National Trust Escapes in Devon & Exmoor
Grand Houses, Wild Coastlines & Hidden Valleys from Exmoor Cliff Retreat
Few places in England combine dramatic coastline, timeless villages, grand historic estates and untamed natural beauty quite like North Devon and Exmoor National Park.
Perfectly positioned in Lynton within Exmoor National Park, Exmoor Cliff Retreat is a 5-star adults-only boutique B&B ideally located for exploring some of the finest National Trust places in Devon and Somerset.
From elegant country houses and hidden woodland valleys to rugged coastal walks and scenic drives through Exmoor, this extraordinary corner of the South West was made for slow exploration and memorable day trips.
Whether you are passionate about gardens, photography, walking, heritage, wildlife or simply discovering somewhere beautiful at your own pace, Exmoor Cliff Retreat offers the perfect base — with panoramic sea views across the Bristol Channel, award-winning breakfasts, free private parking, and peaceful adults-only surroundings just a short walk from Lynton & Lynmouth.
Our Favourite National Trust Places Near Lynton
A Personal Welcome from Robert & Richard
One of the great privileges of living at Exmoor Cliff Retreat is being surrounded by some of the most spectacular landscapes, hidden valleys, historic houses and coastal scenery in England.
Over the years, we’ve spent countless days exploring Exmoor’s winding roads, ancient woodlands, dramatic coastline and National Trust estates — often discovering places many visitors simply drive straight past.
Some guests arrive with a carefully planned itinerary. Others simply ask us:
“Where would you go if you had a free afternoon?”
This page brings together some of our favourite National Trust places and scenic experiences near Lynton, Lynmouth and Exmoor — places we genuinely love returning to ourselves.
And after a day exploring Devon’s rugged coastline, wandering through ancient woodland or discovering historic manor houses, there’s something rather special about returning to the peace, sea views and relaxed elegance of Exmoor Cliff Retreat for the evening.
National Trust Places Near Exmoor Cliff Retreat
Watersmeet
Approx. 10 minutes from Exmoor Cliff Retreat
Tucked within a deep wooded gorge near Lynmouth, Watersmeet is one of Exmoor National Park’s most iconic beauty spots.
Here, rivers tumble through ancient woodland beneath stone bridges and towering trees, creating a landscape that feels almost cinematic in every season.
The National Trust tea rooms provide the perfect stopping point before continuing one of the many riverside walks nearby.
Many guests combine Watersmeet with a visit to Lynmouth Harbour and the world-famous water-powered Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway.
Heddon Valley
Approx. 20 minutes from Exmoor Cliff Retreat
Wild, peaceful and wonderfully untouched, Heddon Valley feels like stepping into another world.
Managed by the National Trust, this hidden Exmoor valley leads through ancient woodland alongside the River Heddon before opening dramatically onto the rugged North Devon coastline.
The walk to Heddon’s Mouth is one of our personal favourites – particularly in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light across the cliffs becomes truly extraordinary.
Ancient woodland, tumbling rivers, birdsong and sea air combine to create one of the calmest and most atmospheric landscapes on Exmoor.
Perfect for:
- Gentle walking
- Wildlife
- Scenic photography
- Quiet escapes into nature
Arlington Court & National Trust Carriage Museum
Approx. 25 minutes from Exmoor Cliff Retreat
One of North Devon’s finest National Trust properties, Arlington Court combines elegant interiors, beautiful gardens, woodland walks and one of the UK’s most fascinating historic carriage collections.
The house itself feels refined yet intimate rather than overwhelming, while the surrounding estate offers peaceful walking trails through ancient woodland, rolling countryside and formal gardens.
Many guests enjoy combining Arlington Court with a scenic return drive through Parracombe and along the spectacular Exmoor coast road.
Ideal for:
- Historic houses
- Woodland walks
- Gardens
- Photography
- Relaxed half-day exploring
Baggy Point
Approx. 1 hour from Exmoor Cliff Retreat
For guests who love dramatic coastal scenery, Baggy Point delivers some of North Devon’s most breathtaking sea views.
This National Trust headland near Croyde offers rugged walking trails above crashing Atlantic surf, wildflowers and panoramic coastal vistas stretching for miles.
On clear days, the views along the North Devon coastline are magnificent.
Perfect for:
- Coastal walks
- Photography
- Picnics
- Sunset drives
Dunster Castle & Medieval Village
Approx. 50 minutes from Exmoor Cliff Retreat
Dunster Castle is one of the South West’s great historic treasures.
Perched dramatically above the beautifully preserved medieval village of Dunster, the castle combines centuries of history with subtropical gardens, hidden pathways and sweeping countryside views.
The village itself is equally enchanting, filled with independent shops, tea rooms and historic buildings full of character.
Our favourite route?
The spectacular coastal drive through Porlock and over Porlock Hill – widely considered one of the most scenic drives anywhere in England.
Knightshayes Court – Gothic Grandeur in Glorious Gardens
If you fancy a longer scenic drive—about an hour and 15 minutes—Knightshayes Court is worth every mile. This Gothic Revival mansion comes complete with quirky architecture, exotic planting, and a walled kitchen garden that would make even the fussiest foodie swoon.
Lundy Island – A Wilderness Lost in Time
For something truly special, set sail to Lundy Island. Reachable by ferry from nearby Ilfracombe or Bideford, this remote island feels like another world. With puffins, seals, windswept cliffs, and ancient ruins, Lundy is a full-day adventure that combines raw nature with history in spectacular style.
Perfect National Trust Day Trips from Exmoor Cliff Retreat
The Grand Exmoor Explorer
- Morning walk at Heddon Valley
- Coffee in Lynmouth
- Scenic drive through Porlock
- Afternoon at Dunster Castle
- Sunset at Valley of Rocks
- Return to Exmoor Cliff Retreat for dinner in Lynton
Gardens, Cream Teas & Gentle Wandering
- Arlington Court in the morning
- Lunch in Dunster or Barnstaple
- Afternoon drive through Exmoor National Park
- Devon cream tea stop
- Relaxed evening overlooking the Bristol Channel
The Coastal Discovery Route
- Watersmeet woodland walk
- Lynmouth Harbour
- Valley of Rocks
- Scenic coast road towards Combe Martin
- Sunset drinks back at Exmoor Cliff Retreat
Why Stay at Exmoor Cliff Retreat?
Exmoor Cliff Retreat is a luxury 5-star adults-only boutique guest house in Lynton, perfectly positioned for exploring Exmoor National Park, the North Devon coast and some of the South West’s most beautiful National Trust properties.
Guests enjoy:
Panoramic sea views across the Bristol Channel
Award-winning breakfasts served in our conservatory overlooking the coast
Peaceful gardens and free private parking
Stylish individually designed bedrooms
Short walking distance to Lynton & Lynmouth
Easy access to Exmoor’s finest walks, drives and heritage attractions
Whether you are discovering hidden valleys, exploring historic estates or simply slowing down for a few days beside the sea, Exmoor Cliff Retreat offers the perfect base from which to experience the very best of Devon, Exmoor and the North Devon coastline.
National Trust Places Within Easy Reach of Exmoor Cliff Retreat
Watersmeet
Heddon Valley
Arlington Court
Dunster Castle
Baggy Point
Valley of Rocks
Lynmouth Harbour
Exmoor National Park
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Make Exmoor Cliff Retreat Your National Trust Hub
At Exmoor Cliff Retreat, we’re more than just fans of the National Trust—we’re passionate supporters. Many of our guests travel to North Devon just to explore these remarkable places, and we’re always on hand with maps, local insights, and recommendations to make the most of your visit.
Whether you’re planning a heritage-filled holiday or a few scenic day trips, Exmoor Cliff Retreat is your ideal base. Enjoy the best of Devon’s past—and our luxurious present.
Book your stay at Exmoor Cliff Retreat today and begin your own journey through the timeless beauty of North Devon’s National Trust wonders.
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