If you are that person who always forgets SOMETHING when you go away, then you’ve come to the right place. We already did you a Winter Exmoor Packing Essentials list, and it’s pretty comprehensive… But, since the requirements differ seasonally, here’s your Summer edition. (Sorry it’s a little late – Exmoor has been lush this summer, with so much to do! So it’s gotten away from us a little…! But will hopefully be useful for any of you going to Exmoor in the summery months forever now.)
1. Wellies!
Whatever the weather, you do not want to go to Exmoor without wellies. Or at the very least some walking boots you don’t mind getting muddy. It’s England! You just absolutely cannot guarantee that it won’t rain. And even if it hasn’t rained for ages, on Exmoor, you’ve got beaches, marshes, rivers & lakes where the ground may well be wetter/muddier so you just want to make sure you have a pair just in case. No sense in having to tiptoe around in your brand new white trainers when you’re out and about in the countryside!
And if you want to put those wellies and walking boots to good use, check out our suggestions for walks and beaches here.
2. A raincoat.
Still absolutely essential, even in summer. Like we say, you just never know in the UK and you don’t want to let potential sogginess stop you from you enjoying the wonderful wild. So let’s be rain proof in our packing.
3. A swimsuit!
After wellies & raincoat, we bet that’s the last thing you were expecting us to put next on the list. But of course, Exmoor is absolutely a swimmer’s spot. Be it a sea swim along the coast or a dip in a crystal clear fresh water river, in the summer on Exmoor, we highly advise getting salty in the sea or indulging in some wild-swimming.
4. A hat, sunglasses & SPF.
When the sun is out and shining, it can be utterly glorious on Exmoor! So don’t forget to bring gear to protect you against those pesky, heavenly UV rays. You’ll still catch a tan through factor 30, and you’ll a) see the beautiful views better, and b) get less wrinkles if you aren’t furrowing your brow squinting into the light. Especially if you’re out in the elements all day. Which you so should be!
5. Umbrella.
Hopefully, you won’t need it. But, the chances are, if you take your umbrella, you’ll have sunshine & blue skies! And it’ll be sod’s law if you don’t…
6. Your camera.
Particularly in the summer, you will want a camera with you on your trip to Exmoor. From Spring through Autumn, nature is the gift that just keeps on giving. From blossom to full bloom, all the way through to golden light catching orange & rust coloured leaves… We know people normally just use the camera on their phone, but just in case you feel like disconnecting from the rest of the world for a bit, but still want to be able to capture stunning views and cute places you see for art, or the memories, you might want an actual camera that can’t also buzz with work emails!
7. Binoculars (if you have them)!
Definitely not essential packing, but if you happen to have a pair, chuck ’em in, because Exmoor is one of the special places in the UK with Dark Sky Reserve Status, which means the stars are really out-of-this-world beautiful. So, bring your binoculars, and who knows what astronomical wonders you might see twinkling in the sky! Especially if you happen to be visiting on a new moon. Furthermore, along the Exmoor coastline there are also dolphins, seals and porpoises to look out for! Exmoor packing
8. Picnic Gear!
Picnic rug, hamper, icebox – and fill with all the yummy things you want for a picnic! With all the beautiful beaches and magnificent moors Exmoor has to offer, you will almost undoubtedly want to be able to pack up a picnic if the sun is shining, so that you can set up camp and have lunch somewhere stunning. You might be up on the cliffs overlooking the Valley of the Rocks, or at the lovely Lee Valley Beach, and you’ll be delighted when you’ve got the supplies which mean you don’t have to hurry off anywhere.
(All our self catering cottages & accommodation have cutlery and stuff like that which you could borrow – just make sure you bring it all back!) Exmoor packing
9. A backpack. Exmoor Packing
We suggest swapping out the chic handbag for a practical backpack for this trip. If you’re out and about wandering through the many adorable little villages of Exmoor, or if you’re off on a hike up a hill or through a wonderful wood, there’s no sense in NOT having your hands free. And you might want to carry one for water, phone, camera, snacks, binoculars etc…
10. Beach Towels.
All our cottages come equipped with bath towels of course, but if you’re heading to the beach for some swimming or sunbathing, you might want to remember to pack your own beach towels, so it doesn’t matter if they get all sandy or you want to lay them down on a grassy river bank or the like.
11. Lip balm.
Sunny weather can often lead to chapped lips. And that’s the worst. Especially if you’re on a romantic weekend away…! It’s such an easy thing to have to hand, but such an easy thing to forget. For me, it’s Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream – the best skin protectant in the world. But, whatever you use, I do think lip balm is one of the Exmoor packing essentials.
12. Hair Ties / Accessories
This one only applies to those with long hair, but you’ll be so pleased we reminded you of this if you do. It’s exactly the sort of thing that gets forgotten and then, on a windy day at the beach, your hair is blowing everywhere and it’s really annoying. So, remember a scrunchie or a hair band or something to sweep it out your face and be fully prepared for a day of Exmoor outdoor activities.
13. A reusable water bottle.
Save our planet and bring a re-usable water bottle with you! You probably want to take water with you on long drives and walks anyway, and having one with you will remind you to hydrate. And the last thing anyone wants is plastic waste on pristine Exmoor.
14. Casual, comfy clothes & shoes.
Exmoor’s a pretty casual place. And there’s so much to get up to outdoors. And if the sun is shining you’ll want to be lapping that all up! So we recommend trainers, t-shirts, shorts, a pair of jeans (just in case – always), the odd jumper/cardigan/sweatshirt/fleece (in case the wind picks up, or you’re up early/out later when it’s cooler), and just whatever you feel most relaxed and ready to embrace life in.
15. Something nice for the evening?
Bearing the above in mind, Exmoor doesn’t require smart clothes. But it does definitely have some very elegant & cool places for drinks & dinner on offer! So, if you’re planning a date night, or an evening out, you might want to pack an alternative to your countryside/beach/walking gear? We recommend Locanda on the Weir in the pretty harbour town of Porlock Weir for a fancy date night, and Charlie Fridays in lovely Lynton for a fun night out with mates.
16. Washbag.
OK this isn’t specific to Exmoor, but obviously you need your toothbrush, toothpaste, medications, moisturisers etc! Trying to be a helpful packing list here. Exmoor Packing
17. Your Dog!
Just kidding. You don’t HAVE to have a dog to complete your packing essentials. But, if you do have a dog, he or she would LOVE Exmoor. It’s a pooch’s paradise. So, Puppy Parents, you should definitely bring your furry friend along, and, in that case, make sure to pack his/her food, bed, bowl, treats, lead & toys (and for city dogs who go anywhere, poo bags!). Click here for our lists of Dog Friendly Cottages, Pubs & Beaches and also see our Top 10 Luxury Dog Friendly Cottages too.
18. Your Book.
Most of our properties have books you can borrow while you’re there, if you’re not reading anything at the moment and would like to be. But you might be halfway through an absolute page-turner, and it would be annoying to forget that when there are so many great reading spots across Exmoor, so it’s going on the list.
19. Chargers.
We actually love a disconnect from electronics whilst away – but you might want your phone for maps, photos, contacting friends etc. Or you may want a speaker to play music, or maybe your camera has a charger, or maybe you’re taking your laptop for some remote working from Exmoor (also a delightful option). Either way, probably a good idea to make sure you’ve got those wires packed in case you need them.
And finally…
20. Underwear!
Because, what kind of comprehensive packing list would this be if we didn’t remind you to pack your underwear?!
So, there we have it. Your Exmoor packing essentials: everything you might need and want to pack for a Summer holiday or weekend away on Exmoor. Exmoor Packing
Looking for shopping inspo?
Of course you’ll already have most of what you need for a simple weekend away on Exmoor. But in case you’re in a mood to treat yourself, and fancy making the moors your own personal runway, we suggest taking a peek at Collagerie’s Nomadland edit for some low key glamorous happy camper looks & chic out-of-office accessories…
We hope this has been a help! Exmoor packing
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