Things to see and do around the Holnicote Estate

Explore ancient woodland in Horner Wood, Holnicote Estate, Somerset

Visit this stunning swathe of Exmoor, with its countless traditional cottages, beautiful walking and riding trails and convenient spots for a cream tea.

Discover the veteran trees

The estate is home to over 2,000 veteran trees among the 2,000 acres of woodland.
 
Explore Horner Wood, a magical place with mosses, ferns and lichens covering ancient oaks. Have a look out for the General, an impressive oak tree over 500 years old. The General is a striking feature all year round, have a look at him in the changing Exmoor landscape here.

 

Visit the villages

The Holnicote Estate has more than 170 picturesque cottages and many other vernacular buildings and historical structures.
 
If you are looking for a charming village to explore, find out more here.
 
Four of our cottages are available as holiday homes and make the perfect base to explore this special place.
 
Visit the National Trust's holiday website for more information. 
 

Have a go at orienteering

Explore Selworthy Woods or Webber's Post on an orienteering adventure.
Selworthy Woods orienteering map (PDF / 0.7MB) download
Webbers Post orienteering map (PDF / 0.2MB) download
 

Enjoy a cream tea

If you need refuelling after a walk, visit tenant-run teashops in Allerford, Bossington, Horner and Selworthy.
 

Eating al fresco 

Everything tastes better outside so if you fancy lunch with friends or want to make the most of a summer evening, BBQs are provided at Bossington near the car park area.
 

Horse riding

Take advantage of the many bridleways that criss cross over the estate and explore the countryside by horse.
 
Pony trekking is available through local Burrowhayes Farm.
 

History

Burial cairns (piles of rocks) date back to the Bronze Age and can be best seen from Webber's Post.
 
Horner is rich in history from the 17th-century packhorse bridge to a Tudor iron smelting site.
 
The distinctive whitewashed Church of All Saints at Selworthy is also a fascinating place to spend some time.
 

Walking 

Miles of footpaths including the South West Coastal Path makes Holnicote a walker's paradise.
 

Events at Holnicote

Get outdoors for some fresh air fun this year.
 
From Big Adventure days, family camping and guided wildlife walks, there's something for everyone.
 

50 things to do before you're 11¾

Looking for an outdoor adventure?
 
Go star gazing at Dunkery Beacon, build a den and explore inside an ancient tree in Horner Woods.
 
There's plenty of things to tick off the 50 things to do before you're 11¾ list at Holnicote.
 

Facebook and Twitter

Keep in touch with the latest goings on at Holnicote and other countryside sites in Somerset.
 
Visit our Facebook page here.
 
Join the conversation on Twitter here.
A family flying a kite at Wembury, Devon.

50 things to do before you're 11 ¾  

Fancy exploring the outdoors, learning new skills and trying new things? Grab your gear and start ticking off some of our 50 things to do before you're 11 ¾.

Start your adventure