Exmoor Bunkhouse

You'll find the Exmoor Bunkhouse tucked into the North Devon landscape near Lynton, a no-frills base camp for people who want to walk the moors properly without paying hotel prices. It's the kind of place where you roll up with muddy boots, sleep in shared dormitories or small rooms, and spend your days exploring Exmoor's highest points and coastal paths rather than faffing about with room service.

The appeal is straightforward: budget accommodation that gets walkers and outdoor types organised quickly. You're here for the walking, the air, the views across the Bristol Channel - not the Egyptian cotton sheets. Groups of friends, solo hikers tackling the South West Coast Path, and families wanting to rough it a bit all work well here.

It slots nicely into a wider Exmoor holiday if you're mixing budget stays with proper exploration. Lynmouth itself sits right at the valley bottom, all steep Victorian charm and coastal atmosphere, while the bunkhouse gives you moorland access without the seaside-resort markup. If you prefer something with more amenities, Lynmouth Holiday Retreat is only a couple of miles away and offers a different flavour entirely.

Allow a night or three depending on your walking plans - one night barely scratches the surface of what Exmoor offers. Summer's the obvious choice, though autumn brings proper weather for serious walkers. The moors themselves are free to roam; you're just paying for the roof and the bed.