If you tend to avoid Britain’s tourist hot spots during the Summer months, you will love Exmoor in the Autumn, and Winter. Peace and quiet reigns supreme across our coastland, moorland, valleys and combes.
It’s the perfect time for walkers, explorers, thrillseekers, romantics and solo travellers to enjoy the best of the Exmoor National Park.
1. Walking and Exploring
Lynton & Lynmouth is the perfect place to stay for those long Autumnal walks. Wander through misty valleys, ancient woodlands and bleak open moorland. Take in the divine sights and smells of a wintery Exmoor morning. We love the dew drops that turn ordinary cobwebs into millions of jewel-laden threads that decorate the hedgerows. Breathe in the crisp Autumn air as you walk along the icy rivers of Watersmeet or the Doone Valley. Head to the coast at Heddon’s Mouth or Lee Abbey Bay and listen to the waves crashing on the shore.
Autumn is also a great time for foraging! The moors, woodlands and hedgerows offer a smorgasbord of tasty edible treats; nettles, sorrel, blackberries, apples and rosehips. Of course, we don’t suggest heading out on your own, take a walk with one of Exmoor’s local foraging experts. Let them show you what an incredible bounty lay all around you, and how to harvest it responsibly. Check out Moor Wild Experiences for a great day foraging.
-
- Lynton Lynmouth Autumn Watersmeet
-
- Lynton Lynmouth Autumn Coast Path
-
- Lynmouth Walk in Autumn
-
- Hollerday Hill in Autumn
2. Visit Gardens and Stately Homes
Autumn is simply a beautiful time of the year. As the summer flowers fade, autumn flowers spring up for their last burst of glory. Trees and shrubs shift slowly from lush greens to fiery reds and oranges. It’s a great time of year to explore some of North Devon’s beautiful gardens and stately homes.
3. Go on Safari
Without a doubt, the best time to see Exmoor ablaze with colour is in the Autumn and the best way to really experience that is by Safari. Take a ride with our local Exmoor experts and let them show you the most magical places. They will safely show you the best places to see the unique wildlife that inhabits this majestic national park. Autumn is rutting season for Exmoor’s famous red deer. The misty valleys and combes echo with the bizarre mating sounds of impassioned stags.
Check out some of the Exmoor Safaris and Tours
4. Scenic Drives
Roaming Exmoor on foot is great, but you don’t get to see just how vast and magnificent the entire National Park is. Try one of these incredible Scenic Drives covering all corners of Exmoor and find out just how special and diverse Exmoor really is.
A popular drive is the 21 Mile Drive covering Lynton & Lynmouth, the Valley of Rocks, Heddon Valley and Brendon, and there are plenty of places to stop for tea and cake too.
5. All aboard! Ride a train
Get to enjoy everything Lynton & Lynmouth has to offer, but without the long queues and Summer hustle and bustle. Enjoy as many rides on the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway and Steam Trains at Woody Bay as you would like, and dogs are welcome too.
6. Play a round of golf
The Hole-in-1 Putting Green in Lynmouth must have some of the best views in North Devon. With Lynmouth Harbour on one side and the Watersmeet Gorge on the other – you can can enjoy some incredibly beautiful scenery whilst playing a round or two – perfect for a selfie or family snapshot.
7. Eating, Drink and be Merry
There’s nothing quite like a good old pub lunch by an open fire after a day walking and exploring. We think Autumn and Winter are when our Exmoor pubs and inns really take centre stage. It’s that first sight of a crackling open fire and wafts of delicious hearty food from the kitchens as you walk through the door. There’s nothing quite like it.
Our daytime cosy cafés become less crowded and haven for delicious snacks and pots of piping hot tea and coffee.
Lynton & Lynmouth also offer a great selection of restaurants to choose from as the daytime gives in to the night. Everything from traditional cheery pub fayre to romantic and exquisite dining – there is a delicious meal for everyone.
Find a great place to eat and drink.
8. Stargazing & Astronomy
Each October the Exmoor National Park organises its famous Dark Skies festival for those who love to wonder at the night sky and its twinkling constellations.
The Festival offers a range of events to help everyone experience Exmoor’s spectacular night skies. Choose from a host of nocturnal adventures, activities, tours, and fascinating astronomy-related events for all the family.
9. Halloween
Every October the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway organise their ‘Halloween Spooktacular‘ for kids, big kids, families and dogs. Its a great night with ghost stories, singing and merriment, and you get to ride on the Cliff Railway in the dark.
10. Shop till you drop
For a couple of remote coastal villages on the North Devon coast, there is a surprising array of interesting and unique shops. You can find something for everyone, including some great treats for yourself. Find anything from sophisticated fashion and walking gear to charming and striking art, modern and chic home interiors to delicious locally-made produce. Perfect for some early Christmas Shopping!
Check out the fabulous places to shop in Lynton & Lynmouth.
