April on Exmoor — The Perfect Spring Escape
From Easter trails at Dunster Castle to lambing experiences and walking festivals — April is one of the best months to visit Exmoor. Book your cottage today.
Browse Cottages →April is when Exmoor truly comes alive. The moors are dotted with newborn lambs, bluebells carpet the ancient woodlands, migrant birds return to the valleys, and the longer days bring a warmth that makes exploring this stunning national park an absolute joy.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly Easter activities, guided walks with local experts, heritage railway adventures, or simply a peaceful cottage retreat surrounded by nature, there’s something happening across Exmoor throughout April 2026. Here’s our complete guide to the best events and things to do.
Image Credit: Neville Stanikk
What’s On This April
- 1. Easter at Dunster Castle
- 2. Lambing Experiences on Exmoor
- 3. North Devon & Exmoor Walking Festival
- 4. Exmoor Society Guided Walks
- 5. West Somerset Railway
- 6. Wildlife Safaris & Rockpooling
- 7. Dulverton Events
- 8. Porlock Events
- 9. Watchet & East Quay
- 10. Coming in May
- 11. Frequently Asked Questions
You might also enjoy our Easter on Exmoor 2026 Family Activities Guide, our Spring Wildlife on Exmoor guide, and our Easter Walks on Exmoor for more spring inspiration.
1. Easter at Dunster Castle
Dunster Castle is the centrepiece of Easter on Exmoor, with a packed programme of events running throughout April.Easter Trail: Motte & Bailey Investigate the Siege of Dunster
28 March – 19 April · 10:00am – 3:45pm daily · £3.50 per trail (includes chocolate egg)Follow time-travelling characters Motte & Bailey through the castle gardens, cracking clues about the English Civil War siege of Dunster Castle. A brilliant family-friendly trail with a chocolate egg reward at the end — with vegan and Free From options available.
Siege of Dunster Tour
4 – 19 April · 1:00pm – 2:00pmTravel back in time as the dramatic story of the English Civil War siege unfolds around you. A guided tour through one of Exmoor’s most dramatic chapters of history.
Festival of Blossom
30 March – 20 May · 10:00am – 5:00pmCelebrate spring with beautiful blossom displays across the castle grounds. The gardens at Dunster are among the finest in Somerset, and late April is when they’re at their most spectacular.
Behind-the-Ropes Tours
From 30 March · 11:00am – 12:00pmDiscover areas of Dunster Castle normally closed to the public with a knowledgeable guide. A fascinating way to see the castle’s hidden rooms and untold stories.
Victorian Kitchen Tours
Weekdays from 2 April / Weekends from 4 April · 11:00am – 12:00pmStep into the heart of Victorian life and discover how the castle’s historic kitchen once fed its household.
Stay in Dunster
2. Lambing Experiences on Exmoor
April is peak lambing season on Exmoor, and there’s nothing quite like seeing newborn lambs taking their first wobbly steps across the rolling green farmland.
Exclusive Lambing Tours, Withypool
Throughout April · Booking required · £25 depositExmoor hill farmer Alan Collins opens his lambing shed at Withypool for exclusive tours. With 1,200 Exmoor Horn Sheep across 70 acres, visitors can get up close, touch and even bottle-feed the lambs on a real working Exmoor farm. This is a genuine, hands-on agricultural experience — not a petting zoo.
Lambing across Exmoor
Even without a formal tour, you’ll spot lambs everywhere on Exmoor in April. Some of the best spots include Westermill Farm (outdoor lambing starts around 10 April), the farmland around Dulverton, and the valleys around Porlock and Exford. Please keep dogs on leads and stick to footpaths — it’s a sensitive time for the ewes.
Stay in Withypool
3. North Devon & Exmoor Walking Festival
29 April – 6 May 2026 · Various locations across North Devon & ExmoorOne of the highlights of the spring calendar, the North Devon & Exmoor Walking Festival has been running since 2000 and features 32 guided walks led by experienced locals, Exmoor National Park rangers and wardens.
Walks range from gentle half-day rambles of 4 miles to all-day adventures covering 10 miles or more, crossing everything from Croyde Bay to Watchet. Late April is when Exmoor’s wildflowers are at their absolute best, making this the perfect time to explore with expert guides who know every hidden path and viewpoint.
Stay Nearby
4. Exmoor Society Guided Walks
The Exmoor Society runs a wonderful programme of guided walks throughout April, each led by knowledgeable local guides. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
Hope Bourne Walk, Withypool
Friday 11 April · 10:30am · 3 miles (Moderate)Explore the landscape associated with the legendary Hope Bourne — the remarkable woman who lived alone on Exmoor for decades, writing about the wildlife and farming life she loved.
Cutcombe & the Saxon Harepath
Thursday 23 April · 10:00am · 5 miles (Moderate)Follow the ancient Saxon Harepath route through Cutcombe. The Harepath was a military road used by Anglo-Saxon armies — a fascinating walk through layers of history.
West Somerset Mineral Line, Ralegh’s Cross
Tuesday 28 April · 9:45am · 4 miles (Moderate, involves stiles)Discover Exmoor’s mining heritage along the remains of the railway built to carry iron ore to Watchet harbour for shipment to South Wales. A walk that reveals a side of Exmoor most visitors never see. Note: dogs must be under close control as this is lambing season.
Stay in Exford
5. West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway is Britain’s longest heritage railway, running 20 miles from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead through the beautiful Quantock Hills.
‘Inspiration’ Travelling Exhibition Train (Railway 200)
30 March – 4 April · Minehead Station · FreeA free, interactive journey through 200 years of Britain’s rail history across four themed carriages. Part of the national Railway 200 celebrations. Note: time slots have been selling fast.
Young Engineers Day
Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16 April · Minehead Station · Ages 5–15A hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience exploring how a working heritage railway operates. Perfect for curious young minds during the Easter holidays.
Regular Steam Services
From 3 April · Running Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays & Bank HolidaysHeritage steam and diesel services running the full route through the Quantock Hills to the coast. The journey takes around 1 hour 20 minutes each way, with 10 stations to explore along the route. Add Thursdays 9 & 16 April during the school holidays.
Stay in Minehead
6. Wildlife Safaris & Rockpooling
Exmoor Wildlife Safaris
Tuesday – Sunday throughout April · 9:00am & 2:00pm departures · Departs from DunsterExpert-guided Land Rover safaris across Exmoor to spot red deer, Exmoor ponies, rare birds and flowering plants. Spring is the ideal time to see hind herds across the open moorland, and the guides know exactly where to find them. Pick-ups available from Wheddon Cross and Exford.
Rockpooling with the Rangers, Lynmouth
Friday 4 April · 1:00pm – 3:00pm · Lynmouth seafront · Free (donations to CareMoor welcome)Join Exmoor National Park Rangers in the rockpools of Lynmouth to search for chitons, crabs, and sea anemones. Nets, buckets and knowledge are all provided — just bring water shoes or wellies. A wonderful Easter Friday activity for families.
Spring Birdwatching
April marks the return of spring migrants to Exmoor. Head to Horner Wood for Wood Warblers, Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts. Dunkery Beacon is excellent for Whinchats and Stonechats, while Porlock Marsh hosts Redshanks, Oystercatchers and Curlews. For more details, see our Spring Wildlife on Exmoor guide.
Stay in Lynmouth
7. Dulverton Events
The charming town of Dulverton, often called the “Gateway to Exmoor”, has a couple of lovely events this April.
Easter Craft Fair
Saturday 4 April · 10:00am – 3:00pm · Dulverton Town Hall25 local artisan stallholders showcasing handmade products — from arts and jewellery to craft beer, cocktails and chocolate. Dog friendly and accessible by steps or passenger lift.
Dulverton Farmers Market
Saturday 25 April · 10:00am – 2:30pm · Lion Stables Car ParkThe first farmers market of the 2026 season (April – September). Sample the best of Exmoor produce — home-reared meat, local cheese, Exmoor-brewed ales, jams, chutneys — plus crafts from local artisans.
Stay in Dulverton
8. Porlock Events
The pretty village of Porlock has a lively community calendar this April.
Hedgehogs Talk — Porlock Horticultural Society
Wednesday 1 April · 7:30pm – 9:00pm · Porlock Village Hall · £3/£4A talk by Stephen Poles about hedgehogs — their habits, how to help them, and what’s being done to protect this beloved species. Refreshments included.
Porlock Ladies: Solution Focused Hypnotherapy
Monday 13 April · 7:00pm – 8:30pm · Porlock Village Hall · All welcomeAn intriguing talk by Keith Mansell on Solution Focused Hypnotherapy.
Porlock Repair Cafe
Saturday 25 April · 10:00am – 12:00pm · Porlock Village HallBring your broken items and community volunteers will help repair them. A brilliant sustainability initiative — reduce waste and learn new skills.
Tin Giants in Concert
Saturday 25 April · 7:00pm – 10:30pm · Porlock Village HallA fundraising concert for Porlock Information Centre. Tickets available from the Information Centre or WeGotTickets.
HM Coastguard Talk — Exmoor Coastal Group
Tuesday 28 April · 7:30pm – 9:30pm · Porlock Village Hall · £2/£4Simon Booth talks about the vital work of HM Coastguard along the Exmoor coast.
Stay in Porlock
9. Watchet & East Quay
The harbour town of Watchet, at the eastern edge of Exmoor, is home to the award-winning East Quay arts venue.
Easter Holiday Workshops
3 – 19 April · 10:00am – 4:00pm · East Quay, WatchetArt workshops for adults and children throughout the Easter holidays. Drop-in sessions run Tuesday to Thursday, 11am–1pm, featuring nature-inspired crafts. A creative rainy-day option that’s perfect for families.
En Plein Air iPad Painting Workshop
Saturday 18 April · Studio 6, East QuayAn outdoor painting workshop using iPads, set against the backdrop of Watchet’s picturesque harbour. A modern twist on a classic artistic tradition.
Stay in Watchet
10. Coming in May
If you’re planning a late April or early May visit, keep these on your radar:
- Maverick Exmoor X-Trail — Saturday 2 May, Caffyns Farm, Lynton. Five race distances including a brutal 50k ultra with 2,065m vertical ascent. Known as “The Beast” for good reason.
- Spring Steam Spectacular — 1–4 May, West Somerset Railway. Visiting locomotives, intensive timetable and special attractions across the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Don’t Forget to Look Up
Exmoor was Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, and April offers clear, mild evenings for stargazing without the bitter cold of winter. Telescopes are available to hire from National Park Centres at Dunster, Dulverton and Lynmouth, and the Dark Sky Discovery Hub at Exford runs occasional guided sessions. Step outside your cottage after dark and you might be surprised by the Milky Way stretching overhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Explore Exmoor This April?
Browse our collection of hand-picked holiday cottages across Exmoor — from cosy retreats for two to spacious family homes. All exclusively managed by our local team.
Browse All Cottages →