Do you ever come to pack for a weekend away and wish there was already a comprehensive list of everything you might need? Well, because we’re magic, we’re here to grant you that wish. Here’s your Exmoor Packing Essentials Guide for Winter…
(Obviously, we’re keeping it seasonal – but you’ll get a Summer essentials guide in time for warmer weather next year, don’t you worry!)
What to pack for a holiday on Exmoor…
1. Wellies!
Or walking boots. As long as they’re waterproof and you don’t mind them getting muddy! Wellies or walking boots are definitely Exmoor packing essentials. At least, they are if you intend to spend any time outside at all during a wet weather season! And we do recommend that, if you go to Exmoor, you go outside!
If you want ideas on how to put those wellies and walking boots to best use, check out our suggestions for walks and beaches here.
2. A raincoat.
Absolutely essential. It can get pretty wet and windy out on the moors but it’s magical nonetheless, so you don’t want to let potential sogginess stop you from you enjoying the wonderful wild.
3. Warm clothes.
Winter temperatures on Exmoor, from December through February, tend to be between about 2 and 7 degrees! And only slightly warmer in November & March. So, you want wooly jumpers, long sleeved t-shirts and polo necks, jeans or thick trousers… And maybe even tights or long-johns for underneath!
4. Hat, gloves & scarf.
Or even ear muffs! If that’s your style… Winter woolies to protect your extremities are a no brainer.
5. Umbrella.
I personally love those see-through bell-shaped umbrellas, because they protect you properly, they look chic AND you can see where you’re going, but you may be taking it all super seriously and want a very practical, collapsable, wind-proof umbrella. Either way – plan for rain. Chances are, if you take your umbrella, you’ll have sunshine & blue skies! But it’ll be sod’s law if you don’t…
6. Your camera.
You may have a good camera on your phone, but if you don’t and you have a proper SLR or even a slightly retro digital camera, I recommend taking it with you. You’ll definitely want it when you’re walking around all the beautiful little villages with their amusing quirks and authenticities (it’s a very Instagrammable place!)… But even when I’m driving on Exmoor, I find I rarely go 10 minutes without my jaw dropping at a breathtaking view I simply must pull over to capture.
7. Binoculars (if you have them)!
OK, so, these are not essential but one of the things that makes Exmoor so special is its Dark Sky Reserve Status, which means the stars are really out-of-this-world beautiful. If you bring your binoculars, who knows what special thing you might find glittering in the sky! Another reason is that along the Exmoor coastline you can see dolphins, seals and porpoises! So, if you have a pair, you’d be disappointed to have forgotten to pack them, I think.
8. A picnic rug.
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t picnic! If you have a picnic rug with a waterproof base, why not chuck it in the boot of the car?
9. A backpack.
I suggest trading in the handbag for a backpack for this trip. If you’re heading out exploring villages or on a long walk then you’ll want your hands free and your weight even distributed!
10. Extra socks.
I don’t know about you, but I like to be wearing two pairs of socks in my wellies. And when I get in after a long walk, if my socks are cold and damp, I want warm dry ones. So I think you can never have too many pairs of socks in your suitcase.
11. Lip balm.
Cold weather = chapped lips. And that’s the worst. ESPECIALLY if you’re on a romantic weekend away. Such an easy thing to have to hand. 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 for the winter.
12. Tissues.
Cold weather = colds! So a packet of tissues in your backpack is a good idea. And even if you’ve managed to stay healthy and avoid infection, long walks in the wind and rain do tend to cause a runny nose…
13. A 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 Exmoor.
14. A hot water bottle.
Again, not essential. And some of our gorgeous cottages actually provide hot water bottles, but I thought I’d include in the list just in case you have a favourite at home, because after a winter’s day out in the British countryside there is just nothing lovelier than cosying up with a hottie, in my opinion.
15. Indoor shoes / slippers…
There are lots of lovely restaurants and pubs on Exmoor, so you might want some indoor shoes in case you’re out to dinner in the evenings, or, if you’re staying tucked up in a holiday cottage, you might want your slippers!
16. Washbag.
OK this isn’t specific to Exmoor, but obviously you need your toothbrush, toothpaste, medications, moisturisers etc!
17. Book.
Most of our properties have books you can borrow while you’re there, but you might be halfway through an absolute page-turner so, it’s going on the list.
And finally…
18. Underwear!
What kind of comprehensive packing list would this be if I 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 weekend on Exmoor.
Want help on where to find your Exmoor packing essentials?
Most of this will be stuff you already have, or you can find easily in department stores or online. But if you want to do the whole thing in high fashion looking unstoppably glamorous, whilst being waterproof – we recommend Collagerie’s Take a Hike edit for shopping inspo.
We hope you found this list helpful! Here are a few other articles you might like…
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