Here’s our verdict on the top 10 places to stay on Exmoor. Whether you’ve yet to discover this beautiful place or know it well, there’s always more to explore here on Exmoor. Spanning Somerset and Devon, from the craggy coasts to high open moorlands and sheltered wooded valleys, the landscape is rich and diverse. Towns, villages, hamlets and harbours; there are ancient sites to discover and thriving communities with authentic, original vibes. When hunting for your perfect Exmoor holiday cottage, it may be hard to know which spot to pick. But in truth, wherever you stay here, you are bound to fall for your new favourite home from home.
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1. Porlock Weir
There’s definitely something a bit special about Porlock Weir. This charming harbour village provides a genuine and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Tucked away from the crowds, the hamlet’s assortment of homes is conveniently located within walking distance of the small harbour. The pebble beach, which is usually unoccupied, provides breathtaking views of the Exmoor coastline. In addition to a couple of independent cafes, restaurants, and a pub, Porlock Weir has plenty of options to satisfy hungry holiday tummies.
Top if you’re looking for: A quiet, authentic harbour with a serene sense of identity
Our Top Accommodation Picks in Porlock Weir;
All Places to Stay in Porlock Weir
2. Porlock
The village of Porlock sits nestled at the foot of steep wooded hills, not far from the coast. Pretty streets lead you to quiet spots, tucked away from the thoroughfare but within easy walking distance of the centre. There’s a good selection of interesting and practical shops ready for everyday life for villagers and visitors alike.
Top if you’re looking for: A traditional Somerset village where you can live like a local
Our Top Accommodation Picks in Porlock;
All Places to Stay in Porlock
3. Dunster
You may well have heard of the incredible fairytale village of Dunster… Another of my very favourite places on Exmoor. Winding cobbled streets lead to the magnificent Dunster Castle and it’s grounds.
Despite its small size, the village of Dunster has much to offer visitors. There are many fascinating ancient sites, including The National Trust run Dunster Castle and grounds. Numerous tea rooms, pubs and pretty souvenir shops and galleries make for interesting high-street wanderings. Walking from Dunster is excellent, either onto Grabbist Hill or towards the Crown Estate and Dunster Deer Park.
Top if you’re looking for: A picturesque medieval village steeped in history and ancient sites
Our Top Accommodation Picks in Dunster;
All Places to Stay in Dunster
4. Malmsmead & Oare
For a scenic, rural holiday, the villages of Malmsmead and Oare are picture-perfect. Travel over the high grounds of the Exmoor coastline before dropping down into the narrow lanes of the valleys of North Devon to find this spot. From here, enjoy stunning walking through the Doone Valley, famously the scenic setting for the Lorna Doone novel.
Top if you’re looking for: A truly rural escape with meandering valleys for walking galore
Read more about Malmsmead
Our Top Accommodation Picks in Malmsmead and Oare
5. Exford
Exford is a charming village situated in the heart of Exmoor, boasting a picturesque village green and hilly streets dotted with quaint cottages. This rural gem is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy country sports such as fishing, cycling, horse riding, and shooting. For avid walkers, Exford is an ideal base, with the Samaritans Way South West, the Celtic Way, and several circular walk‘s starting from this location. The famous Tarr Steps, an ancient clapper bridge surrounded by a nature reserve, is also located nearby and well worth a visit.
Top if you’re looking for: A base for country pursuits in the heart of Exmoor
Our Top Accommodation Picks in Exford
All Places to Stay in Exford
6. Wheddon Cross
Possibly the highest village in Exmoor, Wheddon Cross is not far from Dunkery Beacon, marking the highest elevation in the South West outside of Dartmoor. If you love moorlands and high open spaces, they are certainly within easy reach if staying in Wheddon Cross. The famous Snowdrop Valley here sees a mass carpet of snowdrops emerge into bloom through early spring.
Top if you’re looking for: Walks to the high open moors and the summit of Somerset
Our Top Accommodation Picks in Wheddon Cross
All Places to Stay in Wheddon Cross
7. Dulverton
The market town of Dulverton boasts award-winning restaurants and numerous shops. Tucked into a wooded valley, Dulverton sits between the river Barle and the river Exe before they converge. Situated towards the southern edge of Exmoor National Park, thick ancient woodland here supports a wide variety of Exmoor’s wildlife. Here you can find the National Park Visitor Information Centre to help provide you with more holiday inspiration.
Top if you’re looking for: A bustling Exmoor town surrounded by woodland
Our Top Accommodation Picks in Dulverton
All Places to Stay in Wheddon Cross
8. Lynton & Lynmouth
Popular since the Victorian times, the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth sit on the dramatic steep cliffs of the Exmoor coast, further west from Porlock into North Devon. Described as the ‘mini-Switzerland’ of England, these characterful towns have many shops, pubs, cafes and tea rooms to explore. The towns are connected by a famous cliff railway, a mode of transport and attraction in its own right. Nearby villages are also well worth staying in, with similarly beautiful scenes. The landscape here is impressive – nearby Valley of the Rocks akin to something from a film set.
Top if you’re looking for: Quirky shops and eateries in a pretty coastal town
Our Top Accommodation Picks in Lynton and Lynmouth
All Places to Stay in Lynton & Lynmouth
9. Wootton Courtenay
At the foot of the impressive Dunkery and Grabbist Hills, sits the pretty village of Wootton Courtenay. A sheltered spot, from here most Exmoor attractions are easily accessible. Various trails and paths run in all directions from the village, including the Macmillian way. This little village boasts its own ancient history – featured in the doomsday book, with an unusual church built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Pop into the village shop for high-quality local produce.
Top if you’re looking for: Down to earth Exmoor village life
Read more about Wootton Courtenay
Our Top Accommodation Picks in Wooten Courtenay
All Places to Stay in Wootton Courtenay
10. Minehead
Although not technically within Exmoor National Park, Minehead is a great holiday base to stay while visiting and exploring the rest of Exmoor. Minehead sits right on the seafront, it’s own large sandy beach flanked by a quaint little fishing boat harbour towards the western end and a links golf course to the east. The town extends into characterful winding streets up into the wooded North Hill, with plenty of hidden gems in the outskirts of the town.
Top if you’re looking for: Conveniences and history on the edge of Exmoor
More about visiting Minehead
Read more about Minehead
Our Top Accommodation Picks in Minehead
All Places to Stay in Minehead
Summary – Top 10 places to stay on Exmoor
With so many rural villages and hamlets, clusters of cottages and beautiful hidden valleys across Exmoor, we have no doubt you will love wherever you choose to stay. There are so many things to do, beautiful places to visit. outdoor space and fantastic walking to explore you will almost certainly want to come back for years to come.
For those with other features in mind, why not browse our specific categories of holiday cottage – try our dog-friendly cottages, luxury cottages, or cottages with a sea view.
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