We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
13 Aug - 20 Aug 2027
7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,519
ppMembers
£1,489
pp£1,519
pp£1,489
ppWe have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
■ Location: Exmoor
■ Duration: 7 nights at an HF Country House
■ Board Basis: Full Board
■ Travel Dates: Aug 2027
■ Itineraries available: 1
■ Choice of Walking Grades: 3, 4, 5 & 7 details
■ Carbon Footprint: 127kg CO2 details
Non-members From
£1,519
ppMembers From
£1,489
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 3
Slightly longer walks, mostly on well-trodden paths, with some gentle gradients plus stiles and steps possible. Typically, 5-6 miles (8-10km) with around 650ft (200m) of ascent.
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.
Moderate walking grade 5
Some walking experience needed. Full day walks which may include some short but steep ascents and descents throughout the day, and varied terrain. Regular stops. Typically, 8-9 miles (13-15km) with around 1,300ft (400m) of ascent.
Moderate walking grade 7
The most active moderate grade. Longer distances and short but steep ascents and descents possible throughout the day. Hill walking experience desirable. Typically, 11-12 miles (18-19km) with around 1,800ft (560m) 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: 4.5 miles (7.5km)
Ascent: 600ft (180m)
Today we walk through woods and over streams from the village of Porlock to Porlock Weir. Here we’ll be able to spot fishing boats and yachts bobbing up and down in the harbour. The second half of our day takes us past Porlock Marsh, home to lots of birdlife, including oystercatchers, curlews, and lapwings.
What your kids will love: Spotting lots of different birds on Porlock Marsh. Listen out for oystercatchers - they’re a very noisy wading bird with a loud call.
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 750ft (230m)
We’ll set off on a circular walk from the house, visiting the village of Porlock and the coastal hamlet of Bossington. There are thatched cottages to spot, Saxon history to discover, and even a tale about Danish Pirates.
What your kids will love: Stopping for a quick game of Poohsticks at the packhorse bridge near Allerford.
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 1,050ft (320m)
From a starting place high on the moors, we’ll make our way through Hawkcombe Woods Nature Reserve to the village of Porlock. Next, we’ll walk to Hurlstone Point to check out the old Coastguard station and take in the views, before finally heading inland and back to the house so you can share stories of your adventure with your friends.
What your kids will love: Once you catch your breath at Hurlstone Point, you might just be able to spot Wales across the Bristol Channel.
Distance: 9½ miles (15km)
Ascent: 1300ft (400m)
From high on the heather-clad moorland we’ll meander through woods and over fields as we make our way back to Holnicote House. Keep your eyes peeled for red deer, there are approximately 3,000 living on Exmoor.
What your kids will love: The ancient oak trees in Horner Wood. Fun fact: some trees are 500 years old, which means they were standing when Henry VIII was also alive.
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)
Ascent: 400ft (120m)
We’ll start high on the cliffs overlooking Lynmouth Bay at Barna Barrow before descending through woodland to the old fishing lodge at Watersmeet. There’s plenty to do here – grab some refreshments at the National Trust café, stop to play hide and seek, or paddle in the stream. We’ll then follow the East Lyn River into Lynmouth with ample time to explore the village before heading back to the house.
What your kids will love: Searching for wildflowers and finding the purple-blue Devil’s-bit scabious flower. The origins of its name are fascinating - the devil was so angry that this plant could cure all types of illnesses (including the plague), he bit away part of the roots.
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,100ft (340m)
The first section of today’s route follows the option 1 walk to Lynmouth. From here we’ll take a ride on the funicular cliff railway, ascending 500ft to explore Lynton and the Valley of Rocks.
What your kids will love: Riding the world’s steepest and highest water-powered railway.
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,800ft (540m)
We’ll take the zig-zag path down from Countisbury Hill to Watersmeet before continuing along the hillside to the Victorian town of Lynton. We’ll climb to a panoramic viewpoint above the Valley of Rocks, a local beauty spot with its own herd of wild goats who roam the hillsides.
What your kids will love: Looking out for the wild goats roaming freely (and often hair-raisingly) on the cliff edges.
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 3,200ft (980m)
We’ll follow the magnificent coastal path down Countisbury Hill to Lynmouth, then on to the Valley of Rocks and Lee Bay. We’ll return along an elevated path to Lynton and Watersmeet.
What your kids will love: The bragging rights of being tough enough to take on the challenge. Although this is our longest walking option of the day, there’ll be plenty of fun, excitement, and adventure along the way.
Discover more about Holnicote House and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Ascent: 700ft (220m)
Today we’ll embark on a delightful circular walk exploring the charming villages of Allerford and Selworthy. There'll be streams, woods, an ancient packhorse bridge and a church with great views of Exmoor.
What your kids will love: Stopping off at the thatch-roofed Periwinkle Tearooms in Selworthy for a well-earned cake.
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1,550ft (460m)
We’ll walk to the enchanting villages of Allerford and Bossington, then continue to the coast at Hurlstone Point. Return via the wooded slopes to Selworthy village. Explore the Holnicote Estate and the charming, thatched cottages of Selworthy.
What your kids will love: Feeling the sea breeze on their faces and spotting the waves crashing below at Hurlstone Point. It’s the perfect place to take a breath and enjoy the view!
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,350ft (420m)
Today we’ll climb through the woods to the Iron Age hillfort and the wonderful viewpoint of Selworthy Beacon. We’ll soak up the views of the Bristol Channel and Exmoor hills before descending through fields to Selworthy village.
What your kids will love: Seeing the sparkling Bristol Channel, the rolling Exmoor hills, and miles of countryside - perfect for a wow moment!
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 2,050ft (620m)
Today’s walk takes us through woods and along coastal paths as we meander our way to the top of Selworthy Beacon. This section of the coast path has a real away-from-it-all feel as we traverse around three deep combes (valleys) above the sea.
What your kids will love: Enjoying the great views from the top of Selworthy Beacon - on a clear day you can see across the Bristol Channel to the Brecon Beacons.
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Ascent: 400ft (120m)
We’ll ride an old-fashioned train from Minehead to Blue Anchor Bay to take in some of Britain’s wonderful coastline. A short walk across fields leads us to the medieval village of Dunster where there’s plenty of time to explore.
What your kids will love: Imagining the Norman lords who built the original castle, and the Royalists who defended it in the Civil War.
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 700ft (220m)
We’ll embark on a steady climb and ridge walk through the woods of Wootton Common before descending down to the Saxon village of Dunster, home to a magnificent castle.
What your kids will love: With cobbled streets, ancient buildings, and a magnificent castle sitting high on the hill. Your child will feel like a knight, a princess, or a time traveller exploring Dunster's hidden corners.
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,200ft (360m)
Heading straight out from Holnicote House, we’ll follow the track and road to Headon Cross where we’ll see the pretty colours of Tivington Heights hamlet.
We’ll then head up through a mixed broadleaf wood onto the ridge line of Wootton Common before going down Grabbist Hill to the medieval village of Dunster.
What your kids will love: Wootton Common is the perfect place for a nature-spotting adventure. Can you find a tree that's wider than your arms? Hear a woodpecker? Or spot a squirrel racing through the branches.
Distance: 9.5 miles (15km)
Ascent: 1,650ft (500m)
Today’s walk takes us from Holnicote House to the medieval village of Dunster. Our route takes us through Horner woods to a superb viewpoint, before following the same route as option 2 and 3 along the ridge over Wootton Common.
What your kids will love: Playing ‘I spy’ from the viewpoint at Webber’s Post.
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 550ft (180m)
Local estate roads and lanes will lead us to the pretty villages of Luccombe and Horner with its tea gardens. We’ll return to Holnicote House after visiting Piles Mill, an old 17th century corn mill, with plenty of time to relax when we return to the house.
What your kids will love: Practicing your best snoring. The name Horner comes from the Saxon ‘hwrnwr’ or Hernola’, meaning snorer.
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 1,000ft (300m)
A circular walk from the house takes us to the pretty village of Horner before
ascending to the viewpoint of Webber’s Post. From here we snake our way down through Horner woods before crossing fields back to Holnicote House.
What your kids will love: Feeling the sea breeze on their faces and spotting the waves crashing below at Hurlstone Point. It’s the perfect place to take a breath and enjoy the view!
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,950ft (600m)
We’ll climb to the highest point on Exmoor – Dunkery Beacon. We’ll walk through woodland and moorland to reach the summit, returning on a meandering path alongside the delightful River Horner.
What your kids will love: Stopping for an ice cream at Horner’s lovely tea gardens.
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 2,050ft (620m)
We’ll head for Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor’s highest point. We’ll follow a similar route to the option 3 walk, however, return over Stoke Pero Common and past the tiny Stoke Pero Church, also the highest church in Exmoor, which dates back to the 13th century.
What your kids will love: Being the highest people in Somerset, even if it’s for just a brief moment.
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.
Helping you enjoy the Great Outdoors - A natural focus on walks
Walks talks and Discovery Points
Our founder, country pastor turned social innovator, Thomas Arthur Leonard, was passionate about encouraging people to explore the countryside. His legacy continues in HF's continued focus on walking. Many guests choose to travel with us on guided or self-guided walking holidays, and as such, evenings at our houses are often busy with walk leaders hosting various briefings and talks. On guided walking holiday arrival days, there are walking information briefings before dinner, and for the duration of any guided walking holiday there will be a Walks Talk before (or on occasion after dinner), to go through the following day's walk options. Self-guided walking guests, and those on special interest holidays (where there is free time to explore independently), are of course welcome to also join in these Walks Talks - please talk to the team locally if you have any queries. Our Discovery Points are filled with handy maps and route notes, designed to ensure everyone, not just those booked on a guided walking holiday, can enjoy the beautiful countryside settings that our HF houses enjoy.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, our HF Holidays Leaders run through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure walkers 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.
Weather conditions in the UK can vary throughout the day, and conditions in the mountains may be cold and windy even in summer. Use the following list as a guide when preparing for your holiday.
Essentials
Suitable waterproof walking boots with ankle support and good grip
Waterproof, wind-resistant jacket with a hood, taped seams and a hydrostatic head rating of at least 10,000 mm
Waterproof overtrousers
Spare warm clothing, such as a synthetic insulated jacket
Comfortable walking clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
Warm mid-layers, such as fleeces
Gloves and a warm hat, even in summer
Rucksack with a waterproof liner
Water bottle with a capacity of at least 1 litre
Flask for hot drinks
Sunscreen
UV-protective sunglasses
Spare high-energy food
Head torch and spare batteries for holidays between October and March
Passport (if applicable)
Visa (if applicable)
Copy of your travel insurance policy
Recommended
Several base layers, with long or short sleeves
Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
First-aid kit, including plasters, insect repellent, a midge net and a tick-removal tool
Sit mat
Waterproof pouch for valuables
Rubbish bags
Wallet or purse
Camera
Walking poles
Sun hat
Gaiters
Mobile Phones
Swimwear (please see accommodation information for hotel facilities)
Membership cards for English Heritage, the National Trust or similar heritage organisations in Scotland and Wales, if you are a member. These may be useful when visiting attractions during your itinerary or on your free day.
Who's the boss? Please note that parents are responsible for their children at all times; our leaders are not permitted to run activities without other adults present. All leaders undergo a thorough assessment so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands.
On the first evening of your holiday, your leaders give a short talk about safety on walks which we would like you to attend. Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and a 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 while 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.
Kids on their own: Any teenager aged 14 years or over can leave you at the starting line and join a walk unaccompanied on the basis they can look after themselves. Children under 14 will need to be accompanied by an adult on walks; however, this does not need to be a parent or legal guardian.
Please note, coaches used on this holiday all comply with UK law, and may not have seat belts suitable for children. Where children are under 3yrs of age, they must not travel in the front seat on coaches, nor or the back seat of coaches. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/when-a-child-can-travel-without-a-car-seat
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-FAM01
Dates & availability
7 Night Exmoor Family Walking Adventure
7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,519
ppMembers
£1,489
pp£1,519
pp£1,489
pp7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,519
ppMembers
£1,489
pp£1,519
pp£1,489
pp
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
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