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Set in a picturesque valley where the River Exe flows gently through, Exford has been a focal point of Exmoor life for centuries. The village is famous for hosting the annual Exmoor Pony Show each August, celebrating the hardy native breed that has roamed these moors for thousands of years. With its historic coaching inn, welcoming pubs, and position at the heart of some of Exmoor’s finest walking country, Exford makes an ideal base for exploring the National Park.
Things to See and Do in Exford Village
Despite its compact size, Exford offers visitors plenty to discover. The village serves as a gateway to understanding Exmoor’s unique heritage, from its ancient pony breeds to its medieval church architecture.
Exmoor Pony Centre – Learn about Exmoor’s iconic native ponies, see them up close, and discover why they’re one of Britain’s oldest and rarest breeds. The centre offers guided experiences and the chance to meet these remarkable animals that have shaped the moorland landscape for millennia.
St Mary Magdalene Church – A beautiful medieval church dating back to the 15th century with fascinating historical details and peaceful grounds perfect for a quiet moment. The church features traditional Somerset architecture and contains memorials to local families who have lived on Exmoor for generations.
The River Exe – Take a stroll along the riverbank where the famous River Exe begins its journey to the sea. It’s a lovely spot for paddling on warm days or simply watching the water flow by, observing wildlife, and soaking up the peaceful valley atmosphere.
Exmoor Pony Show – Every August, the village hosts this traditional show celebrating Exmoor ponies with classes, displays, and a wonderful country fair atmosphere. Running since 1963, it’s a highlight of the Exmoor calendar and attracts visitors from across Britain.
Eating and Drinking in Exford Village
Exford is blessed with wonderful places to eat and drink, from historic coaching inns to cosy tea rooms. The village offers that perfect combination of traditional hospitality and quality local food that makes Exmoor dining so special.
The Crown Hotel, dating back over 300 years, serves excellent meals in atmospheric surroundings and is famous for its warm welcome. This Grade II listed coaching inn offers everything from hearty breakfasts to elegant evening meals, with low beamed ceilings and roaring fires adding to the ambiance.
The Exmoor White Horse Inn offers hearty pub classics and local ales in a traditional setting. Perfect after a long walk on the moor, this welcoming pub serves generous portions of home-cooked food and maintains that authentic village pub atmosphere.
For something lighter, stop by the Village Tea Rooms for homemade cakes, cream teas, and light lunches. The village also has a well-stocked community shop perfect for picnic supplies or self-catering essentials.
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Walks and Outdoor Activities from Exford Village
Exford sits at the heart of some of Exmoor’s most spectacular walking country. From the village, you can access routes across open moorland, through ancient woodlands, and up to breathtaking viewpoints that showcase the National Park at its finest.
Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor’s highest point at 519 meters, is just a few miles away offering panoramic views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. The Exe Valley Walk passes through the village, taking you downstream through beautiful countryside rich with wildlife and wildflowers.
Popular walks from Exford include routes to Winsford Hill, the Punchbowl, and circular walks through Larkbarrow. The village is also perfectly positioned for exploring the valleys of the Barle and Exe rivers, where you might spot red deer, buzzards, and if you’re lucky, otters.
Riders will find Exford particularly appealing, with excellent bridleways radiating out across the moor and several establishments offering equestrian facilities. The moorland tracks provide miles of traffic-free riding through some of England’s most dramatic landscapes.
The History of Exford Village
Exford’s story stretches back over a thousand years, though the landscape itself has been shaped by people for far longer. The name “Exford” comes from the ford across the River Exe that runs through the village center – you can still see remnants of this ancient crossing point today, though a stone bridge now makes the journey rather less splashy!
The village appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, already established as a settlement of importance. Throughout medieval times, Exford was a significant stopping point for travelers crossing the moor, and this tradition continued into the coaching era when The Crown Hotel served as a major coaching inn, providing rest and refreshment for weary travelers making the challenging journey across Exmoor.
Exford has always been closely connected to Exmoor’s hunting traditions. The village served as a base for stag hunting on the moor for centuries, and the Devon and Somerset Staghounds still meet here. Whether you agree with hunting or not, it’s impossible to deny its impact on shaping Exmoor’s landscape, culture, and village life over the generations.
Perhaps most importantly, Exford has long been associated with Exmoor ponies. These hardy native ponies have grazed these moors since prehistoric times – they’re actually one of the oldest and purest native breeds in Britain. The annual Exmoor Pony Show, held in the village since 1963, celebrates this incredible heritage and helps preserve the breed for future generations.
Today, Exford retains much of its traditional character while welcoming visitors who want to experience authentic Exmoor village life. It’s a living, working village that hasn’t been frozen in time – and that’s precisely what makes it so special.
Self-Catering Accommodation in Exford Village
Looking for the perfect place to stay in or near Exford? We have a wonderful collection of cottages within easy reach of the village, ideal for exploring all that central Exmoor has to offer. From cosy retreats for two to spacious properties for families and groups, you’ll find the perfect base for your Exmoor adventure.
Chapel Cottage offers traditional charm with modern comforts, perfectly positioned for accessing Exford’s walking routes. Withymead provides peaceful accommodation with beautiful valley views, while Cascade Cottage combines character features with contemporary amenities. Each property has been carefully selected to ensure your stay captures the essence of Exmoor hospitality.
Ready to experience the heart of Exmoor for yourself? Browse our handpicked collection of cottages near Exford and start planning your escape to this beautiful corner of the National Park. Whether you’re here for the walking, the wildlife, the history, or simply to unwind in stunning countryside, Exford offers the perfect base.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exford Village
What is Exford famous for?
Exford is best known for being in the heart of Exmoor National Park, its connection to Exmoor ponies, and hosting the annual Exmoor Pony Show each August. The village is also famous for The Crown Hotel, a historic coaching inn dating back over 300 years, and its excellent position for exploring central Exmoor’s moorland and valleys.
Is Exford good for walking?
Yes, Exford is an excellent base for walking. The village sits at the heart of Exmoor with access to numerous routes across moorland, through valleys, and up to viewpoints including Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor’s highest point. The Exe Valley Walk also passes through the village, and popular routes include walks to Winsford Hill and the Punchbowl.
Where can I see Exmoor ponies near Exford?
The Exmoor Pony Centre in Exford offers the chance to see these native ponies up close and learn about their history and conservation. You’ll also frequently spot Exmoor ponies grazing on the moorland surrounding the village, particularly on Winsford Hill and around the Punchbowl area.
Are there pubs and restaurants in Exford?
Yes, Exford has excellent dining options including The Crown Hotel and The Exmoor White Horse Inn, both serving good food and local ales. The village also has a tea room for lighter refreshments and homemade cakes, plus a well-stocked community shop for supplies.
When is the Exmoor Pony Show?
The Exmoor Pony Show is held annually in Exford in mid-August. This traditional show celebrates the rare native Exmoor pony breed with classes, demonstrations, and a country fair atmosphere. It’s been running since 1963 and is a highlight of the Exmoor calendar, attracting breeders and visitors from across Britain.
How do I get to Exford?
Exford is located in the center of Exmoor National Park. By car, it’s accessible via the B3224 road from Dulverton (8 miles) or from Porlock (10 miles). The village is well signposted from major routes crossing Exmoor. Parking is available in the village center near The Crown Hotel.
What is the best time to visit Exford?
Exford is beautiful year-round, but each season offers something special. Spring brings wildflowers and lambing, summer offers the best walking weather and the Pony Show in August, autumn displays stunning heather-covered moorland in purple bloom, and winter provides dramatic landscapes and cozy pub atmospheres. The village is accessible throughout the year.
Conclusion
Exford represents everything that makes Exmoor special – authentic village life, stunning natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re planning a walking holiday, seeking to learn about Exmoor’s native wildlife, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat in the heart of the National Park, this charming village delivers an unforgettable experience.
From the moment you arrive in Exford’s valley setting, you’ll understand why this village has captivated visitors for centuries. The combination of traditional moorland culture, excellent outdoor activities, and comfortable accommodation makes it an ideal base for experiencing the very best of Exmoor. Book your stay today and discover why Exford remains one of the National Park’s most beloved destinations.
Experience the Best of Exmoor
Book your stay through The Best of Exmoor and support local conservation efforts while enjoying premium accommodations.