Exmoor Guided Walking Tour: 7 nights based at Holnicote House, Selworthy, Somerset
Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or [email protected] to book.
Treasured for its forests, moorland, valleys, wild ponies, and velvet black skies, Exmoor National Park is perfect for outdoor adventures big and small. Our guided walking holiday is an ideal introduction to the region’s sweeping landscape, dramatic seascapes, big-name attractions, and postcard-perfect villages and towns.
Highlights:
Holnicote House, Selworthy, Minehead, Somerset TA24 8TJ (Google Map)
4:00pm – You’re welcome to check into the country house hotel from 4pm onwards.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way onward.
Enjoy a full day’s walking with fellow guests and leave all the planning and navigation to us; it’s what we do best. Nobody knows the UK’s best places to walk like us. Our knowledgeable leaders make sure you’re never short of the inside story on local features, viewpoints and places of interest.
On our Guided Walking holidays, we believe that choice is key. Our walks descriptions will help you choose according to your interests and fitness. The walks are grouped together with care by local experts to give the best experience.
Walking Grades Explained:
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong type of clothing!” goes the adage. Come prepared for all eventualities and you’ll walk in comfort as well as safety. Britain’s famous for its changeable weather, so here’s our advice on what to wear and bring.
Essentials
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You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (D, T)
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In summary: A circular walk exploring the countryside and villages around Holnicote House. Our route takes us to the coast via the village of Bossington, returning along the wooded slopes to charming Selworthy village.
Highlight: Selworthy village was rebuilt in 1828 by the Acland family to house the elderly workers of the Holnicote estate. The tea room is a delightful spot to relax in towards the end of the walk.
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m)
In summary: Ascend through the woods to the Iron Age hillfort and the glorious viewpoint of Selworthy Beacon. After a hilltop walk we’ll descend through the fields to Selworthy village.
Highlight: Its a steep climb to the top of Selworthy Beacon, but your efforts will be rewarded with a great view north over the Bristol Channel and south towards the hills of Exmoor.
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)
In summary: Head through the woods to Hurlstone Point, then along the rugged coastal path that meanders along the northern slopes of Selworthy Beacon. We’ll then ascend onto the summit and return via Selworthy village.
Highlight: This section of the coast path has a real ‘away from it all’ feel as it traverses around three deep combes above the sea.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In summary: Starting high on Countisbury Common, this predominantly downhill walk takes us over Butter Hill to Countisbury Church, then zig-zags down through the woods to the harbour at Lynmouth.
Highlight: There’s plenty to explore in charming Lynmouth – relax in one of the tea rooms or pubs, or take the cliff railway to the Victorian town of Lynton.
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Follow the South West Coast Path from Yenworthy Common to Lynmouth. Our route meanders around the wooded valleys towards the lighthouse at Foreland Point, then descends Countisbury Hill to Lynmouth.
Highlight: Enjoy fabulous sea views throughout the walk, including the classic view of Lynton and Lynmouth from the top of Countisbury Hill.
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 1,600 feet (480m)
In summary: Follow the coastal path from the Culborne Inn to Lynmouth. Our route undulates over some of Britain’s highest sea cliffs, before the final grand descent to Lynmouth.
Highlight: Walk in the footsteps of poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who gained inspiration from this stunning landscape for his most famous poems.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
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.
Distance: 9½ miles (15 km)
Ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)
In summary: Walk from Holnicote House to historic Dunster. Our route takes us through the woods to the viewpoint at Webber’s Post, then enjoy the fine views as we follow the ridge over Wootton Common.
Highlight: Dunster Castle was the home of the Luttrell family for over 600 years, and is now managed by the National Trust.
Distance: 12½ miles (20km)
Ascent: 2,500 feet (760m)
In summary: Walk from Holnicote House up onto Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor. After descending across the moor to Wootton Courtenay, we’ll continue over the hills to Dunster.
Highlight: Our walk concludes by descending Grabbist Hill – a spot said to have inspired the hymn All things bright and beautiful.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
Distance: 7½ miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Starting high on Exmoor we’ll visit the valleys of Oare Water and Badgworthy Water, then take the charming riverside path beside the East Lyn river to Watersmeet.
Highlight: Our walks end at the National Trust’s tearoom at Watersmeet. This is the confluence of the East Lyn and Farley Water; a delightful spot in a beautiful wooded valley.
Distance: 9½ miles (15km)
Ascent: 1,600 feet (500m)
In summary: We’ll head to Oare church then follow Badgworthy Water into a remote corner of Exmoor. Our walk concludes beside the cascading waters of the East Lyn river to Watersmeet.
Highlight: Walk in the footsteps of Lorna Doone, the heroine of RD Blackmore’s novel. We’ll stop at Oare church, the scene of the wedding between Lorna and John Ridd.
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Walk in Lorna Doone country and along Badgworthy Water before crossing wild moorland to join the Two Moors Way on Cheriton Ridge. We descend along Hoaroak Water to arrive at Watersmeet via some impressive waterfalls.
Highlight: An opportunity to step off the beaten track and discover the wild corners of Exmoor. Enjoy great views as you cross the high moors.
Please note that the order of this day may be reversed due to tide times.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 650 feet (200m)
In summary: Starting inland the walk heads through the Quantocks Hills with the coast ahead. We then turn and descend through the woods to the delightful village of Nether Stowey.
Highlight: The walk takes in Will’s Neck the highest point on the Quantocks at 1260 feet.
Distance: 8½ miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In summary: Ascend from the village of West Quantoxhead onto the ridgeline walking south along the ridgeline before descending through Quantock Combe towards Nether Stowey.
Highlight: Don’t forget to turn around as you climb to take in the expansive views out into St Audries Bay and beyond onto South Wales when the air is clear.
Distance: 11½ miles (18.5km)
Ascent: 1,500 feet (460m)
In summary: Starting close to the coast we head up into the Quantock Hills with the Bristol Channel behind us, before turning and crossing the hill an dropping down to the village of Nether Stowey.
Highlight: Look out for red deer as you walk along the Quantock Hills; as Britain’s largest wild mammals they are always an impressive sight.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)
You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (D, T)
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In summary: A circular walk exploring the countryside and villages around Holnicote House. Our route takes us to the coast via the village of Bossington, returning along the wooded slopes to charming Selworthy village.
Highlight: Selworthy village was rebuilt in 1828 by the Acland family to house the elderly workers of the Holnicote estate. The tea room is a delightful spot to relax in towards the end of the walk.
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m)
In summary: Ascend through the woods to the Iron Age hillfort and the glorious viewpoint of Selworthy Beacon. After a hilltop walk we’ll descend through the fields to Selworthy village.
Highlight: Its a steep climb to the top of Selworthy Beacon, but your efforts will be rewarded with a great view north over the Bristol Channel and south towards the hills of Exmoor.
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)
In summary: Head through the woods to Hurlstone Point, then along the rugged coastal path that meanders along the northern slopes of Selworthy Beacon. We’ll then ascend onto the summit and return via Selworthy village.
Highlight: This section of the coast path has a real ‘away from it all’ feel as it traverses around three deep combes above the sea.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
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.
Distance: 9½ miles (15 km)
Ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)
In summary: Walk from Holnicote House to historic Dunster. Our route takes us through the woods to the viewpoint at Webber’s Post, then enjoy the fine views as we follow the ridge over Wootton Common.
Highlight: Dunster Castle was the home of the Luttrell family for over 600 years, and is now managed by the National Trust.
Distance: 12½ miles (20km)
Ascent: 2,500 feet (760m)
In summary: Walk from Holnicote House up onto Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor. After descending across the moor to Wootton Courtenay, we’ll continue over the hills to Dunster.
Highlight: Our walk concludes by descending Grabbist Hill – a spot said to have inspired the hymn All things bright and beautiful.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
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.
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (560m)
In summary: Our circuit from Holnicote House ascends through the woods to the top of Selworthy Beacon. Having followed the hill-top path we’ll return through the fields to Selworthy village.
Highlight: Discover St Agnes Fountain, a small spring dating from 1820, hidden in the beautiful wooded slopes of Selworthy Beacon.
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Total ascent: 1,900 feet (580m)
In summary: A longer circuit from Holnicote Estate takes you alongside woodland, until you reach the coast and Hurlstone Point, from here we continue to Selworthy Beacon, before circling round through Bratton and Selworthy and back to the house.
Highlight: Enjoy the great views from Hurlstone Point and the top of Selworthy Beacon.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,150 feet (340m)
In summary: A walk with two distinct sections. We’ll first descend from Countisbury into the wooded valley at Watersmeet, then along the East Lyn River to Lynmouth. We’ll then take the cliff railway to explore Lynton and the Valley of Rocks.
Highlight: Soak up the views as you ride the Victorian cliff railway from Lynmouth to Lynton. This uses water power to lift you 500ft to the town above.
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Total ascent: 1,800 feet (540m)
In summary: Take the zig-zag path down from Countisbury Hill to Watersmeet. We’ll continue along the hillside to the Victorian town of Lynton, climbing to a panoramic viewpoint above the Valley of Rocks.
Highlight: The Valley of Rocks is a local beauty spot with its own herd of wild goats who roam the precipitous hillsides.
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 3,200 feet (980m)
In summary: Follow the glorious coastal path down Countisbury Hill to Lynmouth, then on to the Valley of Rocks and Lee Bay. We return along an elevated path to Lynton and Watersmeet.
Highlight: Soak up the classic view of Lynton and Lynmouth as you walk down Countisbury Hill. This walk has steep ascents and descents, but passes through spectacular scenery.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In summary: Our coach takes us to Exford Common, high on Exmoor. From here we’ll head to the top of Dunkery Beacon, then descend through the wooded Horner valley back to Holnicote House.
Highlight: Dunkery Beacon, is the highest point on Exmoor. From the summit you can enjoy panoramic views over the moors and wooded valleys of the national park.
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)
In summary: Ascend from Wheddon Cross through the Raleigh Manor Estate onto Dunkery Beacon. Our descent takes us over the moors, then through Horner Wood Nature Reserve.
Highlight: This walk is another good opportunity to spot red deer. Take your binoculars for the best chance of seeing these beautiful creatures.
Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Walk over the moors from Exford to the summit of Dunkery Beacon. Continuing across the moor we descend to Stoke Pero church, then head through Horner Woods back to Holnicote House.
Highlight: Choose a clear day and your efforts will be rewarded with a panoramic view that stretches to Dartmoor, and across the Bristol Channel to South Wales.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)
You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (D, T)
Distance: 5½ miles (9km)
Ascent: 1000 feet (300m)
In summary: This circuit from the house takes you through the pretty village of Horner, and then in to Hrner Wood and Horner Hill, before heading back to the house.
Highlight: The village of Horner and Horner Hill
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,700 feet (520m)
In summary: From the house we pass through the beautiful village of Selworthy towards Bratton. We then pass near to North Hill, before returning to Selworthy and back to the house.
Highlight: Catch some coastal views.
Distance: 11 miles (17km)
Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)
In summary: Walk from Holnicote House, taking in the village of Luccombe, before heading through Periton Hill woods and the edge of Minehead. Then returning to the house through the village of Selworthy.
Highlight: Take in the lovely villages of Selworthy and Luccombe.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Total ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In summary: Walk via fields over Countisbury Common to join the South West Coast Path. Pass the lighthouse at Foreland Point with its disused lighthouse then continue over the highest cliffs in England on to Lynmouth.
Highlight: Lynmouth is a great spot to end our walk. Enjoy ice creams or one of the many tea rooms, or explore the rockpools on the beach.
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Follow the South West Coast Path from Yenworthy Common to Lynmouth. Our route meanders around the wooded valleys towards the lighthouse at Foreland Point, then descends Countisbury Hill to Lynmouth.
Highlight: Enjoy fabulous sea views throughout the walk, including the classic view of Lynton and Lynmouth from the top of Countisbury Hill.
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 1,600 feet (480m)
In summary: Follow the coastal path from the Culborne Inn to Lynmouth. Our route undulates over some of Britain’s highest sea cliffs, before the final grand descent to Lynmouth.
Highlight: Walk in the footsteps of poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who gained inspiration from this stunning landscape for his most famous poems.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
A free day for you to explore the local area or to relax in the Country House. Our Discovery Points help you make the most out of your free day. There’s plenty of maps and a selection of the best local walking routes, as well as weather forecasts and public transport options – plus details about other places to visit.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 500 feet (160m)
In summary: From Bilbrook we head out to the coast via Old Cleeve, and along to Blue Anchor Bay before heading back inland to Dunster.
Highlight: Look out for knots, curlews and oystercatchers chasing the tide along Blue Anchor bay, in search of worms and small crustaceans.
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In summary: From the house we pass through the beautiful village of Selworthy, before climbing Tivington Hill. From the top of this long wooded ridge we descend to Dunster and it’s spectacular castle.
Highlight: The views from the top of the ridgeline looking down over Dunster and Blue Anchor bay beyond.
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.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In summary: A circular walk exploring the countryside and villages around Holnicote House. Our route takes us to the coast via the village of Bossington, returning along the wooded slopes to charming Selworthy village.
Highlight: Selworthy village was rebuilt in 1828 by the Acland family to house the elderly workers of the Holnicote estate. The tea room is a delightful spot to relax in towards the end of the walk.
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m)
In summary: Ascend through the woods to the Iron Age hillfort and the glorious viewpoint of Selworthy Beacon. After a hilltop walk we’ll descend through the fields to Selworthy village.
Highlight: Its a steep climb to the top of Selworthy Beacon, but your efforts will be rewarded with a great view north over the Bristol Channel and south towards the hills of Exmoor.
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)
In summary: Head through the woods to Hurlstone Point, then along the rugged coastal path that meanders along the northern slopes of Selworthy Beacon. We’ll then ascend onto the summit and return via Selworthy village.
Highlight: This section of the coast path has a real ‘away from it all’ feel as it traverses around three deep combes above the sea.
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In summary: We pass through Allerford, famous for its picturesque pack horse bridge then continue to Lynch and the old Chapel. We then start our ascent to Selworthy Beacon through woodland, finally emerging to cross moorland to the trig point at the Beacon. After taking in the views across to the Welsh coast line, we descend via Selworthy village where we can explore the white-washed church and thatched cottages huddled around the green. Then it’s time to make our way back to the House via an old cobbled track.
Highlight: Spectacular views from Selworthy Beacon, to Nash Point Lighthouse, the Quantocks and beyond on a clear day.
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,950 feet (600m)
In summary: This is a circular walk visiting the highest point on Exmoor and Somerset. The walk takes us through woodland and then moorland to Dunkery Beacon and returns on a meandering path alongside the delightful river Horner.
Highlight: The views from the top of Dunkery Beacon are fabulous.
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)
In summary: A strenuous circular walk visiting the highest point on Exmoor and Somerset. The descent takes us past the tiny Stoke Pero Church, the highest church on Exmoor, and back through Horner Woods alongside Horner Water.
Highlight: There are great views from the top of Dunkery Beacon making the ascent well worth the effort!
Accommodation: Holnicote House (B, L, D)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)
| Version 1 Departure Dates |
Per person (single or twin) | Single in a double room |
|---|---|---|
| 2025: April 25 | $2,630 | $2,910 |
| 2025: May 9 | $2,930 | $3,210 |
| 2025: June 13 | $2,930 | $3,210 |
| 2025: July 4 | $2,930 | $3,210 |
| 2025: August 1 | $2,930 | $3,210 |
| 2025: September 5 | $2,930 | $3,210 |
| 2025: October 10 | $2,630 | $2,910 |
| Version 2 Departure Dates |
Per person (single or twin) | Single in a double room |
|---|---|---|
| 2025: June 6, 20 | $2,930 | $3,210 |
| 2025: July 25 | $2,930 | $3,210 |
| 2025: August 29 | $2,930 | $3,210 |
| 2025: October 17 | $2,630 | $2,910 |
| Version 3 Departure Dates |
Per person (single or twin) | Single in a double room |
|---|---|---|
| 2024: November 1 | $2,250 | $2,530 |
| 2025: February 28 | $2,350 | $2,630 |
| 2025: October 31 | $2,350 | $2,630 |
Pricing
Pricing is per person (pp) based on single/twin/double occupancy.
Supplement applied for single in a double room.
Rates are in $ CAD. Rates include room upgrade (better) and membership fees.
Contact DHTour at 1-888-597-3519 or 905-639-9954 or [email protected] to book.
Ask us for the best available pricing for your dates & choice of airline. We can assist in your travel to/from the Country House.
This tour is also available in 3 or 4 night duration.
This holiday includes active sightseeing and you should expect to spend lots of time on your feet.
While every effort will be made to adhere to the described itinerary, we may occasionally vary the sequence shown here or substitute an alternative route to suit local conditions or for other operational reasons, potentially at short notice. Sometimes things happen beyond our control – the weather, traffic jams or changes at the places we visit. If we need to adjust your holiday programme, for whatever reason, your leader will help smooth the way.
Travel Details:
Address is: Holnicote House, Selworthy, Minehead, Somerset TA24 8TJ
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is at Taunton.
By Taxi:
The 30-mile journey from Taunton railway station takes approximately 55 minutes. You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended taxi company, Bossington Private Hire. As a guide price, it costs £56 per 4-seat taxi in 2020. 8-seat taxis are also available at a higher rate. A shared taxi will be arranged wherever possible. Please prebook your taxi at least 7 days in advance by contacting:
Bossington Private Hire*
Tel: +44 (0) 7971 044871
Email: [email protected]
The return taxi journey can be arranged on your behalf by the Holnicote House Manager.
*Bossington Private Hire is not owned or managed by us.
By Bus:
The number 28 bus operates between Taunton station and Minehead. At Minehead change for the number 10 bus that will take you to the Selworthy turn (which is at the end of Holnicote House drive). A 2 minute walk along the drive will bring you to the house. Alternatively pre-book a taxi from Minehead; the 6 mile journey will cost you approx £10 for a 4-seat taxi from our recommended taxi provider.
By Car:
From Bridgewater take the A39 though the southern outskirts of Minehead towards Porlock. Holnicote House is on the left about 4½ miles out of Minehead, and about ¾ mile after the signpost to Luccombe (do not follow the signs to Selworthy). After the Selworthy Village sign look out for our sign 500 yards further on, on the left. Free car parking is available in the grounds.
Lying near the attractive village of Selworthy, in the heart of the Exmoor National Park, historic Holnicote House stands within a series of peaceful gardens with spreading lawns. Once the centrepiece of an extensive 12,500 acre estate, the charming and characterful house was gifted to the National Trust in 1944. Since then it has been reimagined as a walkers’ retreat, with wonderful access to the countryside. As well as 32 delightful bedrooms, there are two comfortable lounges and a sociable bar. The landscaped gardens are still part of the wider Holnicote Estate and provide a wonderful area to wander. Outside the house, explore wild Exmoor, walk in the Quantocks, climb Dunkery Beacon and stroll on the Somerset Coast Path with the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, drop in Dunster Castle, ride a Victorian cliff railway and watch for wildlife including the majestic red stags.
Address: Holnicote House, Selworthy, Minehead, Somerset TA24 8TJ
Room Amenities: Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi
Stay in one of the main building’s bright, beautifully presented rooms or in the thatched cottages in the grounds, called Butlers and Guns respectively. With 32 bedrooms, Holnicote House has plenty of space and there’s a range of ‘Classic’, ‘Premium’ and ‘Superior’ Rooms to choose from: best rooms are on the first floor and decorated in keeping with the National Trust estate, with plenty of space and great views over the back garden, reaching out across Crawter Hill and Dunkery Hill, Somerset and Exmoor’s highest point. Ask for numbers 1, 4 or 9 to feel suitably special.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
Hotel Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, attractive garden, outdoor swimming pool, multi-purpose activity room, lounge, library and board games to borrow
After a day walking on Exmoor or exploring the heath and moorland, come back to the house and its specially tailored walkers’ facilities. Relax by sitting in the pretty gardens or challenge a fellow guest to a game of croquet. Take a dip in the large heated outdoor pool. For something less strenuous, snag a comfy chair in one of the cosy lounges, borrow a book, join a game of cards or scour the countryside through the large telescope. Head to the bar before dinner for a drink and a chance to catch up with your companions, best enjoyed by the windows overlooking the estate.
