THE PLANNER

GETTING THERE

Trains run from London Paddington to Taunton, from where you can take a local bus to Minehead, gateway to the Exmoor National Park, a journey of 3hr 15min.

The West Somerset Railway is a heritage line that skirts the eastern edge of Exmoor from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. www.thetrainline.com; www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

WHERE TO STAY

Minehead on the coast is a good base for exploring Exmoor, with a historic harbour, plenty of local amenities and appealing places to stay such as the 17th-century Anchor Cottage, whose rooftop terrace has lovely sea views. In Dunster, the Luttrell Arms Hotel has elegant rooms, some of which come with four-poster beds and original fireplaces. In Porlock Weir, Locanda on the Weir is a boutique offering overlooking the harbour with stylishly eclectic furnishings. anchorcottageminehead.co.uk; www.luttrellarms.co.uk; locandaontheweir.co.uk

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

Reward yourself after a walk at Tarr Steps with a hearty lunch or a drink by the fire at Tarr Farm, an atmospheric inn dating from the 17th century. There’s a cosy bar menu as well as more formal restaurant fare. For fine dining, try The Coleridge Restaurant at Dunkery Beacon Country House, whose menu has dishes such as Fillet of Brixham sea bass with a prawn and udon noodle broth. www.tarrfarm.co.uk; dunkerybeaconaccommodation.uk

FURTHER INFORMATION

www.visit-exmoor.co.uk