3 Night Exmoor Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

Holnicote House
Big Walking Sale 2026

3 nights at an HF Country House

Availability Sep 2026, Mar-Nov 2027

3 Itineraries available

Full Board

Grades 1 & 2 details

65kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£509

pp

Members From

£479

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Explore Exmoor National Park’s rolling countryside and coastline with ease on this gentle guided walking holiday. Choose from a selection of walks that minimise rough ground and gradients without compromising on the park’s wonderful scenery and wildlife spotting opportunities. Discover a timeless landscape where buzzards fly overhead, ponies and red deer roam free across the moors, and charming towns and villages welcome you for a well-earned rest.

Accommodation

HF Country House
There’s plenty to look forward to at this beacon of Somerset hospitality near the impossibly pretty village of Selworthy. The location couldn’t be more perfect; within rolling-out-of-bed distance from Exmoor National Park and an easy drive from Dunster Castle, Coleridge Cottage, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, and the sandy delights at Porlock and Minehead. The walking opportunities here are standout, too, not least for the trails around the Quantock Hills, Dunkery Beacon, Bossington, and a section of the England Coast Path that takes you on a glorious journey along the county’s coastline.
hf_exterior_holnicotehouse_exmoor_14_2025_rgb.jpg

Walking grades and options

This Guided Walking/Hiking Trail has walks graded levels 1 2 & 2


What You’ll Love

  • Walking across sweeps of wide-open moorland
  • Soaking up panoramic sea views at Exmoor National Park
  • Spotting wildlife such as red deer and Exmoor ponies
  • Visiting the charming villages of Porlock and Dunster 
  • Learning about Exmoor’s status as an International Dark Sky Reserve
  • Staying at Holnicote House near the pretty village of Selworthy

What's Included

  • En-suite accommodation in our 4-star country house
  • Cream tea on arrival day
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
  • Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
  • Choice of three guided walks (each walking day) from March to October, and two from November to February.
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Reviews


Gallery

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Gentle Walks

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Option 1 - Selworthy Beacon

Distance: 7½ miles (12km) 

Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m) 

In summary: Ascend through the woods to the Iron Age hillfort and the glorious viewpoint of Selworthy Beacon. After a hilltop walk, we'll descend through the fields to Selworthy village with its thatched cottages. 

Highlight: It’s a steep climb to the top of Selworthy Beacon, but your efforts will be rewarded with a great view north over the Bristol Channel to Wales and south towards the hills of Exmoor.

Option 2 - Holnicote to Selworthy

Distance: 3.5 miles (5km)

Ascent: 800 feet (240m)

In summary: We walk on a circular route from Holnicote House today to Selworthy. We will take time to explore the 15th century church, thatched cottages around the green and, maybe, visiting the tea room, before returning to the house.

Highlight: Visit the picture-postcard village of Selworthy.

Option 3 - Selworthy

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 1550 feet (460m)

In summary: Setting off from Holnicote House, our route takes us to the coast via the historic Pack Horse Bridge at Allerford and Bossington village. After enjoying spectacular views from the historic coastguard look-out at Hurlstone Point, we return along the wooded slopes to charming Selworthy village. 

Highlight: Selworthy village was rebuilt in 1828 by the Acland family to house the elderly workers of the Holnicote estate. The tea room is a delightful spot to relax in towards the end of the walk.

Option 1 - Dunster Trail

Distance: 1½ miles (2.5km)

Ascent: 150 feet (30m) 

In summary: Follow a trail around medieval Dunster – a valley-nestled village crowned with an impressive red sandstone castle. Let your guide lead you through cobbled streets and cottage-lined lanes as you discover the rich history of this charming village perched on the River Avill. After the walk there’ll be plenty of time to explore.

Highlight: Visit Dunster's impressive castle.

Option 2 - Dunster via West Luccombe and Brockwell

Distance: 9½ miles (15km) 

Ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)

In summary: Walk from Holnicote to Dunster.  Our route takes us along a sylvan track at the foot of Dunkery Hill before traversing the Wootton Common ridge and descending into picturesque Dunster. 

Highlight: Spectacular views across Exmoor and the Somerset coast and the historic architecture of Dunster, overlooked by the hilltop castle.

Option 3 - Headon Cross to Dunster

Distance: 5½ miles (9km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (220m) 

In summary: Today we enjoy a steady climb and ridge-walk through the woods of Wootton Common before a steady descent all the way down into Dunster Castle. 

Highlight: Dunster Castle was the home of the Luttrell family for over 600 years, and is now managed by the National Trust.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Version 1 2027

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Option 1 - Selworthy Beacon

Distance: 7½ miles (12km) 

Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m) 

In summary: Ascend through the woods to the Iron Age hillfort and the glorious viewpoint of Selworthy Beacon. After a hilltop walk, we'll descend through the fields to Selworthy village with its thatched cottages. 

Highlight: It’s a steep climb to the top of Selworthy Beacon, but your efforts will be rewarded with a great view north over the Bristol Channel to Wales and south towards the hills of Exmoor.

Option 2 - Holnicote to Selworthy

Distance: 3.5 miles (5km)

Ascent: 800 feet (240m)

In summary: We walk on a circular route from Holnicote House today to Selworthy. We will take time to explore the 15th century church, thatched cottages around the green and, maybe, visiting the tea room, before returning to the house.

Highlight: Visit the picture-postcard village of Selworthy.

Option 3 - Selworthy

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 1550 feet (460m)

In summary: Setting off from Holnicote House, our route takes us to the coast via the historic Pack Horse Bridge at Allerford and Bossington village. After enjoying spectacular views from the historic coastguard look-out at Hurlstone Point, we return along the wooded slopes to charming Selworthy village. 

Highlight: Selworthy village was rebuilt in 1828 by the Acland family to house the elderly workers of the Holnicote estate. The tea room is a delightful spot to relax in towards the end of the walk.

Option 1 - Dunster Trail

Distance: 1½ miles (2.5km)

Ascent: 150 feet (30m) 

In summary: Follow a trail around medieval Dunster – a valley-nestled village crowned with an impressive red sandstone castle. Let your guide lead you through cobbled streets and cottage-lined lanes as you discover the rich history of this charming village perched on the River Avill. After the walk there’ll be plenty of time to explore.

Highlight: Visit Dunster's impressive castle.

Option 2 - Dunster via West Luccombe and Brockwell

Distance: 9½ miles (15km) 

Ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)

In summary: Walk from Holnicote to Dunster.  Our route takes us along a sylvan track at the foot of Dunkery Hill before traversing the Wootton Common ridge and descending into picturesque Dunster. 

Highlight: Spectacular views across Exmoor and the Somerset coast and the historic architecture of Dunster, overlooked by the hilltop castle.

Option 3 - Headon Cross to Dunster

Distance: 5½ miles (9km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (220m) 

In summary: Today we enjoy a steady climb and ridge-walk through the woods of Wootton Common before a steady descent all the way down into Dunster Castle. 

Highlight: Dunster Castle was the home of the Luttrell family for over 600 years, and is now managed by the National Trust.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Version 2 2027

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Option 1 - Holnicote to Selworthy

Distance: 3.5 miles (5km)

Ascent: 800 feet (240m)

In summary: We walk on a circular route from Holnicote House today to Selworthy. We will take time to explore the 15th century church, thatched cottages around the green and, maybe, visiting the tea room, before returning to the house.

Highlight: Visit the picture-postcard village of Selworthy.

Option 2 - A Walk to Two Villages

Distance: 4½ miles (7½km) 

Ascent: 900 feet (280m) 

In summary: Setting off from Holnicote House, our route takes us to the coast via the historic Pack Horse Bridge at Allerford and Bossington village. After passing the Lynch Chapel, we meander back to charming Selworthy village.  

Highlight: Selworthy village was rebuilt in 1828 by the Acland family to house the elderly workers of the Holnicote estate. The tearoom is a delightful spot to relax in towards the end of the walk. 

Option 1 - Dunster Trail

Distance: 1½ miles (2.5km)

Ascent: 150 feet (30m) 

In summary: Follow a trail around medieval Dunster – a valley-nestled village crowned with an impressive red sandstone castle. Let your guide lead you through cobbled streets and cottage-lined lanes as you discover the rich history of this charming village perched on the River Avill. After the walk there’ll be plenty of time to explore.

Highlight: Visit Dunster's impressive castle.

Option 2 - Blue Anchor to Dunster

Distance: 3½ miles (5½km) 

Ascent: 150 feet (50m) 

In summary: Following a coastal path, this walk offers fantastic views over the Bristol Channel to the Welsh coast before turning inland towards Dunster. There is lots to see and do in this historic town before we return to Holnicote House. 

Highlight: Wonderful coastal landscapes, and historic interest in the town of Dunster. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 1 Grade 2

Easier Walks

Walk at a relaxed pace, often spending time at places of interest en-route. Walking experience isn’t necessary as distances are quite short and gradients generally easy.

Accommodation

Holnicote House

There’s plenty to look forward to at this beacon of Somerset hospitality near the impossibly pretty village of Selworthy. The location couldn’t be more perfect; within rolling-out-of-bed distance from Exmoor National Park and an easy drive from Dunster Castle, Coleridge Cottage, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, and the sandy delights at Porlock and Minehead. The walking opportunities here are standout, too, not least for the trails around the Quantock Hills, Dunkery Beacon, Bossington, and a section of the England Coast Path that takes you on a glorious journey along the county’s coastline.

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out). 

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house. 

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

 •  32 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 43 guests minimum •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  Travel cot & high chair  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Two lounges  •  Garden with croquet lawn  •  Well-behaved dogs welcome on self-guided holidays  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit England - Guest Accommodation 

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, Holnicote House has 32 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior. 

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. 

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers. 

We love: The rooms in the main building or the thatched grounds, especially Rooms 1 and 4. The first floor rooms have fabulous views across Crawter Hill and Dunkery Hill. 

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply. 

 

Room supplements

Superior Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£25 pppn £20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Holnicote House

Getting here

Address

Holnicote House
Selworthy
Minehead
Somerset TA24 8TJ

Tel: +44 (0)1643 862013

By train

The nearest station is Taunton.  

Check National Rail for train times and routes. 

By taxi

From Taunton train station it’s a 27-mile journey taking 1 hour.

For pricing, please contact Minehead Taxis directly.

Minehead Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Minehead Taxis*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:

Tel: +44 (0)1643 704123

A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Holnicote House.

*Minehead Taxis is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.

By bus

The number 28 bus runs between Taunton station and Minehead, taking around one and a half hours. At Minehead, change to the number 10 bus to the Selworthy turn (at the end of Holnicote House drive). A two-minute walk along the drive will bring you to the house.  

For bus times, check Traveline. 

By car

There’s free car parking at Holnicote House if you decide to drive.  

From Bridgwater take the A39 though the southern outskirts of Minehead towards Porlock. You’ll find Holnicote House on the left about four and a half miles out of Minehead.  

By air

The nearest airport is London Heathrow. 

Take the train to London Paddington station where there are direct trains to Taunton. It’s a relatively straightforward journey that’ll should take around 2.5 hours.  

Bristol Airport is also an option. From here, you can take the bus and train to Taunton. 

Check National Rail for routes and train times. 

More Information

Walking safety

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Carbon Footprint - 65kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

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Dates & availability

3 Night Exmoor Gentle Guided Walking Holiday

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

Save £100 Per Person

25 Sep - 28 Sep 2026

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£609 £509

pp

Members

£579 £479

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£639 £539

pp

£609 £509

pp

2027

12 Mar - 15 Mar 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£549

pp

Members

£519

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£579

pp

£549

pp

14 May - 17 May 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£639

pp

Members

£609

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£669

pp

£639

pp

16 Jul - 19 Jul 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£619

pp

Members

£589

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£649

pp

£619

pp

24 Sep - 27 Sep 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£649

pp

Members

£619

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£679

pp

£649

pp

5 Nov - 8 Nov 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£539

pp

Members

£509

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£569

pp

£539

pp
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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