Holnicote Estate, Exmoor, Somerset

With over 12,000 acres, The Holnicote Estate (pronounced honeycot) was given to the National Trust by the 15th baronet Acland in 1944; within it lie picturesque villages and hamlets including Selworthy, Bossington and Allerford, the Dunkery and Horner Woods National Nature Reserve, and Dunkery Beacon, the highest point in the whole of Exmoor and Somerset, and a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site. The etstate is a very diverse landscape of heather-clad moorland, shingle beaches and the 800 acre Horner Wood, full of ancient oak pollards where the East Water trips happily along over moss covered stones.

The Holnicote Estate is dissected by the A39, but you don’t need to venture far off it before it feels like a different world where the pace of life slows down and all is well. There are over 150 miles of footpaths and bridleways to explore, ripe for walking, cycling and pony trekking. Pack a picnic and your binoculars and set off for day of nature spotting, look out for red deer and Exmoor ponies contentedly grazing; roll up your trouser legs and go paddling in the streams, spend an afternoon on the beach, or find a spot to just sit and contemplate with the Porlock Vale laid out before you in all its glory. Pootle about the winding country lanes to villages where the few streets are lined with centuries old cottages, a riot of flowers spill excitedly over garden walls and tall chimneys stand proud above the rooftops. Stop for a cream tea at one of the tea rooms and gardens that you’re bound to come across, while away the hours enjoying the fresh air and the birdsong. Savour it all because really, this has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth.

All information correct at the time of writing