7 Night Exmoor Self-Guided Walking Holiday

Holnicote House
Summer 50

7 nights at an HF Country House

Availability Jul-Dec 2026, Jan-Dec 2027

One itinerary available

Full Board

Grades 1, 2, 3 & 4 details

112kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£584

pp

Members From

£554

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
For hills and ridges, wooded valleys, wide-skied moorland, and incredible coastal views, little beats exploring Exmoor National Park on foot. Our self-guided walking holiday rewards with incredible trails, big-name attractions, and the flexibility and freedom to do as much or as little as you please.

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

Explore at your own pace and choose the best walk for your pace and ability. 


What You’ll Love

  • Enjoying self-guided walks on the coast or in the countryside
  • Using our easy-to-follow routes and maps to explore on your own
  • Looking up at the stars in an International Dark Sky Reserve
  • Spending time at Dunster Castle or Coleridge Cottage
  • Visiting the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth
  • Staying at Holnicote House near the pretty village of Selworthy

What's Included

  • 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  
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Reviews


Gallery

Itinerary

Self-Guided

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.

These are a selection of longer walks on well-graded paths that allow you to discover local highlights and viewpoints. These routes are often further from the house but still offer walks that start and end on the doorstep of the property, plus options for guests travelling by public transport or car. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Selworthy range from 5 to 6.5 miles and visit popular areas such as Luccombe, Dunster and Porlock.

Our easiest selection means walking at a relaxed pace, often stopping and spending time at places of interest along the way. Some are circular walks that start and end on the doorstep of our country house; others make use of local transport whilst remaining close to the property. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Holnicote House range from 1 to 3 miles and visit popular areas such as the Holnicote Estate, Selworthy Beacon, and Valley of the Rocks.

These walks are ideal for those with more stamina who can push themselves to go that extra mile. Some routes will start from the house, but some may require the use of a car. Public transport may not be possible for every route in this category due to remote locations. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Holnicote House range from 7 to 13 miles and visit popular areas such as Lynton, the Quantocks, and the Doone Valley.

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.

Grade 3 Grade 4

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

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 (Self-guided)

  • Please complete and hand in your registration card to the House Manager on the first evening of your holiday
  • Please complete our Independent Walker Card each day before heading out on your self-guided walks.
  • Please note the phone number of the accommodation where you are staying (see Travel details section of your trip notes)
  • Check the weather forecast - this is updated regularly and displayed on the Discovery Point. Be prepared for the weather to change during the day and wear appropriate footwear such as walking boots. We would recommend that you wear or carry a waterproof jacket and trousers, a spare warm jumper or fleece, hat and gloves. In addition, we recommend a water bottle, spare food, map, compass, torch, whistle, small first aid kit and survival bag
  • Take a copy of a map and a route card
  • Be aware of ticks – more information can be found at the Discovery Point

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 - 112kg 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

Reviews

Code: SEL07-POA06

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Dates & availability

7 Night Exmoor Self-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

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28 Aug - 4 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

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£1,169 £584

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£1,139 £554

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Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

11 Sep - 18 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

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18 Sep - 25 Sep 2026

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23 Oct - 30 Oct 2026

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6 Nov - 13 Nov 2026

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13 Nov - 20 Nov 2026

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27 Nov - 4 Dec 2026

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4 Dec - 11 Dec 2026

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2027

29 Jan - 5 Feb 2027

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5 Feb - 12 Feb 2027

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12 Feb - 19 Feb 2027

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19 Feb - 26 Feb 2027

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26 Feb - 5 Mar 2027

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5 Mar - 12 Mar 2027

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12 Mar - 19 Mar 2027

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2 Apr - 9 Apr 2027

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9 Apr - 16 Apr 2027

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23 Apr - 30 Apr 2027

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30 Apr - 7 May 2027

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7 May - 14 May 2027

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£1,209

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£1,179

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14 May - 21 May 2027

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21 May - 28 May 2027

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11 Jun - 18 Jun 2027

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18 Jun - 25 Jun 2027

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25 Jun - 2 Jul 2027

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9 Jul - 16 Jul 2027

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£1,189

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£1,159

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£1,259

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£1,229

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16 Jul - 23 Jul 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

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£1,189

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Members

£1,159

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£1,259

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£1,229

pp

30 Jul - 6 Aug 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

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£1,189

pp

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£1,159

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£1,259

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£1,229

pp

6 Aug - 13 Aug 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

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£1,189

pp

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£1,159

pp
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£1,259

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£1,229

pp

3 Sep - 10 Sep 2027

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10 Sep - 17 Sep 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

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Single rooms

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£1,259

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17 Sep - 24 Sep 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

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£1,219

pp

Members

£1,189

pp
Single rooms

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£1,289

pp

£1,259

pp

24 Sep - 1 Oct 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,219

pp

Members

£1,189

pp
Single rooms

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£1,289

pp

£1,259

pp

1 Oct - 8 Oct 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

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£1,049

pp

Members

£1,019

pp
Single rooms

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£1,189

pp

£1,159

pp

15 Oct - 22 Oct 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

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£1,049

pp

Members

£1,019

pp
Single rooms

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£1,119

pp

£1,089

pp

29 Oct - 5 Nov 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,049

pp

Members

£1,019

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,119

pp

£1,089

pp

5 Nov - 12 Nov 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£929

pp

Members

£899

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£999

pp

£969

pp

19 Nov - 26 Nov 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£929

pp

Members

£899

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£999

pp

£969

pp

26 Nov - 3 Dec 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£929

pp

Members

£899

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£999

pp

£969

pp

3 Dec - 10 Dec 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£939

pp

Members

£909

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,009

pp

£979

pp
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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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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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