Sir Winston Churchill was reported to have once said, ‘where in the world is Wiveliscombe’. While this part of the world may not have been known to the late prime minister, it certainly has a reputation among the residents of Exmoor, for being the home of Exmoor Ales. For 200 years, ale has been brewed on this site on the edge of the National Park, with Exmoor Ales quenching peoples thirst since 1980.
People don’t really visit Exmoor to sample the local ale though, there are far more important things to see and do in this beautiful part of Devon. With Exmoor boasting around 267 square miles of National Park, and the Quantock Hills within reach, it is a popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Rare Exmoor ponies can often be sighted grazing on the moors, while the area is also populated by red deer. With moorland, hilltops and riverbanks, and coastal areas such as the town of Minehead, Exmoor has a good choice of walks and areas to explore.
There have also been moves to extensively promote attractions in Exmoor and the surrounding area, via the Exmoor to Sea Association of Visitor Attractions. There are currently 15 members in this association, located in Exmoor National Park, West Somerset and North Devon, all of whom are guaranteed to provide fun for all the family. Attractions include the West Somerset Railway, Exmoor Zoological Park, seal cruises aboard the Illfracombe Princess, and the Dartington Crystal Glass Factory.
Active people will be well served in the Exmoor area too, and it’s not just all about walking. There are facilities for horse riding, cycling, canoeing, fishing, and some water sports and boat trips from Lynmouth Harbour.
Exmoor National Park may have its fair share of scenic open spaces, but people live and work in the area as well, and the towns and villages in the park provide an interesting extension to the local tourism market. Coombe Martin is the place to go for some beach life, while Minehead’s famous Butlins Holiday Resort is close by. Minehead itself marks the start of the South West Coastal Path walk, while over in Porlock you’ll find the end of the 36 mile Coleridge Way. There are also a number of smaller towns, villages and hamlets worth a visit, including Culbone, Bridgetown and Withypool.
This is just a snapshot of what is on offer in and around the National Park, but no visit would be complete without taking in the busy town of Watchet, and exploring its busy harbour.
Whatever you decide to do on a visit to this area of Devon, all tastes and budgets are welcomed and catered for. Whether you like the indoors or outdoors, shopping or sports, there is something in Exmoor National Park to suit you. With a good range of accommodation, access to local motorway routes and regional airports, and rail and bus services running in and through the area, visiting couldn’t be easier. Why not make your next holiday a trip to the South West UK?