A weekend in Exmoor

Moorland, dramatic sea cliffs and a famous dark sky

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Exmoor is a small national park with a big personality, combining open moorland with some of the highest sea cliffs in England. It is home to wild ponies and red deer, and was the first Dark Sky Reserve in Europe.

It is much quieter than Cornwall, which makes it perfect for a peaceful weekend.

Best forWalkers, Families, Dog owners, Wildlife lovers

Best time to goSpring to autumn. Autumn colours and clear dark skies are beautiful.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereBristol: About 1.5 hours by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Exmoor

Plan your weekend in Exmoor

Top attractions in Exmoor

Valley of Rocks

A dramatic dry valley above the sea, home to wild goats.

Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway

A water-powered cliff railway linking two harbour towns.

Dunster Castle and village

A hilltop castle above a pretty medieval village.

Porlock Weir

A tiny harbour with a pebble beach and good walks.

Stargazing

Exmoor's dark sky reserve status makes night walks rewarding.

Best things to do in Exmoor

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

New Forest ponies walk

The New Forest is one of the few places in England where ponies, cattle, pigs and deer roam freely on open heath and ancient woodland, under a system of rights known as commoning. Allow 2 to 4 hours.

Seven Sisters cliff walk

The Seven Sisters are a row of white chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast, between Seaford and Eastbourne. Allow 3 to 5 hours.

Fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best places in the world to find fossils, particularly around Lyme Regis and Charmouth, where the pioneering fossil collector Mary Anning worked. Allow 2 to 3 hours.

Best areas to stay in Exmoor

Lynton and Lynmouth

Twin harbour towns with clifftop views.

Porlock

A village at the edge of the moor.

Dulverton

A moorland-edge town with pubs and cafes.

Best hotels in Exmoor

These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.

The Luttrell Arms

Compare places to stay in Exmoor

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Exmoor

Spring to autumn. Autumn colours and clear dark skies are beautiful.

Seasons that suit Exmoor well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Exmoor

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Exmoor

From Bristol: About 1.5 hours by car.
From Exeter: About 1 hour by car.
From London: About 3.5 hours by car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Exmoor

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Lynton and Lynmouth.
Saturday: Start with Valley of Rocks, then Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway. In the afternoon, head to Dunster Castle and village.
Sunday: Visit Porlock Weir or Stargazing, then head home.

Packing list for Exmoor

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

Roads are narrow and steep in places.
Public transport is limited. A car helps.

Exmoor weekend FAQs

Is Exmoor good for dogs?

Yes, with many walks and dog-friendly pubs, but keep dogs under control near livestock and wildlife.

Is Exmoor good for stargazing?

Yes. It is an International Dark Sky Reserve with excellent night skies on clear nights.

More weekend ideas

DartmoorDevon

Granite tors, wild ponies and ancient woodland

Jurassic Coast (Lyme Regis)Dorset

A World Heritage coast of cliffs, fossils and natural arches

BristolSomerset

A creative harbour city of street art, bridges and independent food

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from London · Best coastal weekend breaks in the UK · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK · Best romantic weekend breaks in the UK

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go.