Selworthy is a hidden gem in southern England, one of the most picturesque villages you’ll find within the stunning Exmoor National Park and all of Devon. With its thatched-roof cottages, vibrant gardens, and gently rolling meadows, it’s as if you’ve stepped into a timeless scene straight from a storybook. Nestled atop a hill, this charming village boasts sweeping views over the lush valleys below and the sparkling coastline in the distance. It’s also the perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside on foot, with countless hiking trails waiting to be discovered.
But that’s not all—no visit to Selworthy would be complete without a stop at the village’s cozy tearoom, which adds that extra touch of magic to this already enchanting place. We’ve enjoyed our fair share of cream teas in Devon and Cornwall, but the one in Selworthy stood out as particularly special.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through the best spots in Selworthy, from its historic buildings to its stunning viewpoints. You’ll soon see why this tiny village in southern England is a must-visit destination, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty and old-world charm.
Why Selworthy is Worth a visit
Selworthy is one of those charming villages that welcomes you the moment you arrive. Stepping into it feels like walking into a living painting, with thatched-roof cottages, vibrant flower gardens, and winding paths just waiting to be explored. The village is small—so small you can easily stroll through it in no time—but it’s precisely this intimate, countryside charm that makes it so endearing. What made Selworthy unforgettable for us, though, was the quintessentially English tearoom right at the heart of the village.
We’ve had our fair share of cream teas in Devon and Cornwall, but this one truly stood out from the rest. Set in a quaint thatched cottage, surrounded by a colorful, blooming garden, the scene was perfection. The air was filled with the mouthwatering scent of freshly baked scones, and the clotted cream was just the right amount of rich, perfectly complemented by a uniquely flavored jam. It wasn’t just a cup of tea—it was an experience. Sitting in the garden, surrounded by flowers and with views of the rolling hills, we found the perfect moment of peace and relaxation after a week of exploring Exmoor.
Selworthy may not be a place where you’ll lose track of time, wandering for hours, but combined with that delightful tearoom, it’s undoubtedly worth the visit.
Things to Do in Selworthy
#1 Selworthy Village
Selworthy Village feels like it’s been plucked straight from a postcard. This tiny, enchanting village is famous for its picture-perfect thatched cottages and the peaceful, rolling meadows that surround it. At its heart, a cluster of houses with soft, buttery-yellow façades and colorful, flower-filled gardens creates an atmosphere where it feels as though time has slowed down.
The cottages here were built in 1828 by Sir Thomas Dyke Acland, originally as homes for retired workers from the nearby Holnicote Estate. Today, they draw visitors who long to experience the charm of a traditional English countryside village. Managed by the National Trust, the village enjoys exceptional care and preservation, keeping its timeless beauty and welcoming spirit perfectly intact.
#2 Periwinkle Cottage Tea Room
The Periwinkle Cottage Tea Room is an absolute must for anyone visiting Selworthy. In fact, it’s likely this very tea room that turned our stop in Selworthy into one of the highlights of our time in Exmoor National Park. While you can find other spots to enjoy a traditional Devon cream tea, this one stands out as perhaps the most characterful place to savor it.
Nestled in a charming seventeenth-century cottage, the tearoom exudes warmth the moment you step inside. You’re immediately greeted by the delicious aroma of freshly baked scones, combined with the cozy atmosphere of exposed wooden beams and a crackling open fireplace that makes it feel like a perfect escape from the outside world.
The outside is just as inviting. Behind the cottage, a beautiful garden bursts with flowers and vibrant greenery. On sunny days, it’s the perfect spot to relax with a traditional Devon cream tea—scones piled high with clotted cream and jam, paired with a steaming pot of English tea. We particularly loved the whortleberry jam, made from locally foraged berries, which offered a delightful twist on the classic strawberry jam.
The tearoom is a favorite among walkers and visitors to the nearby Holnicote Estate. Dogs are more than welcome, and muddy boots are never an issue. The tearoom is open for most of the year, but it’s always best to check the opening hours before you go.
#3 All Saints’ Church
All Saints’ Church stands majestically on the outskirts of Selworthy, perched on a hill with panoramic views over Porlock Vale and the rolling hills beyond. Dating back to the fifteenth century, this beautiful church has withstood the test of time, maintaining its timeless charm and character.
Inside, you’ll discover a wealth of fascinating details. Among them is the seventeenth-century pulpit, complete with a sand timer, and an iron parish chest from the same era. One of the church’s most remarkable features is the ‘Chained Book’ from 1609, once belonging to Bishop John Jewel. The church is Grade I listed, a prestigious status that recognizes it as one of England’s most historically significant buildings.
The churchyard is equally captivating. With its sweeping views across Exmoor, it offers a serene and peaceful spot to pause and take in the landscape. At sunset, the scene becomes even more enchanting, casting a magical glow over the surroundings. There is parking available near the church, which also serves as the main car park for the village.
#4 Selworthy Beacon
Selworthy Beacon offers some of the most stunning views in Exmoor. Rising 308 meters above the landscape, it’s one of the highest points in the area, giving you a sweeping panorama of rolling hills, the rugged coastline of the Bristol Channel, and, on clear days, even a distant view of South Wales.
But the beauty of Selworthy Beacon goes beyond its scenic vistas—it’s steeped in history, too. In the sixteenth century, the summit served as an important lookout point. Fires were lit here to warn nearby communities of approaching danger, serving as an early alarm system for the surrounding area. Today, a National Trust plaque marks this fascinating history, offering a reminder of how this spot once played a key role in safeguarding the local community.
#5 Holnicote Estate
The Holnicote Estate is one of Exmoor National Park’s true treasures. Spanning over 5,000 hectares, this vast and captivating estate is managed by the National Trust, showcasing an incredible variety of landscapes—from lush woodlands and wild heathlands to tranquil valleys and dramatic coastlines. It feels as if you’re stepping through multiple worlds in one place, with rugged cliffs, gentle hills, and hidden streams all merging to create a rich, ever-changing tapestry of nature. The estate is also home to charming villages like Selworthy, Bossington, and Allerford, each more picturesque than the last.
Holnicote is celebrated for its abundant wildlife, offering a great chance to spot iconic Exmoor ponies, red deer, and badgers in their natural surroundings. For bird enthusiasts, the skies above the heathland are often graced by soaring birds of prey, adding to the estate’s allure. Whether you’re looking for a short, scenic stroll or a more challenging hike, Holnicote offers a wealth of walking trails to suit every adventurer. With so much to explore, it’s a place that truly invites you to connect with the wild beauty of Exmoor.
#6 Selworthy Circular Walk
The Selworthy Circular Walk is a picturesque trail that takes you through some of Exmoor’s most stunning landscapes. This 8-kilometer loop begins and ends in the charming village of Selworthy, offering a delightful mix of woodlands, heathlands, and sweeping coastal views. Along the way, you’ll encounter iconic landmarks like Selworthy Beacon, as well as historic gems such as Bury Castle, a fascinating Iron Age settlement.
The trail is well signposted and perfect for those with a moderate level of fitness. You’ll wander through rolling hills and peaceful forests, where the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze is often the only sound to accompany you. While some sections of the path can be a bit steeper, the effort is always rewarded with spectacular views. The ascent to Selworthy Beacon, in particular, unveils a panoramic vista that makes the climb feel utterly worthwhile.
Typically, the walk takes around two to three hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend pausing to take in the breathtaking scenery along the way.
#7 Hurlstone Point
Hurlstone Point is a striking cliff on the Exmoor coast, offering some of the most breathtaking views in the area. Located just a short distance from the village of Bossington, near Selworthy, it boasts a sweeping panorama of the Bristol Channel. On clear days, you can even spot South Wales on the distant horizon. The walk to the top is a pleasant 1.5-kilometer journey, beginning at the car park in Bossington. As you ascend, you’ll pass through lush green hills and jagged rock formations, with glimpses of the sparkling sea breaking through the landscape.
At the summit, you’ll encounter the ruins of an old coastguard lookout station, a piece of history now long abandoned. The views from here are truly remarkable, with the coastline stretching out below and the vast sky above. At sunset, the scene becomes even more magical, as the sky above the water is bathed in soft, warm colors, making it a perfect moment to pause and take in the beauty of Exmoor.
