We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
Holnicote House ■ Location: Exmoor
■ Duration: 7 nights at an HF Country House
■ Board Basis: Full Board
■ Travel Dates: Apr-Oct 2027
■ Itineraries available: 2
■ Choice of Walking Grade: 4 details
■ Carbon Footprint: 130kg CO2 details
Non-members From
£1,199
ppMembers From
£1,169
ppMembers Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details
From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.
Gentle walking grade 4
The most active Gentle grade, with longer walks, some ascent, and possible steps, stiles, or off-path uneven ground. Typically, 6-7 miles (10-12km) with around 1,000ft (300m) of ascent.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.
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.
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.
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
Descent: 1,350 feet (400m)
In summary: We start with a descent to Watersmeet House today, a Victorian fishing lodge now owned by the National Trust, where two fast flowing rivers meet in a spectacular wooded valley. Walking downstream beside the East Lyn River past deep rock pools, we’ll reach Lynmouth and enjoy time to explore the town. Options include stretching your legs further with a walk out to Valley of Rocks, visiting exhibitions on the great flood of 1952, riding the funicular cliff railway up to Lynton, or relaxing with an ice cream and enjoying the scenery.
Discover more about Holnicote House and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day.
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 500 feet (160m)
Descent: 1350 feet (420m)
In summary: From high on the Quantock Hills we're treated to fantastic views and glorious scenery as we follow moorland paths walked by Iron Age peoples and Roman soldiers. Descending past Walford’s Gibbet through woodland, we arrive at the village of Nether Stowey, home of the poet Coleridge, with the chance to visit Coleridge Cottage itself.
Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 950 feet (300m)
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.
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 350 feet (100m)
In summary: Starting at Bilbrook we follow one of the longest river fords in the area and pass under the Somerset heritage steam railway bridge to reach the quintessential village of Old Cleeve with its 17th century church of St Andrews. We then follow along the Monks Path to Washford, the route once taken by the monks as they made their way from St Andrews Church to Cleeve Abbey. Finally we take the Mineral Line track to Watchet to explore its harbour, originally built at the time of Alfred the Great. There’ll be time to take in the views across the Bristol Channel, or perhaps visit the Market House Museum to learn about the fascinating history of this once important town.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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.
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. The village was rebuilt in 1828 by the Acland family to house the elderly workers of the Holnicote estate.
Distance: 3½ miles (5½km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
Descent: 1,350 feet (400m)
We start with a descent to Watersmeet House (NT) today, a Victorian fishing lodge now owned by the National Trust, where two fast flowing rivers meet in a spectacular wooded valley. Walking downstream beside the East Lyn River past deep rock pools, we’ll reach Lynmouth and enjoy time to explore the town. Options include stretching your legs further with a walk out to Valley of Rocks, visiting exhibitions on the great flood of 1952, riding the funicular cliff railway (entrance included) up to Lynton, or relaxing with an ice cream and enjoying the scenery.
The day has been left free for you to relax or explore the local area.
Distance: 4½ miles (7½km)
Total ascent: 950 feet (300m)
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 (NT). The castle was the home of the Luttrell family for over 600 years and is now managed by the National Trust.
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 500 feet (160m)
Descent: 1,350 feet (420m)
From high on the Quantock Hills we're treated to fantastic views and glorious scenery as we follow moorland paths walked by Iron Age peoples and Roman soldiers. Descending past Walford’s Gibbet through woodland, we arrive at the village of Nether Stowey, home of the poet Coleridge, with the chance to visit Coleridge Cottage (NT) itself.
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Total ascent: 350 feet (100m)
Starting at Bilbrook we follow one of the longest river fords in the area and pass under the Somerset heritage steam railway bridge to reach the quintessential village of Old Cleeve with its 17th-century church of St Andrew’s. We then follow along the Monks Path to Washford, the route once taken by the monks as they made their way from St Andrew’s Church to Cleeve Abbey (EH). Finally, we take the Mineral Line track to Watchet to explore its harbour, originally built at the time of Alfred the Great. There’ll be time to take in the views across the Bristol Channel or perhaps visit the Market House Museum (optional, payable locally) to learn about the fascinating history of this once important town.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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 |  |
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
Holnicote House
Selworthy
Minehead
Somerset TA24 8TJ
Tel: +44 (0)1643 862013
The nearest station is Taunton.
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:
Recommended
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.
Where attractions are noted as optional in the itinerary, entrance fees are payable locally. This gives you greater choice, freedom, and flexibility to visit the attractions that interest you most. We have listed them in good faith, but we advise you check opening times and admission information before visiting.
If you have National Trust or English Heritage membership, please be sure to bring your membership cards with you. Entrance to National Trust (NT) & English Heritage (EH) sites have not been included in this holiday as many of you are already members of these organisations and will be entitled to free entry upon showing your EH/NT membership cards.
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 moreCode: SEL07-WOD01
Dates & availability
7 Night Exmoor Walking with Sightseeing Holiday
7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,299
ppMembers
£1,269
ppEarly Booking Offer Save £200 Per Person
7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,459 £1,259
Members
£1,429 £1,229
Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person
7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,469 £1,419
Members
£1,439 £1,389
£1,609 £1,559
£1,579 £1,529
Early Booking Offer Save £100 Per Person
7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,299 £1,199
Members
£1,269 £1,169
£1,369 £1,269
£1,339 £1,239
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.
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.
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 and self-guided bookings).
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
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
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
© 2026 HF Holidays Limited. Registered in England, number 5713R. VAT Number 125 4899 87. All Rights Reserved.
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