaggy Exmoor Ponies which are rounded up each October for sale at Bampton Fair.

Exmoor Sheep with their small horns are famous for their fine wool and excellent meat. Also bird life is prolific. There are prehistoric sites, old pack-horse bridges, ancient churches and houses to see, and of course this is Lorna Doone country - the woman immortalized in the novel of the same name by R.D. Blackmore. How much is fact and how much is legend is a matter of conjecture but there were outlaws called Doone on Exmoor long before the publication of the novel, but fact or fiction the novel is bathed in the atmosphere of this beautiful spot.

Exmoor was one of the five ancient royal forests of Britain. Until the eighth century it remained under the rule of the Ancient Britons, after which the Saxons gained a foothold. From the Norman Conquests to the Restoration, Exmoor remained Crown property until the final lease expired in 1814 when the land was sold privately.

With a good road system and well marked paths, exploring Exmoor is a pleasurable undertaking.

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