There are 13 national parks in England and Wales and together they cover over 10% of the landmass of the two countries. The vast majority of these national parks were designated as such way back in the 1950s as part of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act. The national parks of England and Wales are extremely diverse both in landscape and flora and fauna.

Although it’s one of the smaller national parks, Exmoor is of particular scientific importance because of its biodiversity and animals that reside only in this small corner of the UK. This region of Britain has been popular among environmental enthusiasts for generations but as more sections obtain protected status, greater numbers of people will want to visit this part of the country.

Exmoor is a popular place for walking and cycling holidays. The Coleridge Way is a 58km footpath tracing the path of poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The path begins at Nether Stowey in the Quantocks, where he once lived, and continues on to Portlock via the Brendon Hills and Dunkery Beacon. If you are more into cycling, you can choose between a huge network of off-road mountain bike trails or sleepy, twisting and turning country roads. Either way the hilly terrain adds extra challenges.

The rocky coastline of Exmoor is also a great place to explore by kayak, canoe or boat or you could give adrenaline-fuelled coasteering a try.

There are several small villages and towns lying within the boundaries of Exmoor National Park meaning you can find accommodation right in the heart of this area of outstanding natural beauty.

In terms of actual accommodation, you can choose between sprawling country piles or cute, chocolate box cottages acting as B&Bs. You also have the choice of seaside or countryside locations and between a tucked-away village such as Exford, Blue Anchor and Kilve or a bustling market town such as Watchet, Porlock and Williton.

If you are looking for a little more action and nightlife, it’s best to base yourself in Minehead, Lynton or Lynmouth and head into Exmoor by car or bike.

Try one of the Millennium UK hotels during your stay; two are less than two hours drive from Exmoor in the vibrant cities of Cardiff and Plymouth