Exmoor National Park Park

Address: Exmoor National Park Authority, Exmoor House, Dulverton, TA22 9HL, UK

Website: https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/

Admission: Free (park access); National Trust and car parks may have fees for certain attractions

Exmoor National Park is a protected upland and coastal area in southwest England spanning parts of Somerset and Devon. The park was designated in 1954 and conserves a mixture of moorland, wooded valleys and a short stretch of rugged coastline.

Large areas of open heather moorland and enclosed farmland are crossed by marked footpaths and bridleways; the park is also known for its native red deer population and semi-wild Exmoor ponies. The coastal margin includes steep cliffs and notable landmarks such as the Valley of the Rocks.

Exmoor has long-standing patterns of pastoral agriculture, small-scale mining and rural settlement; national park status established statutory protection for landscape, wildlife and public access. In recent decades recreation and conservation management have been priorities for the park authority.

The park lies on the north and west edges of Exmoor between the counties of Somerset and Devon, with nearby towns including Minehead, Lynton and Dulverton that serve as gateways for visitors.

• Designation and size: Designated as a national park in 1954 and covering roughly 692 square kilometres, it protects upland moor, wooded combes and a short, rugged coastline.
• Dark-sky status: Recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve, the park is one of the UK locations recommended for night-sky viewing and astrophotography.

What to See#

• Dunkery Beacon (highest point): Dunkery Beacon, the national park’s highest point at 519 metres, offers open moorland, panoramic views and marked walking routes across the uplands.
• Coastal cliffs and Valley of the Rocks: The coastal section includes steep cliffs and the Valley of the Rocks near Lynton, a notable stretch of coastal limestone scarp with dramatic outcrops and viewpoints.

Exmoor is accessible by car from towns such as Dulverton, Minehead and Barnstaple. Nearest rail links are at Taunton and then regional buses or taxis to park gateways. Major roads include the A39 and A396; plan for single-track country lanes in places.

• Walk the coastal paths from Porlock Weir for dramatic clifftop views and quiet lanes.
• Visit Exmoor's heather moorland at sunrise - the look of the moor in early light is singular.
• Check tide times before exploring beaches; some coves are cut off quickly by the tide.