How To Have The Best Family Holiday In Exmoor This Summer

Whether you’re visiting this summer or just want to explore a beautiful national park near where you live, Exmoor makes a great location for a family summer holiday. From fascinating historical sites such as Dunster Castle to the  glorious scenery of Tarr Steps, there are plenty of things to do and see for everyone.

So, stay tuned as we talk about some different places to visit and offer some fun activities to help you get the most out of your visit…

Where is Exmoor?

Exmoor is a moorland which covers parts of West Somerset and North Devon. It’s a hilly landscape full of walks, wildlife and wonder, so it makes an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

How to make your Exmoor holiday ideal for the whole family

The key things with any family holiday are keeping everyone entertained and being organised.

We suggest doing some research and finding a range of things to do in Exmoor that are within your budget and will interest the whole family. This way, you can give the kids options once you arrive in Exmoor, and they’ll feel included in the holiday planning.

If you want to be super organised, you can plan out your daily itinerary before you even set off, so you’re free to enjoy yourselves instead of wasting time trying to book things short notice, and maybe even missing out!

5 different things to do in Exmoor

Exmoor is full of greenery and creatures great and small, but there’s loads to keep the whole family occupied. Here are a few ideas:

1. Wonderful Walks

According to the Exmoor National Park website, there is over 1,000km of walking routes and footpaths to explore at your leisure, including the ancient Tarr Steps with its wild ponies and surrounding heathland. The map on their site has colour-coded some popular walks to show which are accessible, longer, historic, ideal for families and more. Alternatively, why not let us take the strain and book a Guided Walking Tour with the Wild About Exmoor team? It includes drinks, cake and historic tales!

2. Try Stargazing

For those who love a bit of mystery, magic, and wonder, then stargazing is something we recommend you try. With miles of clear, unpolluted skies, finding and observing the Perseid’s meteor shower this July and August will be easy – especially if you join our Dark Sky Discovery Hub  for the evening.

3. Visit Dunster

With the Bristol Channel beaches nearby with classic British seaside fare and the stunning Dunster Castle and Watermill to explore, Dunster is an ideal option for the family if you love the little village life.

4. Head to the Zoo

For a touch of the exotic on your UK break, why not check out the Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre. There are monkeys, reptiles, frogs and more, not to mention the famous Exmoor Beast. It’s a great way to add variety and break up your moorland exploration with something completely different.

5. Go Horse riding

Do you still want to enjoy the stunning moorland but have tired feet? Horse riding is the answer! There are several stables across Exmoor offering guided rides on the moors, for all levels of experience.

Things to remember

In all the excitement for your family trip to the wild, it’s easy to forget some of the necessities and good-to-know info, so here’s a little reminder:

• Don’t forget your map – whether it’s an old-fashioned paper map or a Google map downloaded on your phone for use offline, it’s important to know where you are in case of an emergency.
• Remember to stay charged – as well as for maps, keeping your phone charged is an essential safety consideration, so consider bringing along a power bank to keep things topped up.
• Insect bites – you’ll be walking in a national park that prioritises nature, so a bee sting or tick bite may happen. It’s best to prepare with a small first aid kit.
• Keep hydrated and energised – walking uses up a lot of energy, so it’s important to stop for regular food and drink breaks. There are several pubs and bars across the park serving tasty local fare for you to choose from. Plus, some of them even have wellbeing-boosting playgrounds that are excellent for flagging or stressed children.
• Prepare for any weather – In the UK, we can have sunshine one minute and downpours the next, so prepare all your family’s footwear and pack those waterproof jackets too.

Exmoor really does have something for everyone – from the wilderness walks to family attractions, cute little villages and fun-filled beaches. So, why not start exploring Exmoor for your next family holiday?

With many thanks to Debbie Woodlife of Affinity Agency for this article.