Holidays
4 Night Exmoor Christmas & New Year Guided Walking Holiday

4 Night Exmoor Christmas & New Year Guided Walking Holiday

Name: 4 Night Exmoor Christmas & New Year Guided Walking Holiday
Brand: HF Holidays Limited
SKU: SEL04-XFW03
Price: 1059 GBP
Availability: InStock

Holnicote House

■ Location: Exmoor

■ Duration: 4 nights at an HF Country House

■ Board Basis: Full Board

■ Travel Dates: Dec 2026, Dec 2027

■ Itineraries available: 2

■ Choice of Walking Grades: 4, 6 & 7 details

■ Carbon Footprint: 76kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,059

Members From

£1,029

Members Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here

Spend the festive season in Somerset and head out on winter walks that take you through Exmoor National Park. And when you’re not busy enjoying wintry scenery along the South West Coast Path, cosy up in Holnicote House – a beacon of Somerset hospitality near the impossibly pretty village of Selworthy. We pull out all the stops at this time of year and our houses welcome you with a sprinkling of festive cheer, seasonal food, and plenty of yuletide treats. So wrap up warm and step into Christmas with HF Holidays.

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.

Walking grades

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.

Moderate walking grade 6

Longer full day walks with more ascent and varied terrain. Good fitness and agility are needed. Typically, 9-10 miles (15-16km) with around 1,500ft (460m) 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.

What You’ll Love

Getting into the festive spirit with a guided walking holiday
A choice of winter walks with our experienced HF Holidays Leaders
Discovering the stunning landscapes of Exmoor on foot
Staying in our country house in rural Selworthy
Enjoying festive fare and leaving all the organising to us
A celebration dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve

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

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.

Christmas

Day 1 Christmas Arrival Day

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    [title] => Christmas Arrival Day
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    [description] => 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.
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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.

Day 2 Historic Dunster

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                            [title] => Dunster via West Luccombe and Brockwell
                            [content] => 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.
                        )

                    [1] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Dunster & Deer Park
                            [content] => Distance: 5 miles (7.5 km)
Ascent: 950 feet (300 m) 
In summary: Today’s walk gives us the whole day to explore historic Dunster and the beautiful countryside surrounding it. We enjoy a circular route taking us through Dunster's deer park and on a circuit passing below Bats Castle and Withycombe Gate, returning to Dunster with plenty of time to discover the history and charm of this medieval wool town. Options include visiting Dunster's impressive castle, the Yarn Market, St Peter’s Church, the Doll Museum and a working water mill. Alternatively, stretch your legs further with a woodland walk before treating yourself to a visit to one of the many tea shops.
Highlight: Stroll through the deer park spotting fallow and roe deer, along with Exmoor ponies. 
                        )

                    [2] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Selworthy to Dunster
                            [content] => Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1200 feet (360m)
In summary: Heading straight out from Holnicote House, we follow the track and road to Headon Cross where we will see the pretty colours of the hamlet of Tivington Heights. We then head up through a mixed broadleaf wood onto the ridge line of Wootton Common before descending Grabbist Hill to the medieval village of Dunster.
Highlight: Look out for red deer on your journey across this broad ridge line, although illusive, you may hear the loud barking call of the stags especially during rutting season.
                        )

                )

        )

)

Option 1 - Dunster & Deer Park

Distance: 5 miles (7.5 km)

Ascent: 950 feet (300 m)

In summary: Today’s walk gives us the whole day to explore historic Dunster and the beautiful countryside surrounding it. We enjoy a circular route taking us through Dunster's deer park and on a circuit passing below Bats Castle and Withycombe Gate, returning to Dunster with plenty of time to discover the history and charm of this medieval wool town. Options include visiting Dunster's impressive castle, the Yarn Market, St Peter’s Church, the Doll Museum and a working water mill. Alternatively, stretch your legs further with a woodland walk before treating yourself to a visit to one of the many tea shops.

Highlight: Stroll through the deer park spotting fallow and roe deer, along with Exmoor ponies.

Option 2 - Selworthy to Dunster

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 1200 feet (360m)

In summary: Heading straight out from Holnicote House, we follow the track and road to Headon Cross where we will see the pretty colours of the hamlet of Tivington Heights. We then head up through a mixed broadleaf wood onto the ridge line of Wootton Common before descending Grabbist Hill to the medieval village of Dunster.

Highlight: Look out for red deer on your journey across this broad ridge line, although illusive, you may hear the loud barking call of the stags especially during rutting season.

Option 3 - 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.

Day 3 Holnicote & Selworthy Beacon

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                            [title] => Bossington Hill, Coast Path & Selworthy Beacon
                            [content] => Distance: 9 miles (15km) 
Ascent: 1,650 feet (500m) 
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.
                        )

                    [1] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Selworthy Beacon Circuit
                            [content] => Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)
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.
                        )

                    [2] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Selworthy
                            [content] => 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 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 - Selworthy Beacon Circuit

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)

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 - Bossington Hill, Coast Path & Selworthy Beacon

Distance: 9 miles (15km)

Ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)

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.

Day 4 Porlock & Lucott Farm

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                            [title] => Exploring Porlock Vale
                            [content] => Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km) 
Ascent: 900 feet (260m)
In summary: This is a relaxed circular walk across fields and minor roads to visit Porlock and then back along the coast and passing near the charming villages of Bossington and Allerford.
Highlight: The village of Porlock is a great place to visit with it's church, museum, shops and cafes. 
                        )

                    [1] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Hawkcombe & Porlock
                            [content] => Distance: 8 miles (13km) 
Ascent: 1050 feet (320m)
In summary: The walk heads through Hawkcombe Wood nature reserve, before reaching the village of Porlock and then heading out to the spectacular Hurlstone Point, before heading inland and back to the house.
Highlight: Hurlstone point offers great coastal views.
                        )

                    [2] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Hills and Wooded Valleys
                            [content] => Distance: 9½ miles (15km) 
Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m) 
In summary: Follow a meandering route from Porlock Hill to Holnicote House. We'll take in the beautiful wooded valleys of Shillett Combe and Horner Water, as well the heather-clad moorland above. 
Highlight: Walk across a carpet of purple heather on the moors in summertime, then descend into the lush green wooded valleys. 
                        )

                )

        )

)

Option 1 - Exploring Porlock Vale

Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)

Ascent: 900 feet (260m)

In summary: This is a relaxed circular walk across fields and minor roads to visit Porlock and then back along the coast and passing near the charming villages of Bossington and Allerford.

Highlight: The village of Porlock is a great place to visit with it's church, museum, shops and cafes.

Option 2 - Hawkcombe & Porlock

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 1050 feet (320m)

In summary: The walk heads through Hawkcombe Wood nature reserve, before reaching the village of Porlock and then heading out to the spectacular Hurlstone Point, before heading inland and back to the house.

Highlight: Hurlstone point offers great coastal views.

Option 3 - Hills and Wooded Valleys

Distance: 9½ miles (15km)

Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: Follow a meandering route from Porlock Hill to Holnicote House. We'll take in the beautiful wooded valleys of Shillett Combe and Horner Water, as well the heather-clad moorland above.

Highlight: Walk across a carpet of purple heather on the moors in summertime, then descend into the lush green wooded valleys.

Day 5 Departure Day

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    [description] => Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

View all

New Year

Day 1 Arrival Day

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    [description] => 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.
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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.

Day 2 Historic Dunster

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                            [title] => Dunster via West Luccombe and Brockwell
                            [content] => 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.
                        )

                    [1] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Dunster & Deer Park
                            [content] => Distance: 5 miles (7.5 km)
Ascent: 950 feet (300 m) 
In summary: Today’s walk gives us the whole day to explore historic Dunster and the beautiful countryside surrounding it. We enjoy a circular route taking us through Dunster's deer park and on a circuit passing below Bats Castle and Withycombe Gate, returning to Dunster with plenty of time to discover the history and charm of this medieval wool town. Options include visiting Dunster's impressive castle, the Yarn Market, St Peter’s Church, the Doll Museum and a working water mill. Alternatively, stretch your legs further with a woodland walk before treating yourself to a visit to one of the many tea shops.
Highlight: Stroll through the deer park spotting fallow and roe deer, along with Exmoor ponies. 
                        )

                    [2] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Selworthy to Dunster
                            [content] => Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1200 feet (360m)
In summary: Heading straight out from Holnicote House, we follow the track and road to Headon Cross where we will see the pretty colours of the hamlet of Tivington Heights. We then head up through a mixed broadleaf wood onto the ridge line of Wootton Common before descending Grabbist Hill to the medieval village of Dunster.
Highlight: Look out for red deer on your journey across this broad ridge line, although illusive, you may hear the loud barking call of the stags especially during rutting season.
                        )

                )

        )

)

Option 1 - Dunster & Deer Park

Distance: 5 miles (7.5 km)

Ascent: 950 feet (300 m)

Highlight: Stroll through the deer park spotting fallow and roe deer, along with Exmoor ponies.

Option 2 - Selworthy to Dunster

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 1200 feet (360m)

Highlight: Look out for red deer on your journey across this broad ridge line, although illusive, you may hear the loud barking call of the stags especially during rutting season.

Option 3 - 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.

Day 3 Holnicote & Selworthy Beacon

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                            [title] => Bossington Hill, Coast Path & Selworthy Beacon
                            [content] => Distance: 9 miles (15km) 
Ascent: 1,650 feet (500m) 
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.
                        )

                    [1] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Selworthy Beacon Circuit
                            [content] => Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)
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.
                        )

                    [2] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Selworthy
                            [content] => 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 1 - Selworthy

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 1550 feet (460m)

Highlight: Wander through the once extensive Holnicote Estate to the 'model village' of Selworthy, with its collection of 'chocolate box' thatched cottages.

Option 2 - Selworthy Beacon Circuit

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)

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 - Bossington Hill, Coast Path & Selworthy Beacon

Distance: 9 miles (15km)

Ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)

Day 4 Porlock & Lucott Farm

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                            [title] => Exploring Porlock Vale
                            [content] => Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km) 
Ascent: 900 feet (260m)
In summary: This is a relaxed circular walk across fields and minor roads to visit Porlock and then back along the coast and passing near the charming villages of Bossington and Allerford.
Highlight: The village of Porlock is a great place to visit with it's church, museum, shops and cafes. 
                        )

                    [1] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Hawkcombe & Porlock
                            [content] => Distance: 8 miles (13km) 
Ascent: 1050 feet (320m)
In summary: The walk heads through Hawkcombe Wood nature reserve, before reaching the village of Porlock and then heading out to the spectacular Hurlstone Point, before heading inland and back to the house.
Highlight: Hurlstone point offers great coastal views.
                        )

                    [2] => Array
                        (
                            [title] => Hills and Wooded Valleys
                            [content] => Distance: 9½ miles (15km) 
Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m) 
In summary: Follow a meandering route from Porlock Hill to Holnicote House. We'll take in the beautiful wooded valleys of Shillett Combe and Horner Water, as well the heather-clad moorland above. 
Highlight: Walk across a carpet of purple heather on the moors in summertime, then descend into the lush green wooded valleys. 
                        )

                )

        )

)

Option 1 - Exploring Porlock Vale

Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)

Ascent: 900 feet (260m)

In summary: This is a relaxed circular walk across fields and minor roads to visit Porlock and then back along the coast and passing near the charming villages of Bossington and Allerford.

Highlight: The village of Porlock is a great place to visit with it's church, museum, shops and cafes.

Option 2 - Hawkcombe & Porlock

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 1050 feet (320m)

Highlight: Hurlstone point offers great coastal views.

Option 3 - Hills and Wooded Valleys

Distance: 9½ miles (15km)

Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: Follow a meandering route from Porlock Hill to Holnicote House. We'll take in the beautiful wooded valleys of Shillett Combe and Horner Water, as well the heather-clad moorland above.

Highlight: Walk across a carpet of purple heather on the moors in summertime, then descend into the lush green wooded valleys.

Day 5 Departure Day

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Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

View all

Accommodation

Holnicote House

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

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

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

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.

Enjoy plenty of opportunity to join in the festive fun and games in the evenings on our Festive holidays.

A packed programme of evenings offers something festive for everyone, including some old HF Holidays’ favourites. It’s also a great time to kick back and relax, and the evenings on these Festive breaks will give you the chance to do just that.

Carbon Footprint - 76kg 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

Code: SEL04-XFW03

Dates & availability

4 Night Exmoor Christmas & New Year Guided Walking Holiday

2026

23 Dec - 27 Dec 2026

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,179

Members

£1,149

Single rooms

£1,179

£1,149

Book Now

30 Dec 2026 - 3 Jan 2027

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,059

Members

£1,029

Single rooms

£1,099

£1,069

Book Now

2027

23 Dec - 27 Dec 2027

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,219

Members

£1,189

Single rooms

£1,259

£1,229

Book Now

30 Dec 2027 - 3 Jan 2028

4 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,089

Members

£1,059

Single rooms

£1,129

£1,099

Book Now

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About HF Holidays

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Booking Information

Sustainable Travel

4 Night Exmoor Christmas & New Year Guided Walking Holiday

Accommodation

HF Country House

Walking grades

What You’ll Love

What's Included

Itinerary

Christmas

Option 1 - Dunster & Deer Park

Option 2 - Selworthy to Dunster

Option 3 - Dunster via West Luccombe and Brockwell

Option 1 - Selworthy

Option 2 - Selworthy Beacon Circuit

Option 3 - Bossington Hill, Coast Path & Selworthy Beacon

Option 1 - Exploring Porlock Vale

Option 2 - Hawkcombe & Porlock

Option 3 - Hills and Wooded Valleys

New Year

Option 1 - Dunster & Deer Park

Option 2 - Selworthy to Dunster

Option 3 - Dunster via West Luccombe and Brockwell

Option 1 - Selworthy

Option 2 - Selworthy Beacon Circuit

Option 3 - Bossington Hill, Coast Path & Selworthy Beacon

Option 1 - Exploring Porlock Vale

Option 2 - Hawkcombe & Porlock

Option 3 - Hills and Wooded Valleys

Accommodation

Holnicote House

Check-In & Check-Out

About

Food & drink

Rooms

Accessibility

Getting here

Address

By train

By taxi

By bus

By car

By air

More Information

Packing list

Walking safety

Your evenings

Carbon Footprint - 76kg CO2

2026

23 Dec - 27 Dec 2026

30 Dec 2026 - 3 Jan 2027

2027

23 Dec - 27 Dec 2027

30 Dec 2027 - 3 Jan 2028

Include flights from the UK

Call us to enquire

Itinerary

Trusted British co-operative

Flexible choice of guided walks

Book early with confidence

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