National park in England
| Coordinates: | 51.13, -3.67 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SS 82 37 |
The Exmoor National Park sits on the north coast of Somerset and Devon, facing the Bristol Channel. It combines open moorland plateaux, steep sandstone cliffs and a mosaic of wooded combes and farmland, giving a strong sense of space and changing light along the coastline and inland escarpments.
Geographically it is notable for its heather-clad moors and dramatic ridges; the highest point is Dunkery Beacon. Several rivers rise on the moor, including the Exe and the Barle, which cut deep valleys and create waterfalls and rich woodland habitats. Wildlife is a key attraction, from the iconic Exmoor pony and herds of red deer to rare birds and coastal seals.
Human traces run through the landscape: Bronze Age burial mounds, Iron Age hillforts and medieval farmsteads sit alongside more recent coastal histories. The area has inspired literature and art, most famously R. D. Blackmore’s Lorna Doone, and coastal settlements such as Lynton and Lynmouth and the gateway town of Minehead reflect fishing, tourism and Victorian-era development; the 1952 Lynmouth flood remains a significant local event in living memory.
Economically the park balances traditional upland farming with a visitor economy centred on walking, riding and wildlife-watching, supported by small businesses, local crafts and hospitality. The National Park authority and community groups work to manage habitats, promote sustainable tourism and support village services, aiming to protect both the landscape and the livelihoods of the people who live there.