Cliff overlooking the ocean with lush green grass, rocky formations, and waves crashing along the shore.
Coastal cliff at sunset with a path, grassy terrain, and ocean view.
Lighthouse at sunset with ocean and clear sky.
Close-up of a brown and white pony with a lush mane on a grassy field.
Rugged coastal cliff with yellow gorse flowers, overlooking the ocean under a blue sky.
Lighthouse by the sea on a cliff at sunset
Coastal landscape with cliffs, yellow flowering bushes, and a cloudy sky.
Rocky hill with green grass on a clear day
A tranquil forest scene with a stream cascading over rocks, surrounded by lush green moss and vegetation. A small stone bridge arches over part of the stream. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere.

Exmoor Coast Lighthouse Stay and Walking Break

Stay in a working lighthouse perched on a remote stretch of the Exmoor coastline, with a small group, expert guide, and unforgettable walks from the door.

Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 3 nights
Accommodation: Cottage
Level: Active
Group Size: Maximum 8
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

What to Expect on our Exmoor Walking Break

  • Unique Accommodation – Stay in a National Trust-owned, fully functioning lighthouse perched high above the Exmoor coast, with no neighbours and sea views.

  • Expertly Guided Walks – Enjoy guided routes each day with our local guide, taking in coastal paths, river valleys, and scenic moorland.

  • Sociable and Relaxed Atmosphere – Meet new people, share stories over meals, and enjoy the pace of a friendly, small-group walking break.

  • We’ll Take Care of the Travel – Once you arrive, everything is covered. No need to drive – we’ll handle all transport during the trip.

 

Book today…

A Walking Break at the Lighthouse: Exmoor’s Dramatic Coastline

Join Large Outdoors for a sociable and unique 3-night walking break based at the historic Foreland Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage. Perched on a dramatic clifftop with uninterrupted views out across the sea, the lighthouse is owned by the National Trust and still operates today.

This secluded spot offers cosy, traditionally decorated rooms, a welcoming lounge with huge sea-facing windows, and plenty of space to relax, chat, or simply soak up the setting. The lighthouse and its grounds are yours to explore — a rare chance to stay somewhere truly special.

Exploring the Valley of the Rocks on the Exmoor Coast

Our expert guide will lead the walks each day, helping you explore the South West Coast Path, the East Lyn Valley, and the moorland of Exmoor. You’ll visit places like Watersmeet, Lynmouth, Valley of the Rocks and Contisbury Common, all while enjoying a social, easy-going atmosphere with others who love the outdoors.

All transport for walks is included once you arrive, and with your host sorting all the food and logistics, you can simply turn up and enjoy. Whether you're travelling solo or with friends, this is a chance to switch off and get to know a lovely part of the UK coastline.

An Exmoor Pony

Look Out for Exmoor Ponies

While out walking, especially on the open moorland above the coast, keep an eye out for Exmoor ponies – one of the UK’s oldest native breeds. These hardy, semi-wild ponies roam freely across the National Park and are well adapted to the rugged terrain and changing weather. They’re an iconic part of the Exmoor landscape, and spotting a group quietly grazing on the hillsides is always a memorable moment.

 

Suggested Itinerary

Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!

  • Arrive by 5pm where your Large Outdoors host will meet you and drive you down the steep private road to the lighthouse. There’s a short flight of steps to reach the cottage, and then you’ll step into a warm, light-filled lounge with panoramic sea views.

    After a cuppa and time to settle in, explore the working lighthouse and its surroundings – it's an atmospheric and remote setting with no neighbours except seabirds and crashing waves. Your host will have dinner on the go, ready for everyone to enjoy around 19:00 followed by a briefing about the days ahead.

  • After a healthy breakfast (think fruit, yoghurt, toast, cereal), we’ll make up packed lunches. We can cater for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets – just let us know on your booking form.

    Today’s route heads straight from the lighthouse, following the South West Coast Path southwards. We’ll descend towards the charming harbour village of Lynmouth, with time to grab a cuppa or take in the views.

    From here we follow the East Lyn River inland into wooded valleys, heading towards Watersmeet – a peaceful National Trust tearoom nestled at a riverside junction. After a stop, we’ll walk up and over the headland back to the lighthouse.

    There’s time to relax, enjoy the views or maybe a casual game of table tennis before another home-cooked meal in the cottage. The evening is yours to unwind however you like.

  • We set off on foot again, heading north inland across Contisbury Common, which offers wide views over Exmoor and across the Bristol Channel towards South Wales.

    We’ll then reach County Gate (also known as Cosgate's Feet) – a dramatic spot marking the Devon/Somerset border, with sweeping views across valleys and ridgelines. This was once a key crossing point with an old toll house nearby and forms part of Exmoor’s upland walking network.

    From here, we rejoin the South West Coast Path and follow it along the coastline, eventually looping back to our lighthouse base.

    In the evening, your host will drive the group to the Blue Ball Inn, a traditional moorland pub with open fireplaces, real ales, and a classic menu. Dinner here isn’t included, so you’re free to choose what you like from the menu. We’ll then head back to the lighthouse for a relaxed final night.

  • After breakfast and packing up, we head back to Lynmouth, where we hop aboard the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway – the world’s highest and steepest water-powered funicular railway, operating since 1890. It’s a brilliant piece of Victorian engineering with stunning views over the bay.

    From Lynton, we follow a short route along the coast through the remarkable Valley of the Rocks – a dry valley with towering rock formations, goats roaming freely, and wide open sea views. The area has long inspired writers and artists, and it's a final highlight before heading home.

    We’ll return to Lynmouth for a final lunch or cuppa (not included), before saying our goodbyes and heading off.

The Exmoor Coastline

Exploring the Coastal Side of Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park is often known for its wide moorlands and wooded valleys, but its coastal section is just as remarkable — and that’s exactly where this walking break takes place.

The Exmoor coast is home to the highest sea cliffs in England, with dramatic drops, rugged paths, and sweeping views out across the Bristol Channel. The South West Coast Path follows this section closely, and many of the routes we walk are along this trail, offering a combination of open clifftop walking and sheltered wooded valleys.

You’ll experience the contrast between wild upland scenery and peaceful coastal villages like Lynmouth, explore deep river-cut gorges like the East Lyn Valley, and visit landmarks such as Watersmeet and the Valley of the Rocks, known for its unique rock formations and resident feral goats.

Much of this area is looked after by the National Trust, which helps preserve both the landscape and its cultural heritage. The lighthouse itself is part of that – a fully functioning beacon set high above the water, guiding ships past the Exmoor coastline since the 19th century.

Whether you’re watching the waves crash from the lighthouse balcony or walking through ancient woodland with only birdsong for company, this stretch of Exmoor offers a quieter, more remote walking experience that still feels truly wild.

Cozy bedroom with metal bed frame, pillows with nautical design, two bedside tables with lamps, and a window overlooking the sea.
Cozy bedroom with two single beds, each with patterned bedding and decorative pillows. In between the beds are wooden nightstands with lamps. A framed picture hangs on a light-colored wall, and one window with plaid curtains is on the left.
Old white lighthouse tower with black lattice windows near a vast expanse of ocean under a partly cloudy sky.
Lighthouse on a cliff edge overlooking the ocean under a cloudy sky.
Cozy corner of a living room with a gray sectional sofa, colorful striped and patterned pillows, two lanterns on the window sills, and ocean view through white-framed windows.
Bedroom with single metal bed, side table with lamp, striped rug, and yellow curtains.

Essential Information

  • Meeting Time: 5pm

    Meeting Location:
    Foreland Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage
    Foreland Point
    Lynton
    EX35 6NE

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    Parking: Foreland Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage is approached via a long narrow private road, which descends steeply and with three hairpin bends. Therefore, we ask that you arrive for 5pm - parking in the designated area for lighthouse guests - and your host will drive everyone down together.

  • Foreland Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage is reached via a series of steps leading down the cliff side. The walk down is worth it though, as the cottage boasts grandstand views (and bags you some extra steps each day - a free mini workout each time we arrive and leave!).

    The cottage has been transformed by the National Trust into truly lovely accommodation which retains all the character while offering a cosy lounge, dining area, dedicated games room and balcony. You can also look out at the working part of the lighthouse (minus the foghorn!).

    Accommodation Address:
    Foreland Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage
    Foreland Point
    Lynton
    EX35 6NE

    Room Types:
    You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:

    Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a room with one other participant (bathrooms are shared).

    Double Rooms (bathrooms are shared with other rooms) sleep up to two participants booking together, with a double bed.

    Twin Rooms (bathrooms are shared with other rooms) sleep up to two participants booking together, with two single beds.

    Single Rooms (bathrooms are shared with other rooms) are for one participant and have a single bed.

  • Included:

    • 3 nights’ accommodation at Foreland Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage.

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.

    • Guided walks on 3 days (Days 2, 3 and 4).

    • Home-cooked set 2-course dinners at the accommodation on two evenings.

    • A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided) and some hot items too.

    • A DIY packed lunch (sandwich and snacks) for walks on Days 2 and 3. Please ensure you bring a lunch box or dry bag - to reduce waste, we do not supply cling film or sandwich bags.

    • Tea (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and squash at the accommodation.

    • Bedding and a towel - but don’t forget your own toiletries.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location.

    • Travel from the accommodation to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the door. On some days there could be a short drive required - we don't include transport and participants normally car share.

    • Dinner on one evening - we’ll book a table at a local restaurant to enjoy dinner as a group and you can purchase whatever you fancy from the menu available.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.

    • Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring something with you to enjoy at the accommodation.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should have the items listed.

  • • What level of fitness is needed?
    This trip is graded as Active. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.

    • Can I attend on my own?
    Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
    Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian meals, vegan meals, provide meals with gluten* free ingredients, and/or provide dairy* free meals - these options can be selected when booking. *Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.

    • What transport is provided during this experience?
    We may not provide transport for this experience. On some days there could be a short drive required to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the accommodation - participants normally car share.

    • Can I bring my dog?
    Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.

 

This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.