Places to stay in Exmoor

Along with those beautiful coastlines, North Devon is also famous for the Exmoor National Park which straddles parts of North Devon and Somerset. With everything from campsites, cottages, hotels and more, there are plenty of options to help you plan the perfect break.

With the spring flowers starting to make themselves known and the season changing, it’s a wonderful time to visit Exmoor. With wild moorland, snowdrops blanketing the area and wildlife making an appearance, everywhere across Exmoor becomes a hive of new life. Keep your eyes peeled for new baby kids skipping around Valley of Rocks and foals trotting along after their parents, as well as the emerging colours. If you are interested in spending some time indulging in nature, book a stay with Mill Park Touring Caravan and Camping Park. Set in a sheltered wooded valley along the coast, not far from Ilfracombe, this caters for families, as well as couples and has a lovely, friendly atmosphere.

Another option near the coastline is Moor and Sea Holidays, located just five minutes from Lynmouth and with easy access to award winning beaches, moorland and coastline, you can choose from six terrace lodges. Each of the lodges are beautifully decorated and sit within landscaped gardens which encourages wildlife. 

Image: Moor and Sea Holidays

If you have additional needs, you don’t need to miss out on a trip to Exmoor, especially with the activities on offer from Calvert Exmoor. This accessible, residential activity centre specialises in breaks for people with a range of disabilities, along with their families and friends. As well as comfortable places to stay, you can also get involved with a host of onsite activities, including horse riding, abseiling, climbing, zip wires, archery and more – all of which are adapted so anyone can get involved. It’s the perfect place for guests with additional needs.

Image: Calvert Exmoor 

Another adventure-filled place to stay is Watermouth Castle – as well as being home to an award winning theme park, there are a number of apartments within the castle. Guests staying here get free unlimited entry into the theme park. When you aren’t enjoying the rides and activities of the theme park, you can easily explore the Exmoor National Park or visit the nearby villages of Berrynabor or Combe Martin.

For a self catering break where you can set the rules, find the perfect place to stay with Classic Cottages. Their portfolio features properties all over North Devon, with several on Exmoor, allowing you to explore the rugged countryside and the coastline on your own time. They also have a range of dog friendly options, so you can bring your dogs along with you!

Now you have an idea of where to stay, here’s some places to add to your itinerary.

Exmoor highlights

• The South West Coast Path
• Valley of the Rocks
• Spotting the Exmoor Ponies
• Dunkery beacon

Dark Skies on Exmoor

Exmoor National Park is a designated Dark Skies Reserve – one of just three in England. Much like Nature Reserves, these sites are earmarked because of the quality of the night skies. This is down to a lack of light pollution, so no matter what time of year you visit, you can see stars, satellites and even the milky way! All you need is a clear night – want to know more? Click here.