Exmoor hotels

Hotels in Exmoor

Once a royal forest, Exmoor is a vast moorland that is noted for its spectacular coastal views and celebrated the 50th anniversary of its National Park status in 2004. Today, the park covers much of north Devon and parts of west Somerset, and is famed for its significant Red deer population and ancient trees.

Coleridge Way

One of the most popular walking routes in the park is the Coleridge Way, which is more than 50 miles long and finishes at the picturesque coastal town of Lynmouth. The walk is named after Samuel Taylor Coleridge, an esteemed poet who spent much of his time in the area and lived in quaint Coleridge Cottage in the settlement of Nether Stowey, just to the east of the National Park.

Lynmouth and Lynton

Linked by the beloved Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, these charming towns are, in many ways, the heart and soul of Exmoor and are an excellent base for exploring the National Park. See the Lyn and Exmoor Museum for some more insight into the history of the local area, observe the majestic Neogothic and Neotudor-style Grade II Listed Lynton Town Hall, and wander around the towns' delightful cottages as you admire the dramatic coastal views.

Villages to visit - suggestions

Visit Bossington, which is worthy of the title of the most photogenic village in Exmoor and features many fine country cottages with tall chimney stacks. Nearby is the scenic village of Selworthy, which is overlooked by Selworthy Beacon, where you can witness superb panoramic views over Exmoor. You can also spend some time at the pictorial village of Allerford, which is the home of the historic Piles Mill and the West Somerset Rural Life Museum.

Another remarkable village on the edge of the Exmoor National Park is Dunster, which could be a contender for Britain's most charismatic and best-preserved medieval village, and is dominated by its Norman castle. Now maintained by the National Trust, Dunster Castle was transformed into a grand country house in the 19th century, although it had been the residence of the affluent Luttrell family for more than six centuries.

Hotels and dining in Exmoor

If you're after some delectable British and seafood dishes, you can head to The Coach House Restaurant in Kentisbury, or choose the Exmoor Beastro in Dulverton for other deliciously fresh cuisine. For some tantalising Thai food, try the Nartnapa Thai Cuisine restaurant in Lynton, or consider visiting Hathways in Dunster for some mouthwatering Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Book a stay at the Kentisbury Grange in Kentisbury for comfortable, attractive accommodation in an authentic country setting, or consider the beautiful, hospitable Dunkery Beacon Hotel in Wootton Courtenay. Other reputed, value-for-money Exmoor hotels you might want to consider include The Chough's Nest Hotel, The Luttrell Arms, the Ingleside Hotel, and the Lynton Cottage Hotel.