Exploring Exmoor: 7 unmissable experiences

Are you on holiday in North Devon and looking for somewhere to explore? The breathtaking scenery of Exmoor National Park makes it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts.

The park itself covers over 260 square miles, with over 800 miles of rights of way – so you can be sure that it will never feel overcrowded! The Exmoor National Park is host to a wild array of diverse wildlife, flora & fauna; but even if you aren’t interested in that then you cannot fail to be stunned by the dramatic scenery. Whilst some may imagine this is not a place to find any excitement, you couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s something to enjoy here whatever the season, so read on for more information on exploring Exmoor.

Protecting Exmoor

As part of our commitment to sustainable tourism, we are keen to encourage our visitors to think about exploring Exmoor and other important local areas. This helps to increase understanding of the importance of protecting areas like this and how biodiversity plays a role in our day-to-day lives. You can find out more about Exmoor National Parks Nature Recovery Vision here. This includes an aim to work towards at least 75% of the park being in a “nature-rich” condition by 2050; up from its existing 38%. This cannot be done without the support of locals and visitors alike.

We’d encourage you to have a look at the many conservation projects that are focussed on the area. These include CareMoor and the Exmoor Pony Project.

Exploring Exmoor

The obvious way to enjoy exploring Exmoor is on foot, though you can engage with the scenery via car, cycling or even on horseback! But if walking is really your thing then you can enjoy the views from the South West Coast Path which runs around the edge of Exmoor. Alternatively, if you want more of a challenge then you could climb the 1,705 feet to the top of Dunkery Beacon. Here you can enjoy being on the highest point on the moor & take in the uninterrupted view which extends out towards Dartmoor.

Whilst you may imagine that Exmoor is only for the physically fit, this is not the case. There is such a variety of terrain that providing you choose wisely, it can be enjoyed by all! If you happen to have anyone in your party with accessibility needs then have a look here for advice on how they too can explore Exmoor’s beauty.

If you’re looking for a more structured activity to do, then keep reading for some of the unmissable outdoor or nature-based activities that can be enjoyed on Exmoor.

1. Exmoor National Park Ranger Experience

Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of an Exmoor National Park Ranger is like?  If so, then the Exmoor National Park offers this unique experience. For a day you can view the Moor and its communities through the eyes of a Ranger.

You will travel around the National Park in a Land Rover, driven by one of the Park Rangers.  They will share extraordinary stories of life as a Park Ranger, whilst showing you hidden Exmoor, rarely visited by the public. You will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural habitat and the variety of species that call Exmoor home. You may even get a chance meeting with an Exmoor Pony or a Red Deer.

There will be the opportunity to explore the communities of Exmoor also. You will get to understand the workings of Hill Farm and how the Park Rangers interact with the local residents, farmers and landowners. Whilst at the Exmoor Hill Farm, you will be provided a locally sourced farmhouse lunch, before you head off for further explorations of this wild and hidden landscape.

A 6-hour experience (with a max of 4 passengers) costs £175. This includes a farmhouse lunch, refreshments, guides & travel around the park.

2. North Devon Hawk Walks

North Devon Hawk Walks combines an introduction to falconry with the stunning scenery of Exmoor. During this experience you will have the opportunity to enjoy a walk across one of the various locations offered, whilst learning about the amazing Harris Hawks – Lady Macbeth & Cassius. You will also get the chance to fly the birds. If you pick a more comprehensive walk you may also be able to get more hands-on & get them ready to go out for the walk.

I highly recommend having a look at their trip advisor reviews. Here you can see this activity is suitable for a vast array of ages & that Nigel is a very experienced falconer & guide. He offers a wealth of information not only about the hawks themselves but also about Exmoor.

The walks start at £75 for an hour – this is for a group of up to 4, with each additional person costing £15 (large groups to be discussed).

3. Exmoor Wildlife Safari

A safari you say? Not quite the Serengeti but there is a vast array of wildlife to be seen on Exmoor. Daphne, who is Exmoor born and raised, is the perfect person to take you on an adventure; showing you the beauty of Exmoor & sharing its history.

The standard tours last 3 hours and are family friendly; even well-behaved dogs are allowed for a small extra charge. The family-run business has exclusive access to areas of the National Park & a wealth of experience to share with you. This means you’ll get to explore even more of Exmoor than you would going solo. We highly recommend booking yourself on an Exmoor Wildlife Safari.

A half-day tour is £40 for adults & £30 for children 16 & under; a full day is £80 & £60 respectively.

4. Exmoor Pony Centre

The Exmoor pony is the oldest native pony breed in Britain.  Unfortunately, it is currently listed as an endangered breed, with only around 3,500 ponies worldwide.  Amazingly, over 10% of the World’s population roam free on Exmoor.  No small part of this is down to The Moorland Mousie Trust, who are the charity that run the Exmoor Pony Centre.  The trust acts as stewards for the Exmoor Pony breed and created the centre to encourage the public to meet the ponies, and learn about their history and their life on the moor.

The Exmoor Pony Centre also offer the interactive experience of riding one of the ponies. They cater for all standards of riders from 4 years of age upwards, however, be aware, there is a weight limit of 12 stone/76kg. There are a variety of riding experiences you can choose from, from a beginner session riding around the centre to trekking on the Moor.

This is a lovely family experience and you will be supporting the long term protection of the Exmoor Pony.

5. Exmoor Blueberries PYO

If you happen to be staying in or around Exmoor in August or September then check in with Exmoor Blueberries to see how their organic blueberry crop is coming on. With any luck, it will be ripe for picking!

The farm is family-owned, with the blueberries having been originally planted in 2006. Since then the Keily family, believing in a natural approach, has left them to their own devices. The nine different varieties have cross-pollinated with the help of local bees and butterflies, and the fields themselves are home to an array of wildlife.

During harvest time the farm is open 10-6 to pick your own blueberries & there is no need to book in advance. Ideally bring your own containers, although you can purchase punnets there if needed. The farm is quite exposed so ensure that you dress for the weather i.e. suncream up & bring a hat if it’s a very hot day.

6. Moor Wild Experiences

Moor Wild Experiences offers tailored guided walks, wild foraging, and navigation courses. If you’re looking to see a different side of Exmoor, one that’s much more up close & personal; then have a look at what Liz has on offer.

Alongside a variety of foraging experiences, she also offers bat-detecting encounters and stargazing nights.

You can see what is on offer from Moor Wild Experiences here.

7. Dark Sky Telescope hire

Exmoor can be enjoyed both night and day! Did you know that the Exmoor National Park is Europe’s first Dark Skies Reserve?  Due to its low light pollution levels and cloudless skies, it’s the perfect location in the UK for stargazing.

You can see many stars, planets and constellations with the naked eye, but having the use of a telescope enhances the experience further.  This is where the team at Dark Sky Telescope hire are on hand. Based in Exmoor, they offer 1 – 2 hour stargazing experiences for friends and family.  They have an astronomer onsite to guide you through the stars, constellations and galaxies, so you fully appreciate what you are experiencing.

Alternatively, you can hire a telescope from them, and bring it back to your accommodation. This means you can enjoy stargazing throughout your stay! You can enquire about availability and book via the National Park Centres

And don’t forget – Exmoor has an annual ‘Dark Skies Festival’ in October. Be sure to have a look at all of the activities on offer if you are staying whilst it is on.

As you can see exploring Exmoor really should be high up on your list of priorities when you’re here on holiday.

If you’re staying in a Cottages on the Coast property and need some inspiration with finding activities, then feel free to drop us a line. We will always try to help with local recommendations – we’re keen to make sure that you holiday is a chance for you to make memories that will last.

And if you’re not staying in one of our properties, then be sure to check out the accommodation we have available in Exmoor and book with us for your next visit!