Wild landscapes, beautiful villages and a very different way of life

There are few places in the South West quite like Exmoor.

Stretching across North Devon and Somerset, Exmoor is a landscape of wide-open moorland, ancient woodland, dramatic valleys, tumbling rivers and a spectacular coastline. It is a place where the pace of life feels different, where the landscape is always part of the view and where a short walk from your front door can quickly become an adventure.

For Diamond Estate Agents, Exmoor is also part of the wider area we know and serve from our Bampton office. We understand that buying a property here is about much more than finding a house. Whether you're searching for a traditional village cottage, a country home, a rural retreat or a property with land, the location and lifestyle are every bit as important.

Life on Exmoor

Exmoor offers something increasingly difficult to find: space.

There are no sprawling cities and few large urban areas. Instead, you'll find open moorland, wooded valleys, traditional villages, remote hamlets and winding country lanes.

The landscape changes constantly.

Heather-covered hills create spectacular colour in late summer, ancient woodland fills the valleys, and the coastline provides dramatic views across the Bristol Channel.

And then there are the famous Exmoor ponies, roaming freely across the moor and providing one of the most recognisable images of the National Park.

For people who love walking, wildlife, countryside and outdoor life, Exmoor is hard to beat.

A Landscape Full of Character

Exmoor's appeal lies partly in its variety.

The high moorland around Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor, provides huge views across the surrounding countryside.

Further into the valleys, rivers including the Barle and Exe wind through wooded landscapes, creating some of the area's most beautiful walking routes.

Along the northern edge of the National Park, the landscape changes again.

Here, steep cliffs, wooded valleys and coastal villages create an extraordinary stretch of coastline, with the South West Coast Path offering some spectacular walks.

It is a landscape that rewards exploration.

Exmoor's Villages

Exmoor isn't simply wilderness.

Scattered throughout the National Park are some wonderfully characterful villages and small towns, each with its own personality.

Dulverton

Often described as the gateway to Exmoor, Dulverton sits on the River Barle and offers independent shops, cafés, pubs and local services.

Its location makes it particularly attractive to those wanting access to the moor while still having a genuine community around them.

Dunster

With its medieval castle, historic streets and traditional buildings, Dunster is one of Exmoor's best-known villages.

It combines history, architecture and countryside in a particularly picturesque setting.

Porlock

Sitting between the hills and the coast, Porlock offers a completely different Exmoor experience, with access to coastal walks, countryside and dramatic views across the Bristol Channel.

Bampton

On the eastern side of Exmoor, Bampton provides a wonderful combination of market-town character and easy access to the surrounding countryside.

For buyers looking at property in the wider Exmoor area, Bampton can provide an attractive base with excellent connections towards Tiverton and the wider Mid Devon area.

Walking, Cycling and Outdoor Life

For anyone who enjoys being outdoors, Exmoor is a remarkable place to live.

There are routes to suit almost everyone, from gentle riverside walks to challenging hikes across the open moor.

The South West Coast Path provides spectacular coastal walking, while the Two Moors Way crosses Devon between Exmoor and Dartmoor.

Closer to home, countless footpaths, bridleways and country lanes provide opportunities for walking, cycling, horse riding and exploring.

One of the pleasures of living here is that you don't necessarily need to plan an expedition.

Sometimes the best walk is simply the one that starts at your front door.

Exmoor After Dark

Exmoor is also famous for what happens when the sun disappears.

The National Park was designated Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the UK's outstanding destinations for stargazing.

Away from significant light pollution, clear nights can reveal an extraordinary number of stars, with the Milky Way often visible overhead.

For residents, it is another reminder that life on Exmoor is closely connected to the natural environment.

Here, the night sky is part of the scenery too.

Wildlife on Exmoor

Wildlife is one of the defining features of the National Park.

The famous Exmoor ponies are perhaps the best-known inhabitants, but the moor and surrounding countryside support a wide range of wildlife.

Red deer can be spotted across the landscape, while rivers, woodland, heathland and coastal habitats provide homes for countless species of birds, insects and mammals.

For photographers, walkers and anyone who simply enjoys watching the seasons change, there is always something to discover.

Food, Pubs and Local Life

Exmoor may be wild, but it is certainly not short of places to stop for refreshments.

Traditional pubs, village cafés, tearooms, farm shops and independent businesses are scattered throughout the area.

After a long walk, a Devon cream tea or a meal in a traditional country pub becomes part of the experience.

And while visitors come and go, these places are also important to the communities that live here, providing meeting places and helping villages retain their individual character.

Property on Exmoor

The Exmoor property market is as varied as the landscape itself.

Buyers may find traditional stone cottages tucked into villages, period houses, converted barns, country homes, rural retreats and properties with substantial gardens or land.

Location can be particularly important.

A village property may offer easy access to shops and community facilities, while a more remote rural home can provide exceptional privacy, views and space.

There are also important practical considerations when buying in a rural area, including access, broadband, heating systems, private drainage, land and outbuildings.

At Diamond Estate Agents, our knowledge of the local area allows us to look beyond the property itself and understand the wider lifestyle a home can offer.

Buying a Home on Exmoor

Exmoor attracts a wide range of buyers.

Families may be drawn by the space, outdoor lifestyle and community atmosphere.

Retirees and downsizers often appreciate the peaceful surroundings and character properties.

Professionals can find a balance between rural living and access to Tiverton, Taunton, Exeter and other employment centres.

Lifestyle buyers may be looking for a country home, holiday property or somewhere with land and space for hobbies.

Whatever brings you to Exmoor, finding the right location is essential.

Living on Exmoor: Things to Consider

The rural lifestyle is a major attraction, but it is worth understanding what comes with it.

Some properties are genuinely remote, meaning a car may be essential for everyday journeys. Mobile phone coverage and broadband can also vary between locations, while country roads can be narrow and challenging in poor weather.

For many residents, these are simply part of the trade-off.

In return, you get something increasingly precious: space, quiet, clean air, dark skies and a direct connection with the landscape.

Why Choose Exmoor? Unforgettable countryside

Open moorland, ancient woodland, rivers and dramatic valleys create an exceptional setting.

A spectacular coastline

The northern edge of Exmoor offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in England.

Beautiful villages

Dulverton, Dunster, Porlock, Bampton and many smaller communities each offer their own character.

Outdoor lifestyle

Walking, cycling, riding, fishing and wildlife watching are all part of everyday life.

Dark skies

Exmoor's International Dark Sky Reserve status makes it an exceptional place for stargazing.

Peace and space

For buyers looking to escape busy urban environments, Exmoor offers a genuinely different pace of life.

Is Exmoor a Good Place to Live?

For the right buyer, absolutely.

Exmoor isn't for everyone, and that's part of its appeal.

It isn't about convenience at every turn. It is about choosing a lifestyle where the countryside takes centre stage.

It's about stepping outside and hearing birds rather than traffic.

It's about weekend walks that don't require a car.

It's about villages where local businesses and community groups still matter.

And it's about coming home to landscapes that change with every season.

For those who want that lifestyle, Exmoor can feel less like somewhere you live and more like somewhere you belong.

Looking to Move to Exmoor?

At Diamond Estate Agents, we understand the appeal of living in this extraordinary part of the South West.

Our Bampton office provides local knowledge across Bampton and the surrounding areas, helping buyers discover properties and locations that suit the way they want to live.

Whether you're searching for a cottage on Exmoor, a village home, a rural property with land or a country house, we'd be delighted to help.

And if you're considering selling your Exmoor property, our local knowledge and wider marketing reach can help put your home in front of the right buyers.