3 Night Exmoor Guided Walking Holiday
Treasured for its forests, moorland, valleys, wild ponies, and velvet black skies, Exmoor National Park is perfect for outdoor adventures big and small. Our guided walking holiday is an ideal introduction to the region’s sweeping landscape, dramatic seascapes, big-name attractions, and postcard-perfect villages and towns.
What you’ll love
- Discovering the immense beauty of Exmoor on foot
- Visiting some of Somerset’s most picturesque villages
- Learning more about Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve
- Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
- Finding exciting walking routes with your HF Holidays Leader
- Staying at Holnicote House near the pretty village of Selworthy
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our 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 up to three different-grade daily walks
- 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
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
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.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Bossington & Selworthy
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In summary: A circular walk exploring the countryside and villages around Holnicote House. Our route takes us to the coast via the village of Bossington, returning 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 2 - 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.
Highlight: Its a steep climb to the top of Selworthy Beacon, but your efforts will be rewarded with a great view north over the Bristol Channel and south towards the hills of Exmoor.
Option 3 - Somerset Coast Path
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)
In summary: Head through the woods to Hurlstone Point, then along the rugged coastal path that meanders along the northern slopes of Selworthy Beacon. We'll then ascend onto the summit and return via Selworthy village.
Highlight: This section of the coast path has a real 'away from it all' feel as it traverses around three deep combes above the sea.
Option 1 - Countisbury Hill
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In summary: Starting high on Countisbury Common, this predominantly downhill walk takes us over Butter Hill to Countisbury Church, then zig-zags down through the woods to the harbour at Lynmouth.
Highlight: There's plenty to explore in charming Lynmouth - relax in one of the tea rooms or pubs, or take the cliff railway to the Victorian town of Lynton.
Option 2 - Foreland Point
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Follow the South West Coast Path from Yenworthy Common to Lynmouth. Our route meanders around the wooded valleys towards the lighthouse at Foreland Point, then descends Countisbury Hill to Lynmouth.
Highlight: Enjoy fabulous sea views throughout the walk, including the classic view of Lynton and Lynmouth from the top of Countisbury Hill.
Option 3 - Along the Coast Path
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 1,600 feet (480m)
In summary: Follow the coastal path from the Culborne Inn to Lynmouth. Our route undulates over some of Britain’s highest sea cliffs, before the final grand descent to Lynmouth.
Highlight: Walk in the footsteps of poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who gained inspiration from this stunning landscape for his most famous poems.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Selworthy
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1550 feet (460m)
In summary: Walk to the charming villages of Allerford and Bossington, before continuing to the coast at Hurlstone Point. Our return route traverses the wooded slopes to Selworthy village, with time to explore.
Highlight: Wander through the once extensive Holnicote Estate to the 'model village' of Selworthy, with its collection of 'chocolate box' thatched cottages.
Option 2 - The Beacon & Bratton
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (560m)
In summary: Our circuit from Holnicote House ascends through the woods to the top of Selworthy Beacon. Having followed the hill-top path we'll return through the fields to Selworthy village.
Highlight: Discover St Agnes Fountain, a small spring dating from 1820, hidden in the beautiful wooded slopes of Selworthy Beacon.
Option 3 - Selworthy Circuit
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Total ascent: 1,900 feet (580m)
In summary: A longer circuit from Holnicote Estate takes you alongside woodland, until you reach the coast and Hurlstone Point, from here we continue to Selworthy Beacon, before circling round through Bratton and Selworthy and back to the house.
Highlight: Enjoy the great views from Hurlstone Point and the top of Selworthy Beacon.
Option 1 - Valley of Rocks
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,150 feet (340m)
In summary: A walk with two distinct sections. We'll first descend from Countisbury into the wooded valley at Watersmeet, then along the East Lyn River to Lynmouth. We'll then take the cliff railway to explore Lynton and the Valley of Rocks.
Highlight: Soak up the views as you ride the Victorian cliff railway from Lynmouth to Lynton. This uses water power to lift you 500ft to the town above.
Option 2 - Around Lynton
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Total ascent: 1,800 feet (540m)
In summary: Take the zig-zag path down from Countisbury Hill to Watersmeet. We'll continue along the hillside to the Victorian town of Lynton, climbing to a panoramic viewpoint above the Valley of Rocks.
Highlight: The Valley of Rocks is a local beauty spot with its own herd of wild goats who roam the precipitous hillsides.
Option 3 - Lynmouth Coastline
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 3,200 feet (980m)
In summary: Follow the glorious coastal path down Countisbury Hill to Lynmouth, then on to the Valley of Rocks and Lee Bay. We return along an elevated path to Lynton and Watersmeet.
Highlight: Soak up the classic view of Lynton and Lynmouth as you walk down Countisbury Hill. This walk has steep ascents and descents, but passes through spectacular scenery.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Exploring Horner Hill
Distance: 5½ miles (9km)
Ascent: 1000 feet (300m)
In summary: This circuit from the house takes you through the pretty village of Horner, and then in to Hrner Wood and Horner Hill, before heading back to the house.
Highlight: The village of Horner and Horner Hill
Option 2 - Exploring North Hill
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,700 feet (520m)
In summary: From the house we pass through the beautiful village of Selworthy towards Bratton. We then pass near to North Hill, before returning to Selworthy and back to the house.
Highlight: Catch some coastal views.
Option 3 - Periton Hill
Distance: 11 miles (17km)
Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)
In summary: Walk from Holnicote House, taking in the village of Luccombe, before heading through Periton Hill woods and the edge of Minehead. Then returning to the house through the village of Selworthy.
Highlight: Take in the lovely villages of Selworthy and Luccombe.
Option 1 - Countisbury Hill
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In summary: Walk via fields over Countisbury Common to join the South West Coast Path. Pass the lighthouse at Foreland Point with its disused lighthouse then continue over the highest cliffs in England on to Lynmouth.
Highlight: Lynmouth is a great spot to end our walk. Enjoy ice creams or one of the many tea rooms, or explore the rockpools on the beach.
Option 2 - Foreland Point
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Follow the South West Coast Path from Yenworthy Common to Lynmouth. Our route meanders around the wooded valleys towards the lighthouse at Foreland Point, then descends Countisbury Hill to Lynmouth.
Highlight: Enjoy fabulous sea views throughout the walk, including the classic view of Lynton and Lynmouth from the top of Countisbury Hill.
Option 3 - Along the Coast Path
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 1,600 feet (480m)
In summary: Follow the coastal path from the Culborne Inn to Lynmouth. Our route undulates over some of Britain’s highest sea cliffs, before the final grand descent to Lynmouth.
Highlight: Walk in the footsteps of poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who gained inspiration from this stunning landscape for his most famous poems.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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.
Rooms
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, and comfortable mattresses.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surrounds. 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, and comfortable mattresses.
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.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. 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.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
About your stay
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, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on 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.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Holnicote House
Getting to Holnicote House
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential information
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, preferably insulated
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone and portable charger
- Watch
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Spare pair of socks
- Energy snacks
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles, useful for descents
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit
- Waterproof rucksack liner
- Head torch
- GPS device
Holnicote House Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
01 Mar - 04 Mar 2024 3 nights |
Version 3 Single from £439 £419 Double from £439 £419 pp |
from £439 £419 pp |
from £439 £419 |
Save £20 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
22 Mar - 25 Mar 2024 3 nights |
Version 3
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £439 pp |
from £439 pp |
Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
|
02 Apr - 05 Apr 2024 3 nights |
Version 3 Single from £495 £460 Double from £495 £460 pp |
from £495 £460 pp |
from £495 £460 |
Save £35 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
12 Apr - 15 Apr 2024 3 nights |
Version 3 Single from £495 £475 Double from £495 £475 pp |
from £495 £475 pp |
from £495 £475 |
Save £20 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
03 May - 06 May 2024 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £525 £505 pp |
from £525 £505 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £20 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
10 May - 13 May 2024 3 nights |
Version 2
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £525 £515 pp |
from £525 £515 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £10 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
17 May - 20 May 2024 3 nights |
Version 1
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £525 pp |
from £525 pp |
Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
|
31 May - 03 Jun 2024 3 nights |
Version 2
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £525 £505 pp |
from £525 £505 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £20 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
21 Jun - 24 Jun 2024 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £525 £505 Double from £525 £505 pp |
from £525 £505 pp |
from £525 £505 |
Save £20 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
05 Jul - 08 Jul 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £450 £415 Double from £525 £490 pp |
from £525 £490 pp |
from £450 £415 |
Save £35 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
19 Jul - 22 Jul 2024 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £525 £475 Double from £525 £475 pp |
from £525 £475 pp |
from £525 £475 |
Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
09 Aug - 12 Aug 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £525 £490 Double from £525 £490 pp |
from £525 £490 pp |
from £525 £490 |
Save £35 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
06 Sep - 09 Sep 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £450 £430 Double from £525 £505 pp |
from £525 £505 pp |
from £450 £430 |
Save £20 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
20 Sep - 23 Sep 2024 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £450 £415 Double from £525 £490 pp |
from £525 £490 pp |
from £450 £415 |
Save £35 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
27 Sep - 30 Sep 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £525 £490 Double from £525 £490 pp |
from £525 £490 pp |
from £525 £490 |
Save £35 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
11 Oct - 14 Oct 2024 3 nights |
Version 2 Single from £495 £445 Double from £495 £445 pp |
from £495 £445 pp |
from £495 £445 |
Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
18 Oct - 21 Oct 2024 3 nights |
Version 1 Single from £495 £445 Double from £495 £445 pp |
from £495 £445 pp |
from £495 £445 |
Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
01 Nov - 04 Nov 2024 3 nights |
Version 3 Single from £439 £389 Double from £439 £389 pp |
from £439 £389 pp |
from £439 £389 |
Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
3 nights
from
£439pp
£389pp
On offer
or call 020 3974 8865
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