Exmoor National Park seasonal timing guide for its protected UK landscape

Ancient royal hunting grounds turned England's wildest upland national park

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor represents one of Britain's finest examples of upland protected landscape, where the interplay of geology, climate, and human activity has created a landscape of extraordinary character and ecological importance. The park straddles the boundary between Somerset and Devon, encompassing a remarkable diversity of terrain from windswept moorland plateaus to deeply incised river valleys, and from ancient woodlands to dramatic sea cliffs. The area takes its name from the River Exe, which rises near Simonsbath at the heart of the moor and flows south to meet the English Channel, while numerous other rivers including the Barle, East Lyn, and Heddon flow north to the Bristol Channel. The landscape is underlain by Devonian sedimentary rocks that give rise to the characteristic gritstone and slate formations visible throughout the park, with younger Triassic and Jurassic rocks appearing on the lower ground between Porlock and Timberscombe. The park is managed by the Exmoor National Park Authority, a single-purpose authority established to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage of the area while promoting public understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities. With a resident population of approximately 10,600 living in scattered villages and hamlets, the park balances conservation with the needs of its rural communities, who continue traditional activities such as sheep farming that have shaped the landscape for centuries.