As the morning mist lifts, the sun’s rays reveal a bright purple spread of heather stretching for miles. Before your eyes can take in the beauty at your feet, you smell the mix of fragrances in the air — wildflowers, moss, and the gentle sea breeze. Visit Exmoor National Park during the day and you’ll witness a spectacular blend of moorland, roaming wildlife, and unspoilt cliffs plummeting in a dark-blue sea. But the park’s appeal is just as strong when you visit at night. In fact, it was the first location to be designated a European Dark Sky Reserve in 2011 –a real treat for those who want to experience the magic of gazing at the milky way and, in recent years, seeing the iridescent display of Northern Lights.
Big crowds are unlikely to spoil the park’s 24-hour appeal, as Exmoor National Park is — quite surprisingly — one of the UK’s least visited national parks. Nestled between South Somerset and North Devon, the park combines the best features of these two mesmerizing counties, from hawthorn bushes and upland valleys to windswept coastal spreads.
Exeter is the nearest city granting easy access to the park. If you want to make the most of its surroundings, a visit to one of the world’s largest glasshouses – only 30 minutes away — will reward you with dozens of acres of lush flora to whet your appetite. Departing from Exeter, a pleasant 90-minute drive through verdant valleys and river views will deliver you right to the coastal entrance of Exmoor National Park, in Combe Martin.
Exmoor National Park boasts a sublime coastal sprawl
Just north of Exmoor is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, home to 186 miles of coastline and some of Wales’ most beautiful coastal walking paths. However, Exmoor National Park has nothing to envy in its majestic Welsh counterpart. If we’re taking size into account, Exmoor boasts 37 miles of coast – a modest amount — but size doesn’t matter because the unspoiled quality of its gorgeous cliffs and coastal sprawl more than makes up for it.
You won’t find cliffs higher than Exmoor anywhere in England. To see them, take the 80-minute hike from Kiln Car Park in Combe Martin to the Little Hangman and, lastly, the Great Hangman. This breathtaking cliff is not only the highest sea cliff in England and Wales, it is also a picture-perfect spot for passionate hikers. If you are not confident with tackling this medium difficulty trail, it’s worth considering other options that don’t require hiking.
To make the most of the coast, opt for a sea kayak tour starting from Combe Martin. There are different types you can choose from, including beginner-friendly, family-style, and a ‘marshland tour’ for wildlife-spotting and exploring the bays at a relaxed pace. If you are keen to start your trip on the coastal side, the best option is to spend the night at Combe Martin. This quaint town is dotted with inns, camping spots, and bed and breakfasts.
Exmoor National Park is home to moorlands, wildflower fields and wild ponies
