Comparison table by village
| Village | Best for | Typical price / night | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunster | Castle, beach, families, history | 90-260 GBP | Compare Dunster stays |
| Exford | Moorland walking, central location | 85-220 GBP | Compare Exford stays |
| Lynton and Lynmouth | Coast, cliff railway, dramatic views | 95-280 GBP | Compare Lynmouth stays |
| Porlock | Coast path, Porlock Weir, pubs | 90-200 GBP | Compare Porlock stays |
| Dulverton | Food, riverside calm, Tarr Steps | 95-240 GBP | Compare Dulverton stays |
| Simonsbath | Total wilderness, dark skies | 80-180 GBP | Compare Simonsbath stays |
Prices are indicative 2026 ranges for double rooms in high season. Some links above are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects our recommendations.
Best by accommodation type
- Country inns with rooms: the classic Exmoor experience - fireside pubs, local ales and full English breakfasts. Best value in Exford, Porlock and Dunster.
- Boutique and country house hotels: spa facilities, gardens and fine dining, mostly around Dulverton and the coastal edge.
- Self-catering cottages: best for families and week-long walking holidays; book 3-4 months ahead for school holidays.
- Glamping and pods: the strongest choice for dark-sky weekends; ask about outdoor lighting before booking.
- Farm stays and B&Bs: the friendliest local knowledge, ideal for solo travellers.
Best by budget
| Budget | What you get | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 GBP | Simple B&B, bunkhouse, campsite pod | Exford, Simonsbath, campsites near Dulverton |
| 100-180 GBP | Country inn or good B&B | Porlock, Dunster, Exford |
| 180-300 GBP | Boutique hotel, cottage with views | Dulverton, Lynmouth, Dunster |
| 300 GBP + | Country house hotel, exclusive-use cottage | Dulverton area, coastal estates |
How to book at the best rate
- Book direct with small owners - they often match or beat platform prices and include breakfast or parking.
- Travel midweek: Tuesday to Thursday rates can be 15-25% lower than Friday and Saturday.
- Avoid late July and August if you dislike crowds; the third week of September is peak quality.
- Check cancellation terms: Exmoor weather changes plans quickly.
- Dogs: many inns welcome them, but moorland livestock rules mean leads are essential.
FAQ - Exmoor accommodation
Where is the best place to stay in Exmoor?
Dunster for heritage and the beach, Exford for walking, Lynmouth and Lynton for coastal scenery, Porlock for the coast path and Dulverton for food and calm.
How much does a hotel in Exmoor cost per night?
B&Bs 85-130 GBP, country inns 110-180 GBP, boutique hotels 180-400 GBP, cottages 95-220 GBP, glamping 70-140 GBP in 2026.
Do you need a car to stay in Exmoor?
Strongly recommended. Buses exist but are infrequent and villages are spread out.
Want a shortlist for your exact dates?
Tell us your dates, group and budget - we reply with a hand-checked shortlist and route plan.
Get My Shortlist🌿 Extending your nature year?
For lemurs, baobabs and Indian Ocean reefs after Exmoor, see Travel to Madagascar.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page are checked against the following authoritative sources. Where we state a figure, a designation or a protected status, it comes from the body named here rather than from a secondary summary.
- Listed buildings and conservation areas by village — Historic England
Corrections to any claim on this page are welcome and are actioned: tell us.