Exmoor is the ideal place for explorers and wanderers with its sweeping valleys, heather-covered misty moorland, cliffs, caves, waterfalls and sparkling lakes. It has the highest precipitation levels in England, making it verdant and bursting with animal and plant life.

Exmoor National Park, England, UK by Thierry Gregorius

Bird watchers will be in their element with scores of species to look out for including raptors, buzzards, peregrines, and kingfishers. The area is also home to England’s largest herds of wild red deer and the unique race of Exmoor ponies. There are plenty of areas that are ideal for freshwater or seawater fishing, and some beautiful locations perfect for fly fishing. Among the most common fish to catch are wild brown trout, rainbow and grayling stocked trout and salmon.

The most common activity is, of course , tramping and trudging through the wilderness. Exmoor has more than six hundred miles of rights of way with coastal paths, open rugged moorland, valleys and river paths to choose from. Don’t be surprised to spend a whole day of exploring without meeting another soul. There are 55 kilometres of coastline trails to follow, including along the highest sea cliffs in England at Culbone Hill.

Some of the best horse-riding bridleways in the country are in Exmoor. There are more than four hundred miles of meticulously maintained trails. Cyclists and mountain bikers are also well served by the minimal traffic, array of trails, and spectacular countryside. There are also some challenging golf courses with dazzling views, such as the Minehead course which goes through both farm and beach land.

Explorers of all sorts should bring along plenty of water and a picnic. The area is also dotted with charming old pubs and is well known for the quality of food produced locally. Beef and lamb has a lovely unique flavour due to the animals grazing on the particular wild herbs and grasses in the upland areas. The dairy products are also distinctive, with lovely creamy ice creams, cheeses, and cream teas. Pheasant, rabbit, venison, fish, and seafood are all fresh and local as well. Beer enthusiasts will want to try some of the Exmoor ales such as Stag, Beast, Gold, or Fox, or the Exmas during Christmas season, and farmhouse ciders.

The Exmoor coastline near the Valley of the Rocks, UK by Exmoorwalker

Lovers of the great outdoors will be swept away by the skies over Exmoor on clear nights. It was the first European area designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve thanks to its unique combination of frequently clear skies and the absence of light pollution. The panorama of stars never fails to impress.

Exmoor has been occupied since the Mesolithic era. Its ancient history can be seen the sites such as the Neolithic hinge in Parracombe, the Iron Age fort known as Cow Castle, the Norman Castle in Parracombe, and the impressive Tarr Steps- huge stone slabs formed into a clapper bridge dating back to 1000 BC. Exmoor was established as a Royal Hunting Ground in the 13th century and was eventually made a National Park in 1954.

There are plenty of lovely villages and hamlets to explore, such as Dunster which has over 120 listed buildings and the Norman era Dunster Castle, or charming Porlock Weir with its five-mile long cliff walk. There are markets and independent shops aplenty. Families can keep busy with trips on the steam-powered trains, zoos, amusement parks, beaches, and pony spotting.

Exmoor is certainly one of the rarest, most beautiful and wild of regions to visit and there is an abundance of places to explore and enjoy for couples or families, which is why so many people holiday in this area year after year.

Author: Karen Orson has worked in the tourism and accommodation industry since she was a little girl. Playing on the Devon sands soon became frolicking in San Francisco, which gave rise to safaris across the Serengetti and then quickly returned to those English beaches again! Having travelled widely, Karen now works for Highcliffe House; a luxury guest house in North Devon.

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Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain by Alquiler de Coches

Beach Vacation

Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands, and a beach-lover’s paradise. A Spanish island and province, it is located off the coast of northwest Africa and features grey-sand beaches, one of the largest volcanoes in the world and a warm tropical climate. Tenerife’s average year-round temperatures are in the mid-20s C, earning it the nickname ‘Island of the Eternal Spring’ and attracting tourists from around Europe and beyond (more than five million annually). Known for its yearly carnival, Tenerife is a surprisingly affordable cheap, even destination, offering fun and relaxing holidays for the whole family.

Rural Retreat

Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia markets itself as the ‘Green Piece of Europe’ and visitors will find plenty of green in Lake Bled, a pristine glacial lake and sleepy resort town just over 30 miles from the capital, Ljubljana. Surrounded by lush woodlands and the towering Julian Alps, the area is a haven for walkers and mountain-bikers. In the middle of the lake is a medieval church, accessible by boat, with stone walls offering stunning views. Overlooking over the lake in the hills above is the medieval Bled Castle, which is available for tours. Families will find Slovenia affordable on the whole, and off-season, visitors will find Lake Bled to be particularly low-cost.

City Break

Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a city on seven hills that still maintains an historic quarter — including original Roman walls — despite several massive earthquakes throughout its history. It is an affordable cultural centre known for its mournful Fado music, unique carriage museum, imposing cathedral filled with the graves of famous Portuguese explorers, and world-famous pastries. Beautiful countryside awaits a short drive from the city, and a view of the sea is never far. Lisbon is continental Europe’s westernmost city and one of the oldest in Europe, predating London. There are two UNESCO sites to visit, though many things of interest in this affordable capital.

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Cornwall coast / Photo by Lukasz Zelezny

1. Cornwall

Cornwall offers opportunities for coasteering, abseiling, motorsport, deep sea diving, surfing, rock climbing, cliff jumping, quad biking, kayaking and zorbing. Power a hovercraft singlehandedly around the Quarry Lake and fly down The UK’s Longest Zip Wire at Cornwall. The pristine waters, abundant marine lives and high cliffs riddled with deep caves make South West and South East Cornwall great adventure destinations.

2. Dartmoor

If you’re interesting in deep pool diving, head to Dartmoor. There are many deep pools at Spitchwick Common, just waiting for the adventurous jumper to plunge in. Swim to the depths and watch the unique flora that’s been growing there for ages.

3. South Downs

South Downs is a veritable paradise for adventure mountain bikers. It takes about three days to bike to the highest point in South Downs; the lung-bursting ascents and giddy descents make it difficult for any but the best bikers. This is a destination for those that really thrive on a challenge.

4. Malvern Hills, Worcestershire

Malvern Hills count among the oldest rocks in Britain. 1,394ft Worcestershire Beacon is just perfect for a challenging uphill hike. If you want to further challenge yourself, join up for the annual Worcestershire Beacon Race, meant for runners who take up a seven-mile course on these steep slopes.

Malvern Hills / Photo by TomGough

5. Shrewsbury

Go on a wilderness adventure in the backwaters of Severn, Britain’s longest river. Grab an open double canoe and paddle along the 75-mile stretch linking Shrewsbury and Worcester. You’ll have to navigate locks, rapids, cross weirs and manage your canoe among the many twists and turns in this huge river.

6. Peak District

Here you’ll find a wide range of rough terrains, steep rocks, craggy cliffs and other challenges for the rock climber and abseiler. There are dark grit stone escarpments peppered with pale limestone outcrops, all begging to be conquered.

7. Longsands Beach, Tynemouth

The North-east part of England is home to some of its best and highest waves. Maelstorms in the Arctic Ocean create huge waves which rumble down the North Sea. Visit Longsands Beach, Tynemouth and join the top surfing talent of the UK and beat the waves.

Longsands Beach, Tynemouth / Photo by Akuppa John Wigham

8. London

There are many thrills for the adventure seeker in London, such as a ripping fast speedboat ride on the Thames, bungee jumping from the bridges on Thames, tandem skydiving and so on. There are many adrenaline tour organizers in London who can provide any kind of thrill you seek.

9. Northamptonshire

Adventure seekers can enjoy a rare opportunity in Northamptonshire, England. It involves beating fast rapids and facing sharp rocks with your lower body inside rubber tubing. This adventure sport is called White Water Tubing and is very popular in the UK. There’s nothing between the water, the rapids, the hard rocks and you, except a hard rubber tube. This sport takes a lot of guts, and great legwork to keep the tube floating over the rapids.

10. Silverstone

Enjoy an amazing driving experience in Silverstone; drive five supercars in one day, ranging from classic supercars to fast cars such as Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins and more. You can also enjoy being driven a couple of large laps by a pro instructor on any car you choose. Driving a super race car is a unique experience; for a while, you will feel as though you are a real car racer.

Ferrari / Photo by fklv

11. Shropshire

Shropshire’s beautiful countryside and clear skies offers a fabulous opportunity for tandem paragliding. You’ll be strapped to an instructor as you both glide through varying air currents on a silk parachute. Contact any skydiving tour at Shropshire for a half hour of mind-blowing views of the magnificent countryside from a height of over a hundred meters.

12. Wales

Whether you’re in North Wales or South Wales, there are opportunities galore for the adventure thrill of a lifetime. Some of them are: whitewater rafting and canoeing, surfing and coasteering, cave exploration, gorge scramble and abseil, quad biking, mountain biking and off road biking. Wales has an adventure sport to fit every taste, from winter sports on ice and snow, to land sports and flying experiences as well.

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During nice weather you can see the area from Rome to Marseille from the top. The first who ascended the mountain, was Édouard Rochat in 6th June 1882. Monte Cinto has two main hiking trails. The first begins in Haut Asco and the second in Calacuccia village. Reaching the top takes approximately 8 hours. However, the time can be reduced by off-road car, there is the 7.5 km long gravel road from Calacuccia to the parking space at 1650 m and walking from there. The trail then takes approximately 3.5 hours. This path is also used by mountain bikers. On the south side of Monte Cinto there is a mountain lake Lac Cinto.

The top of the mountain is covered with snow from November to May.

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