Attractions and Places To See around Exford - Top 20

Exford is nestled within Exmoor National Park, offering diverse natural landscapes. You can visit Dunkery Beacon Summit, the highest point in Somerset, for breathtaking panoramic views across the national park and the Bristol Channel. Another excellent viewpoint is Selworthy Beacon, which provides magnificent views over the rolling countryside and out to sea. The ancient Tarr Steps clapper bridge spans the River Barle in a beautiful wooded valley, perfect for riverside walks. The River Exe also flows through Exford, popular for fishing and peaceful strolls.

Yes, Exford and its surroundings are rich in history. The ancient Tarr Steps clapper bridge is a Grade I-listed historical site, believed to be medieval in origin. You can also explore Porlock Village Centre, a charming Exmoor village with thatched cottages and historic streets. Further afield, Withypool Stone Bridge is a characteristic six-arch bridge in a quiet village setting. The area also features prehistoric hillside enclosures like Road Castle, Staddon Hill Camp, and Cow Castle, an Iron Age hillfort.

Exford is an excellent base for walking, with numerous trails catering to various abilities. You can find easy hikes, such as the loop from Withypool to the River Barle Stepping Stones, which is just over 2 km. For more challenging routes, consider the loops around Dunkery Beacon Summit. Many trails offer stunning views, including those around Winsford Hill with its Bronze Age burial mounds. For more options, explore the easy hikes around Exford guide.

Absolutely. Exford and the surrounding Exmoor National Park offer fantastic opportunities for both road cycling and gravel biking. You can find moderate to difficult road cycling routes, such as the loop from Exford to Porlock Toll Road and Nutscale Reservoir, which is over 50 km. For gravel biking, routes like the Withypool Stone Bridge to Wheal Eliza mine ruins loop from Simonsbath provide a challenging off-road experience. Discover more routes in the gravel biking around Exford and road cycling routes around Exford guides.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Tarr Steps clapper bridge area offers easy walking paths along the River Barle, perfect for a gentle stroll. The Exmoor Pony Centre, a short drive from Exford, allows visitors to learn about and interact with the native Exmoor ponies. The village green in Exford itself is a pleasant spot, and many of the easy walking trails are suitable for families.

Exford is beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer (May to September) offer warmer weather, ideal for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the vibrant Exmoor landscape. Autumn brings stunning foliage, while winter can be magical, especially for stargazing as Exmoor is an International Dark Sky Reserve. Always check local weather forecasts before your visit.

Exford is ideally located within Exmoor National Park, which is designated an International Dark Sky Reserve. This means the area has exceptionally dark skies, making it perfect for stargazing. Simply find a spot away from village lights, such as near Dunkery Beacon Summit or Winsford Hill, on a clear night to enjoy the spectacular views of the Milky Way and constellations.

Exford village features a traditional village green surrounded by local establishments. You'll find cozy inns like The Crown Hotel and The White Horse Inn, which offer welcoming atmospheres, hearty meals, and local ales. Exford Tea Rooms are also available for homemade cakes and cream teas.

Exmoor is rich in wildlife, and Exford is an excellent place for spotting various species. Keep an eye out for the native Exmoor ponies, red deer, and a variety of birds of prey such as buzzards and kestrels. Along the rivers, you might spot herons. The wooded valleys and open moorland provide diverse habitats for many creatures.

Beyond the well-known landmarks, consider exploring the ancient landscape of The Punchbowl, a scenic valley offering walking routes of 4-5 miles directly from Exford. Also, the historic enclosures of Road Castle and Staddon Hill Camp to the east, and Cow Castle to the west, offer a glimpse into the area's prehistoric past and are often less crowded than other sites.

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning panoramic views from points like Dunkery Beacon Summit and Selworthy Beacon. The unique historical significance and natural beauty of Tarr Steps clapper bridge are also highly rated, with many enjoying the easy walks in its wooded valley. The overall tranquility and diverse landscapes of Exmoor National Park, combined with the charm of villages like Porlock, are consistently highlighted as key draws.