Things to do

Exmoor park, North Devon and the Somerset area boast a very impressive line up of attractions for all visitors. There is without doubt, something to cater for every taste. Whether you are a family looking for cost effective days out and to make your money stretch further whilst on holiday or a couple on a weekend break looking to purely relax and enjoy the ambience of the area, you will find it right here on Exmoor.

Exmoor Attraction Map  You can view a map of the Exmoor attractions as well by clicking the button.

The choice is huge and we’ll tell you about some of them, but we don’t want to do all the work for you so you’ll have to find the others on your own.

The Milky Way Adventure Park
The Milky WayThe Milky Way Adventure Theme Park, in North Devon is a great day out for all the family. Its all weather attraction mix of sheer fun, rides, education and live shows make it a must for your family holiday with lots of things to do. It incorporates the North Devon Bird of Prey Centre with twice daily bird of prey displays, twice daily ferret shows. Unlimited rides on the dodgems are included in the entrance price so you can ride as many times as you like! The children are always going to make new friends in Pets Corner.

Exmoor Zoological Park
Exmoor Zoological Park
Exmoor Zoo is a unique and unusual zoo to visit! Opened in 1982 the zoo is now an ideal family venue, catering very well for the younger generation. The zoo specialises in smaller animals, providing living spaces for many creatures no longer seen in the city zoos. The careful planting of shrubs and trees as they have matured, keep the visitor wondering what is next and provide a relaxing and natural atmosphere within the park.

 

Wimbleball LakeWimbleball Lake
An impressive selection of activities for people of all ages whether single or in a group. Wimbleball Lake lies within Exmoor National Park near Dulverton and is surrounded by woodland and meadows offering recreation for all. Managed by charity South West Lakes Trust the lake offers a watersports centre for sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, premier trout fishing from the bank or a boat and a campsite overlooking the water. There is also a refreshment kiosk selling light snacks, drinks and locally sourced gifts along with miles of footpaths to explore and a nature reserve with a self guided nature trail.

Tarka Trail Cycle Hire
Although not actually in Exmoor Park, the Tarka Trail always makes a great day out. Enjoy a family day out with Tarka Trail Cycle Hire which is based at Barnstaple Railway Station. Two routes are available, both scenic, level and traffic free. They run alongside the estuary which abounds with water birds and fantastic views. The longest route is to Torrington and return – approx. 30 miles. Instow appears to be the most popular (12 mile round trip), with its sandy beach, wonderful views and many refreshment choices. The other route to Braunton is a 12 mile round trip.

Dunster Castle
Dunster Castle
The Tor at Dunster has been home to a castle for more than 1000 years. During Saxon times, the spectacular hilltop location served as a frontier fortress against Celtic and Viking raiders. It is recorded in the Domesday Book as being owned by the Saxon Aelfric before 1066. Dramatically sited on a wooded hill, the present building was remodelled in 1868–72 by Antony Salvin for the Luttrell family, who lived here for 600 years. Colonel Sir Walter Luttrell gave Dunster Castle and the greater part of its contents to the National Trust in 1976.

West Somerset RailwayWest Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway recaptures a bygone era of the branch line country railway in the days of steam. Enjoy 20 miles of glorious Somerset scenery as the train gently rolls back the years on its journey beside the Quantock Hills to the Bristol Channel coast. Relax and travel from Minehead passing beautifully preserved wayside stations at Dunster, Blue Anchor, Washford, Watchet, Williton, Stogumber and Crowcombe to Bishops Lydeard near Taunton. Stop off and enjoy a lovely pub lunch at one of the many quaint pubs and sample some local real ale!

A quick list of other interesting places to visit both locally and within easy travelling distance are:

  • Bakelite Museum – Williton
  • Cheddar Gorge and Caves
  • Cleeve Abbey – Washford
  • Coast at Kilve for fossil collectors
  • Doone Valley
  • Dunkery Beacon – Highest point on Exmoor
  • Dunster Castle and medieval village
  • Exmoor Falconry Centre
  • Glastonbury and Wells Cathedral
  • Historic harbour town of Watchet
  • Honiton – Antiques
  • Lynton, Lynmouth, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Clovelly
  • Porlock Weir and Harbour
  • Selworthy National Trust Village
  • Somerset Levels – Kings’s Sedge Moor – Langport
  • Taunton for shopping – Race course
  • Torre Cider Farm – Washford
  • Tropiquaria
  • Washford Station Railway Museum
  • Wookey Hole

 

This list should get you off to a good start and give you a few places to find yourself on your travels!