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/ Holiday homes to rent in the Exmoor National Park

Come for a relaxing holiday in the Exmoor National Park

Come for a Christmas winter break to Exmoor

As the festive season looms and the Scrooges among us start bemoaning that annual burden we call Christmas, it may be time for a short but sweet escape to the country. The modern, commercial Christmas is enough to drive a saint to swear, after all, with Jingle Bells ringing out of shops incessantly from November, plus financial and familial pressures galore. Yes, it can be quite an unsettling time for your average Joe, which means seeking sanctuary in the country could be your final survival option.

• View Exmoor holiday homes to rent

But with this in mind, where exactly can you go without breaking the bank – and for how long? Well, there is quite literally a whole world of options available to you, but you’d be hard pushed to find a more relaxing environment that that provided by Exmoor in the south west of England. Located partially in Somerset and partially in Devon, this hilly expanse of open moorland was granted National Park status in 1954, meaning its vast and varied landscape is protected by the government. (And that’s just less than 700km2 of breathing space, to be precise.) This popular countryside haven really is one of England’s great natural wonders then, deserving of being explored. And the best way to do that at your leisure in just a few days is undoubtedly via a self-catering cottage hub.

• Holiday homes on Exmoor that have WiFi

Find a holiday home in Exmoor that is a joy to stay in

The beauty of a cottage holiday is in their underrated versatility; if you want a small, one-bedroom cottage with a view of the sea in Scotland, you’ll be able to find it in about five minutes of online research. Finding a luxurious cottage in Exmoor is just as easy though, and you’ll be delighted to discover you can rent huge, characterful homes that include Wi-Fi, power showers, barbecues and even hot tubs – without spending the Earth. There are even cottages that allow you to bring your pets along, which can be a great idea if you’re a dog owner. Your four-legged friend would definitely love the miles of uninterrupted greenery provided by Exmoor, but you might struggle convincing them to return home!

• Luxury holiday homes in Exmoor

Holiday with friends on Exmoor

But while your own cottage sanctuary in Exmoor is a delightful idea, it’s not actually the building that will make the holiday complete. Rather, bringing the right people (or lack of them) along with you will, and having a good idea of what to do in and around the area. Fortunately, you won’t be short of ideas, as Exmoor has a wide range of activities to get involved in, as well as cultural and historic things to see and do. Naturally, Exmoor holds great appeal for walking holidays, orienteering, as a good destination for adventure camps and group holidays. There are some big holiday rentals that would be ideal for any large group looking for self-catering accommodation.

• Large group holiday houses to rent in Exmoor

Don't forget that Exmoor has a coast for seaside holidays

The northern edge of Exmoor is on the coast. It runs all the way from Hele Bay in the northwest to Minehead and Blue Anchor in the east. There is a coastal path, well known seaside towns such as Watermouth, fabulous sandy beaches such as Combe Martin and Wild Pear Beach, picturesque coastal villages such as Lynton and Lynmouth.  There are activities galore for holidaymakers of all ages. Do come for a coastal break in a rented self-catering cottage near the sea in Exmoor.

Good places near Exmoor for days out

One of the best things about a countryside break in Exmoor is your close proximity to two of the country’s most fantastic cities: Bristol and Bath. Bristol is renowned for its multiculturalism, laid back attitude, street art and food scenes. Bath, on the other hand, is steeped in history, incredibly quaint, and packed to the rafters with excellent eateries and glorious old school pubs. This means evenings are covered for socialites, who may want to venture into a new and exciting city as night falls.

Exmoor for Foodies

In the day, you’ll have more than enough to keep you occupied in Exmoor. Your self-catering status means you can frequent any of the local markets and eat on the go, or utilise one of the hundreds of restaurants in the area. Food aside, you won’t want to miss the incredible walking opportunities available to you like Watersmeet trail, or sights that include fantastic relics like the stunning Dunster Castle. Another highlight of Exmoor National Park is the Valley of the Rocks, located more specifically in Lynmouth. Here you can expect rocky walking trails, stunning coastal views, traditional English tea, and maybe even the odd goat!

Holidays in the Exmoor National Park are for everyone

To try and do Exmoor National Park justice within the constraints of a few hundred words is nigh on impossible, but there is a reason the area has been consistently popular (and will remain so) for many years. A cottage break in the area this winter could really help recharge your batteries, get you back in touch with nature, and generally put a smile back on your face; definitely worth a visit for anybody residing in the UK who loves sightseeing, rambling and the countryside.