The Exmoor National Park in the south west of England and extends through West Somerset and North Devon, with the northern edge bounded by the north coast and extending south, inland for approximately 17 miles. The area gained National Park status in October 1954 with an area of 268 sq mi / 693 square kilometres
Exmoor is a popular destination for those seeking a holiday cottage in the south west where the climate may be slightly warmer and there are both beaches and moorland walks to be had in a relatively compact area., The Scenery within the inland portion of the park is one of vast open moorland, rolling hills and sparse population, which makes for a great place to walk, and tour by car or cycle.
The north coast is also stunning with the A39 road running the length of the park East - west sometimes running very close to the coast and often in an elevated position as it traverses the high cliffs and in fact the area has highest coastline in England and Wales with coastal hills rising to 1421ft / 433metres The A39 also has the steepest road in the UK, with Porlock Hill rising at a gradient of 1 in 4 (25%) in places though there is an alternative toll road available at a lesser gradient.
The A39 also passes through some very popular villages such Porlock (with access to Porlock Wier), Lynton and Lynmouth set in a wooded valley right on the coast and the very popular Minehaed, though not technically within the park it is very close.by
Inland, the park is very popular with walkers, and cyclists many of whom camp out or use a motorhome / caravan, and the holiday cottages offerings are a good alternative for those who want to stay in the rugged countryside yet still have home comforts and amenities.