The Exmoor National Park has scenery, history, gardens and great hospitality.
There’s no finer place to be than in the British countryside – especially when the sun shines – and in England, there is no finer place than the south-west. So, for a short break, you can opt for North Devon and the Exmoor National Park that hugs the coast between Ilfracombe in the west and the Somerset towns of Minehead to the east, and Dulverton to the south.
Wild And Wonderful
Somehow softer in aspect and with more woodland than Dartmoor, its larger neighbour, Exmoor is threaded with streams, rock-strewn rivers and waterfalls. It’s home to spectacular red deer and its own unique breed of wild pony, as well as many rare birds and beasts, and myriad seabirds that nest on the steep cliffs overlooking secluded inlets and pebble beaches. The diversity of landscape, flora and fauna in a comparatively small area make Exmoor perfect for walking, rambling, riding, nature watching and fishing. It is here that Richard Blackmore was inspired to write Lorna Doone and the countryside in which this epic romantic novel is set remains largely unchanged.
Timeless Style
Lynmouth was originally a fishing village and harbour that served the community of Lynton directly above it on the cliff top. Access across the moor was difficult by road, so provisions would arrive here by boat and be carried up the steep roads to Lynton by horse and donkey. There are some nice shops and lots of well-appointed hotels and guest houses in and around the towns and a good selection of restaurants.
Coastal Walks
This region has interesting historic towns to visit, such as Barnstaple (the largest and oldest in North Devon), Great Torrington (with its civil war connections) and the market towns of South Molton, Holsworthy and Hatherleigh. Along the coast, there are intimate coves to explore, like those at Combe Martin, as well as busier traditional seaside resorts, and the splendid beach at Westward Ho! near Bideford. Coastal walks offer spectacular views both of nature, and man-made marvels such as the lighthouse at Hartland Point.
Also well worth a visit is the wonderful village of Clovelly that’s clung to the cliff-side since the 14th century. Many of its houses date from this period. Spend a day here, exploring and enjoying.
Finally, if gardens are your thing, you could spend an entire holiday in them. The tourist office lists ten, including the RHS Garden, Rosemoor, just a mile from Great Torrington.
There’s no finer place to be than in the British countryside – especially when the sun shines – and in England, there is no finer place than the south-west. So, for a short break, you can opt for North Devon and the Exmoor National Park that hugs the coast between Ilfracombe in the west and the Somerset towns of Minehead to the east, and Dulverton to the south.
Wild And Wonderful
Somehow softer in aspect and with more woodland than Dartmoor, its larger neighbour, Exmoor is threaded with streams, rock-strewn rivers and waterfalls. It’s home to spectacular red deer and its own unique breed of wild pony, as well as many rare birds and beasts, and myriad seabirds that nest on the steep cliffs overlooking secluded inlets and pebble beaches. The diversity of landscape, flora and fauna in a comparatively small area make Exmoor perfect for walking, rambling, riding, nature watching and fishing. It is here that Richard Blackmore was inspired to write Lorna Doone and the countryside in which this epic romantic novel is set remains largely unchanged.
Timeless Style
Lynmouth was originally a fishing village and harbour that served the community of Lynton directly above it on the cliff top. Access across the moor was difficult by road, so provisions would arrive here by boat and be carried up the steep roads to Lynton by horse and donkey. There are some nice shops and lots of well-appointed hotels and guest houses in and around the towns and a good selection of restaurants.
Coastal Walks
This region has interesting historic towns to visit, such as Barnstaple (the largest and oldest in North Devon), Great Torrington (with its civil war connections) and the market towns of South Molton, Holsworthy and Hatherleigh. Along the coast, there are intimate coves to explore, like those at Combe Martin, as well as busier traditional seaside resorts, and the splendid beach at Westward Ho! near Bideford. Coastal walks offer spectacular views both of nature, and man-made marvels such as the lighthouse at Hartland Point.
Also well worth a visit is the wonderful village of Clovelly that’s clung to the cliff-side since the 14th century. Many of its houses date from this period. Spend a day here, exploring and enjoying.
Finally, if gardens are your thing, you could spend an entire holiday in them. The tourist office lists ten, including the RHS Garden, Rosemoor, just a mile from Great Torrington.
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