A 4 mile circular walk (c. 2½ hours) through the ages, from the outskirts of Dunster village up to Bat’s Castle with amazing views of moorland, coast and woodland.
First Wednesday of the month: April - October 2025. 11am start from Dunster National Park Centre, TA24 6SE
Booking advisable: click on the booking link or call Dunster National Park Centre on 01643 821835. Free event (donations welcome to CareMoor) Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Some steep inclines. A moderate level of fitness required
Come along and experience Europe's First Dark Sky Reserve at the Exmoor Dark Sky Hub with locally based "Wild about Exmoor." Enjoy a 3 course meal, a short presentation and then a walk into the darkness. Complete with laser guided and telescopic observations. If it's cloudy we will use our Virtual Sky instead and stay in the warmth of the tearooms.
The Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster, based within Exmoor National Park, has a 5 night accommodation break with 4 days walking to cover the section Minehead to Combe Martin, a total of around 35 miles.
The schedule is broken into daily sections of an average of 9 to 10 miles walking, as follows:-
Minehead to Porlock Weir.
Porlock Weir to Countisbury.
Countisbury to Hunters Inn.
Hunters Inn to Combe Martin.
The break includes Dinner, bed and breakfast, packed lunches for the walking days, transport to and from the start and finish of each days walk, and guiding. You will see fantastic coastal scenery along the route including wooded combes, farmland, ancient hill forts, England’s smallest church, the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth and the Valley of the Rocks, and wonderful views over the Bristol Channel to South Wales. The pace is on a average to suit all the walkers abilities.
Come and spend the day with ponies! Learn about caring for them, undertake yard tasks and have a ride. Booking Essential. Novice to experienced riders welcome. No first time riders please. Bring packed lunch. Ages 8-11yrs. Height and weight restrictions apply. See our website for further details.
All abilities and experience are catered for. Materials supplied, learn in a fun atmosphere with friendly tutor Chris Howe £23 per person for each two-hour session. Booking essential. Please contact Chris Howe for more information and to book:
Join a guided walk around Lynmouth to hear all about how this event unfolded and how it changed the village and the lives of those who lived there. A 2 hour on fairly even ground. Starts at Lynmouth National Park Centre. Booking advisable.
2nd Tues of the month - 8 Apr; 13 May; 10 June; 8 July; 12 Aug, 9 Sept; 14 Oct Booking recommended. For more info National Park Centre Lynmouth Tel: 01598 752509
Join a guided walk leader and explore the picturesque streetscape and surroundings of Dunster village. A 2 hour guided walk around a village steeped in history.
Fortnightly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month April - October
11am start from Dunster National Park Centre TA24 6SE Booking advisable. Free event with - donations welcome to our CareMoor for Exmoor scheme supporting heritage, nature and access projects on Exmoor. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. For more info ask at our Dunster National Park Centre, 01643 821835.
Come and meet one of our engineers, hear about how the Cliff Railway works, find out when, how and why it was built. We start with a talk and film show and then move on to a tour of the bottom station, to see how it works in real time. Loads of opportunities to ask questions. Price includes a free souvenir guide and return travel on the Cliff Railway. £15 per person. Booking essential 01598 753486
This weekend is dedicated to those who love horses and life in the stables. If you, or someone in your family are horsey-mad, take this opportunity to spend two whole days with the Equestrian team for riding lessons, hacks, looking after the animals, and lots of fun.
With guidance from the fantastic Equestrian team and volunteers, you’ll get to enjoy:
Riding tuition, which could involve a hack to Wistlandpound Reservoir depending on the weather
Horse-based games and riding challenges to increase confidence
Grooming
Tacking up
Feeding
Other general duties to experience life in the stables to the fullest
Your schedule:
Friday 11th April:
Arrive in your own time, with bedrooms available from 4 pm
Explore the grounds and see the horses grazing in the fields
Enjoy your evening meal at 6 pm
Relax in the evening and through the night
Saturday and Sunday:
Breakfast is served at 8.30 am
Join the equestrian team for a morning session from 10 am – this is when you’ll ride with guidance from the Instructors
Lunch is at 1 pm
Back over to the stables for more horse-based activities and riding
6 pm evening meal
7 pm onwards; evening entertainment such as a disco or a quiet pastime
Monday:
Breakfast at 8.3oam
Then it’s time to say farewell, with rooms to be departed by 10 am – but there’s no rush to leave the site so you’re welcome to say goodbye to the horses
What you need to know:
The other outdoor activities we offer are not included in this horse break
Other groups will also be staying at the centre and taking part in various activities, but they won’t be joining in with horse riding
Suitable clothing for the weather and riding is essential:
Trousers/leggings/jodhpurs
Comfy boots/wellies/trainers (no open-toed feet ware)
Community Beach Clean of Porlock Pebble Ridge and Marsh. Coffee and cake will be served in the car park before heading to the Pebble Ridge. Litter pickers, gloves and bags will be provided. Please come and help with our spring clean of this important SSSI. Supported by the National Trust and Exmoor National Park.
Come and spend the day with ponies! Learn about caring for them, undertake yard tasks and have a ride. Booking Essential. Novice to experienced riders welcome. No first time riders please. Bring packed lunch. Ages 12-16yrs. Height and weight restrictions apply. See our website for further details.
Celebrate Easter in the picturesque landscapes of Exmoor, where adventure, nature, and family fun come together! Join us for a spring-themed weekend full of accessible outdoor activities, Easter-inspired crafts, and plenty of treats that everyone can enjoy. Fresh air, friendly company and new memories await you in the heart of stunning North Devon
Easter-themed outdoor fun and adventure
This Easter break is packed with seasonal activities designed for all ages and abilities. From thrilling zipline rides to egg hunts and crafts, you’ll find something for everyone in this joyful spring celebration.
Here’s what to expect:
Friday 18th April 2025
Arrive in the afternoon – rooms are available from 4pm
Evening meal at 6pm
Settle in and join a relaxed evening get-together with time to meet other guests as we welcome the Easter spirit
Saturday 19th April – the adventure begins
Hot breakfast at 8.30am
Morning activity session at 10am
Lunch at 1pm
Afternoon activity session at 2pm
Dinner at 6pm
Easter disco & egg hunt: Take on the egg-hunting challenge throughout the evening. With a map and hints, find all the egg pictures hidden around the centre – with prizes up for grabs. Then dance the night away from 7pm with your favourite tunes. Perfect for little ones and the young at heart!
Sunday 20th April
Hot breakfast at 8.30am
Morning activity session at 10am
Lunch at 1pm
Afternoon activity session at 2pm
Dinner at 6pm
Plus a final chance to find all the egg pictures and claim your prize
Easter crafts & basket making: Wind down after a day of adventure by creating charming Easter crafts. Make your own Easter baskets and decorations to take home as keepsakes.
Monday 21st April – a sweet goodbye
Breakfast at 8.30am
Check-out by 10am – but feel free to explore Exmoor National Park and North Devon’s enchanting scenery before heading home. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of spring with a peaceful time in the countryside, spotting wildflowers and local wildlife.
Your egg-citing activities could include:
Archery: Test your aim and enjoy some friendly competition in the fresh spring air.
Zip wire & abseiling: Soar through the skies and take in the countryside views on our exhilarating zipline after tackling the thrilling abseiling wall.
Bike rides: Take a gentle ride along our scenic trails on specially adapted bikes, perfect for enjoying the season’s blooming beauty.
Climbing: Take to the indoor or outdoor climbing wall with gusto and accessible equipment. Everyone has the opportunity to reach the top and ring the bell.
Crate stacking: Another indoor or outdoor activity depending on the weather. Build a tower below your feet, going higher and higher off the ground, working as a team to see how many crates high you can go. Then it’s the big moment; eventually, the crates fall to the floor leaving you safely dangling in the air.
Canoeing on the reservoir: Paddle along the sparkling water! With each stroke, enjoy the gentle breeze and the signs of spring blooming around you.
Please note: Activity options and schedules may vary. Full details will be available closer to your arrival date.
Accessible for all
At Calvert Exmoor, we believe in inclusivity. Our Easter break is designed to welcome everyone, with activities and facilities adapted for all abilities, ensuring everyone can share in the joy. Our passionate and friendly team are here to make your stay enjoyable, safe, and memorable.
Prices:
The per-person price for this Easter break is £497.
This price includes all accommodation, meals, and activities as outlined above.
For groups of 16 or more, we offer tailored schedules with a personalised quote to fit your group’s needs.
Next Steps:
Booking begins with a friendly conversation with our welcoming Guest Services team, who are here to provide you with a service that respects your individual needs and preferences.
Simply give us a call to discuss your options: 01598763221
Porlock is in for a treat, when the wonderful Tin Giants return to perform at Porlock Village Hall on Saturday 19th April 2025, 7.00 p.m., raising funds for Porlock Information Centre.
The band take a refreshing “in with the old, in with the new” approach to interpreting, writing, arranging and performing traditional, contemporary and original music inspired by European and Celtic acoustic and folk traditions.
You will be treated to listening to a dazzling array of instruments including hurdy gurdy, bagpipes, flute, oboe, harp, mandolin, cittern, guitars, saxophone, keyboards, violin, drums, bass, percussion and vocals.
Tickets £ 12.00 from Porlock Visitor Centre. Tel: 01643 863150 or online from We Got Tickets https://wegottickets.com/event/646359/
There will be a licensed bar, provided by The Top Ship.
Iron mined in the Brendons in the 19c was transported to Watchet on a well-engineered railway. This is a three hour walk from Ralegh's Cross Inn, exploring old Brendon Village, the iron mines, the Winding house and the remains of the mineral railway still visible in the Brendon Hills. It includes part of the Incline: steep, spectacular, but optional.
Join us for a wonderful guided walk following the footsteps of novelist and artist Hope Bourne. Explore the Withypool area taking in some of Hope’s favourite views whilst learning more about her incredible life here on Exmoor.
Walk leader Lisa Eden, an Exmoor Society Trustee, oversees the archive and works closely with the Hope Bourne collection and will share some fascinating stories about Hope.
This is a moderate walk with some rough parts underfoot, and steep in places. Possible extension on to Withypool Hill if the weather and time allows. Followed by optional refreshments in Withypool tea rooms or the Royal Oak pub.
Are you resident in the TA or EX postcode areas? Bring along proof of your
address on the day to display at our station shop and enjoy a relaxing train ride for just £2.00 per person. (Terms & Conditions apply please see the Lynton and Barnstaple website).
Holidaying in the area during this time? You can still visit us and travel for the standard fare!
Join a guided walk leader and explore the picturesque streetscape and surroundings of Dunster village. A 2 hour guided walk around a village steeped in history.
Fortnightly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month April - October
11am start from Dunster National Park Centre TA24 6SE Booking advisable. Free event with - donations welcome to our CareMoor for Exmoor scheme supporting heritage, nature and access projects on Exmoor. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. For more info ask at our Dunster National Park Centre, 01643 821835.
Join Walk Leader Steve Key for our guided walk along the Cutcombe & Saxon Harepath.
After retiring as an Accountant, Steve now devotes his time to his interests in Astronomy, Geology, History, Photography, and World Affairs. This is his 49th year walking Exmoor. He volunteers for South-West Peatland Partnership and ENPA in a variety of capacities.
You will walk from Wheddon Cross via Cutcombe, across fields to just east of Luckwell Bridge, up the Coleridge Way, and down the Saxon Harepath to Bushel Bridge before heading back to Wheddon Cross.
– Dogs welcome on a lead
– Children welcome
– Refreshments; please provide your own, we will pause for lunch during the walk
The Yarn Market Hotel, based within Exmoor National Park, hosts a 2 night choral singing workshop break, led by Tom Newall, Musical Director of Salford and Congleton Choral Societies, to sing the popular masterpiece Poulenc's "Gloria".
The break is on a full board basis with Sunday lunch and all singing activities and excursions included.
It concludes with a public performance in Dunster's historic Tithe Barn.
Non residential places are also available for local singers. Residential package from £325.00 per person. Non residential singing only £50.00 per person.
Come and Stargaze with us and Space Detectives @ the Poltimore Observatory in North Molton. Experience the darkness of Exmoor skies, enhance your knowledge and have the opportunity to look through and observe the heavens with the observatory telescopes. In the event of cloudy skies, all is not lost as we will include star hopping using a virtual sky as well as take you on a space related journey using our Virtual Reality headsets.
A traditional farmers market where you will discover a whole host of artisans and producers from across Exmoor, Devon and Somerset, as well as hot and cold refreshments and live music! An unmissable monthly summer event.
Walk Leader Kevin Tomkins will lead you on a round-trip walk that starts in Hawkridge Village and passes by Anstey Common, Danes Brook, and the River Barle. The journey is filled with breathtaking sights.
Since 2021, Kevin has lead walks organised by The Exmoor Society. He lives in the village of Knowstone.
The choir from the Yarn Market Hotel’s choral singing weekend will be performing Francis Poulenc's Gloria in Dunster’s historic Tithe Barn at 2.30 pm –conducted by Tom Newall. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.
There will be refreshments after the concert and a retiring collection in aid of a local charity.
Visit sites of historical interest and explore hidden parts of the village’s past. A 2-hour guided walk around the village.
Meet outside Porlock Village Hall TA24 8QD at 10am for a 10:15am start For more info and to book: Porlock Visitor Centre Tel: 01643 863150 Free event - with donations welcome to CareMoor for Exmoor and Porlock Visitor Centre
