Exford village is one of Exmoor’s most charming villages, nestled in the heart of Exmoor National Park where ancient moorland traditions still thrive. This picturesque Exmoor village sits in a beautiful valley where the River Exe begins its journey, making it the perfect base for walking holidays, wildlife watching, and experiencing authentic Somerset countryside. Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning a longer stay, this historic village offers excellent things to do in Exford with a perfect blend of countryside charm, spectacular Exmoor walks, and warm hospitality.
⚡ Quick Facts About Exford
📋 Complete Guide to Exford Village:
Last Updated: November 2025 | This guide is regularly updated with current information about Exford village.
Set in a picturesque valley where the River Exe flows gently through, Exford village 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 Exmoor pubs, and position at the heart of some of Exmoor’s finest walking country, Exford makes an ideal base for exploring the National Park. The village offers everything from circular walks to Dunkery Beacon, wildlife watching opportunities, and authentic Somerset village atmosphere.
Top Things to Do in Exford Village
Despite its compact size, Exford offers visitors plenty of activities and attractions to discover. The village serves as a gateway to understanding Exmoor’s unique heritage, from its ancient pony breeds to its medieval church architecture. Here are the best things to do in Exford:
🐴 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 Exmoor Pony Centre offers guided experiences and the chance to meet these remarkable animals that have shaped the moorland landscape for millennia. This is one of the most popular Exford attractions and perfect for families and animal lovers.
⛪ St Mary Magdalene Church
A beautiful medieval church in Exford 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. Open to visitors throughout the year.
🌊 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. The river walk is one of the easiest things to do in Exford with children.
🎪 Exmoor Pony Show (Annual August Event)
Every August, the village hosts the famous Exmoor Pony Show, celebrating Exmoor ponies with classes, displays, and a wonderful country fair atmosphere. Running since 1963, it’s a highlight of the Exmoor events calendar and attracts visitors from across Britain. Book accommodation in Exford early for this popular weekend.
🥾 Village Walks and Trails
Exford village is the starting point for numerous Exmoor walking routes, including:
- Exe Valley Walk – follows the River Exe downstream
- Exford to Dunkery Beacon – 6-mile route to Exmoor’s highest point
- Exford circular walks – various routes from 3-8 miles
- Winsford Hill walk – ancient burial mounds and moorland views
See our detailed Exford circular walk guide for step-by-step directions.
Photography by Shaun Davey and Neville Stanikk
Where to Eat and Drink in Exford Village
Exford pubs and restaurants are 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, Exford
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 in Exford offers everything from hearty breakfasts to elegant evening meals, with low beamed ceilings and roaring fires adding to the ambiance. Perfect for post-walk refreshments or evening dining.
What to expect: Traditional pub food, local ales, accommodation available, dog-friendly
🍺 The Exmoor White Horse Inn
The Exmoor White Horse Inn offers hearty pub classics and local Somerset ales in a traditional setting. Perfect after a long walk on Exmoor, this welcoming Exford pub serves generous portions of home-cooked food and maintains that authentic village pub atmosphere. Popular with walkers and locals alike.
What to expect: Pub classics, real ales, welcoming atmosphere, walker-friendly
☕ Exford Village Tea Rooms
For something lighter, stop by the Village Tea Rooms in Exford for homemade cakes, cream teas, and light lunches. Perfect for a mid-morning coffee or afternoon tea stop during your Exford village visit.
🛒 Exford Community Shop
The village also has a well-stocked community shop perfect for picnic supplies or self-catering essentials. Great for stocking up before heading out on Exmoor walks.
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Exford Walks and Outdoor Activities
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. Exford is one of the best villages for walking on Exmoor, with routes suitable for all abilities.
🏔️ Dunkery Beacon from Exford
Dunkery Beacon, Exmoor’s highest point at 519 meters (1,704 feet), is just a few miles away offering panoramic views across the Bristol Channel to Wales. The walk from Exford to Dunkery Beacon is a classic Exmoor route, taking approximately 3-4 hours round trip. This is one of the most popular Exford walks for visitors seeking stunning moorland scenery.
🌳 Exe Valley Walk
The Exe Valley Walk passes through the village, taking you downstream through beautiful countryside rich with wildlife and wildflowers. This long-distance trail follows the River Exe from its source near Exford all the way to Exeter.
🥾 Popular Circular Walks from Exford
Popular circular walks from Exford include routes to:
- Winsford Hill – Bronze Age burial mounds and 360-degree moorland views (5-6 miles)
- The Punchbowl – Scenic valley and ancient landscape (4-5 miles)
- Larkbarrow – Remote moorland walking (6-8 miles)
- Exe Valley circuits – Riverside walking through wooded valleys (3-4 miles)
Read our comprehensive Exford circular walk guide with detailed directions and maps.
🦌 Wildlife Watching from Exford
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. Exmoor is famous for its red deer, and the moorland around Exford offers excellent viewing opportunities, especially during autumn rutting season.
🐎 Horse Riding on Exmoor
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.
🐴 Exmoor Ponies: Britain’s Oldest Native Breed
Exford is the home of Exmoor ponies – one of Britain’s oldest and rarest native pony breeds. These hardy ponies have grazed the moorland for thousands of years and are central to Exford’s heritage and identity.
Visit the Exmoor Pony Centre
The Exmoor Pony Centre in Exford is dedicated to the conservation and promotion of this rare breed. Visitors can:
- Meet Exmoor ponies up close
- Learn about their unique characteristics and history
- Discover conservation efforts
- Take guided tours (booking recommended)
- Support breed preservation
Exmoor Pony Show – August
The annual Exmoor Pony Show, held in Exford every August since 1963, is the premier event for the breed. The show features:
- Pony classes and judging
- Demonstrations of traditional skills
- Country fair with local food and crafts
- Family activities
- Trade stands
Tip: Book accommodation in Exford well in advance for Pony Show weekend – it’s the busiest time of year!
See Wild Exmoor Ponies
You can also spot Exmoor ponies grazing freely on the moorland around the village, particularly on Winsford Hill and around the Punchbowl area. These semi-wild herds are an iconic sight and can often be seen from walking routes.
The History of Exford Village
Exford’s history 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!
Medieval Exford
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 and Exmoor’s Hunting Heritage
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.
The Exmoor Pony Connection
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.
Exford Today
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. The village serves the local farming community while also catering to tourists visiting Exmoor, creating a balanced, sustainable community.
Where to Stay in Exford | Self-Catering Accommodation
Looking for the perfect place to stay in or near Exford village? We have a wonderful collection of holiday cottages in Exford 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 walking holiday.
Featured Holiday Cottages Near Exford
🏡 Chapel Cottage, Exford
Chapel Cottage offers traditional charm with modern comforts, perfectly positioned in Exford village center for accessing Exford’s walking routes. Sleeps 4, dog-friendly, with parking.
🏡 Withymead, Near Exford
Withymead provides peaceful accommodation near Exford with beautiful valley views. Perfect for those seeking tranquility while still being close to village amenities and Exmoor walks.
🏡 Cascade Cottage, Exford
Cascade Cottage combines character features with contemporary amenities. This Exford holiday cottage is ideal for couples or small families exploring central Exmoor.
🏡 Crown Cottage, Exford Village
Crown Cottage is located right in Exford village center, within walking distance of The Crown Hotel and village amenities. Perfect for those who want to be at the heart of village life.
Each property has been carefully selected to ensure your stay captures the essence of Exmoor hospitality and provides easy access to the best things to do in Exford.
Why Stay in Exford?
Exford is the perfect base for exploring Exmoor because:
- ✅ Central location – easy access to all parts of Exmoor National Park
- ✅ Excellent walking – routes from easy strolls to challenging hikes
- ✅ Village amenities – pubs, shops, tea rooms within walking distance
- ✅ Authentic atmosphere – working village, not touristy
- ✅ Wildlife opportunities – red deer, Exmoor ponies, buzzards
- ✅ Dark sky location – excellent for stargazing
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.
Getting to Exford | How to Find Exford Village
🚗 Driving 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 north on B3224 (15 minutes)
- From Porlock: 10 miles south via Exford Road (20 minutes)
- From Minehead: 12 miles via A39 and Exford Road (25 minutes)
- From Taunton: 25 miles via A358 and B3224 (50 minutes)
- From Exeter: 40 miles via A361 and B3224 (1 hour 15 minutes)
The village is well signposted from major routes crossing Exmoor. Sat nav postcode: TA24 7PP
🅿️ Parking in Exford
Parking is available in the village center near The Crown Hotel. There’s a small car park (free) suitable for accessing village amenities and starting walks. Please park considerately – this is a small village with limited space.
🚌 Public Transport to Exford
Public transport to Exford is limited. The nearest train station is Taunton (25 miles). From there, you’ll need to arrange onward transport by taxi or rental car. The Exmoor Explorer bus (seasonal, summer only) serves some Exmoor villages but doesn’t always reach Exford – check current routes.
🗺️ What3Words Location
For precise navigation: ///agenda.rabbit.slang (Exford village center)
Frequently Asked Questions About Exford Village
What is Exford famous for?
Exford is famous 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. Exford is one of the best villages on Exmoor for walking holidays and accessing Dunkery Beacon.
Is Exford good for walking?
Yes, Exford is an excellent base for walking on Exmoor. The village sits at the heart of Exmoor with access to numerous walking 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, the Punchbowl, and various circular walks from Exford. Routes range from easy riverside strolls to challenging moorland hikes, making it suitable for all abilities. See our Exford circular walk guide for detailed routes.
Where can I see Exmoor ponies near Exford?
The Exmoor Pony Centre in Exford offers the best opportunity to see these native ponies up close and learn about their history and conservation. You’ll also frequently spot wild Exmoor ponies grazing on the moorland surrounding the village, particularly on Winsford Hill and around the Punchbowl area. During walks from Exford, you’re likely to encounter these hardy ponies on the open moorland. The annual Exmoor Pony Show in August showcases the finest examples of the breed.
Are there pubs and restaurants in Exford?
Yes, Exford has excellent pubs and dining options including The Crown Hotel (historic coaching inn with restaurant and bar) and The Exmoor White Horse Inn (traditional village pub), 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. Both pubs welcome walkers and dogs, making them perfect for refreshments after Exford walks.
When is the Exmoor Pony Show in Exford?
The Exmoor Pony Show is held annually in Exford in mid-August (usually the second or third Saturday). 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. Book accommodation in Exford early for this popular weekend as it’s the busiest time of year in the village.
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. Public transport is limited – the nearest train station is Taunton (25 miles), from where you’ll need a taxi or rental car. Postcode for sat nav: TA24 7PP.
What is the best time to visit Exford?
Exford is beautiful year-round, but each season offers something special. Spring (March-May) brings wildflowers, lambing, and ideal walking weather. Summer (June-August) offers the best weather, long daylight hours, and the famous Exmoor Pony Show in August. Autumn (September-November) displays stunning heather-covered moorland in purple bloom and red deer rutting season. Winter (December-February) provides dramatic landscapes, cozy pub atmospheres, and fewer crowds. The village is accessible throughout the year, though some high moorland walks may be challenging in winter conditions.
How far is Exford from Dunkery Beacon?
Exford is approximately 3 miles from Dunkery Beacon as the crow flies, though the walking route is around 6 miles round trip. The walk takes 3-4 hours and is one of the most popular walks from Exford. Dunkery Beacon is Exmoor’s highest point at 519 meters (1,704 feet) and offers spectacular panoramic views. The route crosses open moorland and involves a significant ascent, so is best suited to reasonably fit walkers.
Is Exford dog-friendly?
Yes, Exford is very dog-friendly! Both village pubs (The Crown Hotel and The Exmoor White Horse Inn) welcome dogs, and the surrounding Exmoor walks are perfect for dogs. Many holiday cottages in Exford accept pets – check individual property details. Please keep dogs on leads around livestock (sheep and Exmoor ponies) and during ground-nesting bird season (March-July) on the moorland. The village and walking routes make Exford ideal for dog-walking holidays.
What shops are in Exford village?
Exford has a well-stocked community shop selling essentials, groceries, newspapers, and walking supplies. The shop is run by volunteers and serves both locals and visitors. There’s also the Exmoor Pony Centre shop selling pony-related souvenirs and gifts. For more extensive shopping, the nearest towns are Dulverton (8 miles) and Minehead (12 miles). The Crown Hotel and tea rooms also sell some local products and souvenirs.
Plan Your Visit to Exford Village
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 on Exmoor, seeking to learn about Exmoor’s native wildlife including the famous ponies, 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, comfortable accommodation, and genuine Somerset hospitality makes it an ideal base for experiencing the very best of Exmoor.
Ready to Visit Exford?
Here’s how to plan your trip:
- 📅 Best time: Year-round, but August for Pony Show
- 🏡 Accommodation: Book early, especially for weekends and August
- 🥾 Walking: Read our Exford circular walk guide
- 🍺 Dining: Book tables at pubs for evening meals
- 🐴 Pony Centre: Check opening times before visiting
- 🅿️ Parking: Limited in village – arrive early on busy days
Book your stay today and discover why Exford remains one of Exmoor National Park’s most beloved destinations. Whether you’re here for the Exmoor walks, the wildlife, the history, or simply to unwind in stunning countryside, Exford offers the perfect base for your Exmoor adventure.
Start Planning Your Exford Visit
Book your stay through The Best of Exmoor and support local conservation efforts while enjoying premium accommodations in the heart of Exmoor.
Related Exmoor Guides
Continue exploring Exmoor with these related guides:
- 🥾 Exford Circular Walk – Step-by-step walking guide
- 🏔️ Dunkery Beacon Summit Guide – Walking routes to Exmoor’s highest point
- 🏘️ Best Exmoor Villages – Compare Exford with other beautiful villages
- 🐴 Where to See Exmoor Ponies – Complete guide to spotting these native ponies
- 🥾 Best Exmoor Walks – Top walking routes across the National Park