Exmoor National Park Centre, Dulverton - Dulverton

Exmoor National Park Centre, Dulverton: A Comprehensive Guide

The Exmoor National Park Centre, located in Dulverton, Somerset, serves as a vital hub for visitors exploring the breathtaking Exmoor landscape. Situated at Exmoor House, Kemps Way, Dulverton TA22 9HL, United Kingdom, this centre offers a wealth of information and resources to enhance any visit to this remarkable National Park. The centre’s phone number is 1398323841, and its website, accessible at exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk, provides detailed maps, trails, and events information.

Specialties: Primarily a visitor center, the Exmoor National Park Centre has evolved to become a significant local craft hub, offering a curated selection of goods produced by local artisans. While the original National Park Centre moved to a more remote location – Exmoor House by the river – the present facility maintains its commitment to providing essential information and showcasing the region’s heritage. It’s important to note that the centre’s role has shifted, focusing more on crafts and local products while still serving as a key point of contact for park information.

Location and Accessibility

Dulverton, the town where the centre is located, is nestled within Exmoor National Park. Reaching the centre requires navigating quite, narrow roads, and visitors should be particularly mindful of potential flooding during inclement weather. The centre’s location at Exmoor House provides a scenic setting, offering glimpses of the surrounding moorland.

Accessibility is a key consideration. The facility boasts a wheelchair-accessible car park and an accessible entrance, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can easily access the centre. Furthermore, wheelchair-accessible toilets are available on-site. Visitors can utilize credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for transactions. The centre also provides a selection of goods, catering to a range of budgets.

What to Expect at the Centre

The Exmoor National Park Centre offers a multifaceted experience for visitors. It’s designed to be an engaging and informative destination, suitable for all ages. A significant draw for families is the good for kids aspect, with opportunities to learn about the park’s wildlife and history in an interactive and enjoyable manner.

• Information and Resources: The centre provides detailed maps, trail guides, and information about the park’s diverse habitats, including woodlands, moorland, and coastline. Staff are on hand to answer questions and offer personalized recommendations.
• Local Crafts: Visitors can browse and purchase a variety of locally made crafts, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, and artwork. These products represent the skill and creativity of local artisans.
• Wildlife Displays: Exhibits showcase the park’s remarkable wildlife, including the iconic Exmoor ponies, birds, and other creatures that inhabit the area.
• Events and Activities: The centre regularly hosts events and activities, such as guided walks, wildlife spotting sessions, and craft workshops. Check the website for the latest schedule.

Visitor Feedback and Reputation

The Exmoor National Park Centre consistently receives positive feedback from visitors. Currently, it has 123 reviews on Google My Business, with an average opinion of 4.8/5. This demonstrates a strong level of satisfaction among those who have visited the centre. The positive comments frequently highlight the helpfulness of the staff, the wealth of information available, and the enjoyable atmosphere.

While some reviewers have mentioned the challenging road access and the evolving nature of the centre (with the original National Park Centre relocated), the overwhelming sentiment is one of appreciation for the centre's role as a valuable resource and a showcase for local craftsmanship.

Other points of interest: Beyond the centre itself, Dulverton offers a range of amenities and attractions, including independent shops, restaurants, and pubs. The village, while charming, can be considered somewhat expensive. Camping opportunities exist in the surrounding area, providing a more budget-friendly option. The park itself, with its stunning scenery and roaming wildlife (particularly the Wild Ponies), is undoubtedly the main draw for visitors. It’s a testament to the area’s natural beauty that many visitors state they’re ‘blessed to live & work here,’ highlighting the profound connection people have with this unique landscape.

Recommended Information for Visitors:

• Plan your visit in advance: Check the website for opening hours, events, and trail conditions.
• Allow ample time: The centre and the surrounding area offer a significant amount to explore.
• Be prepared for varied weather: Exmoor’s weather can change rapidly, so dress accordingly.
• Respect the environment: Follow the park’s guidelines for responsible tourism.
• Consider alternative routes: Due to the narrow roads, alternative routes may be necessary, especially during periods of rain.

👍 Reviews of Exmoor National Park Centre, Dulverton

ray G.

3/5

Quite, narrow roads, if raining floods likely, lovely scenery, expensive village, camping good, Dulverton not like it used to be unfortunately.

Dave S.

5/5

I'm blessed to live & work here.
You don't need to go abroad, just visit this magnificent National Park.
Wildlife is outstanding as well as the Wild Ponies roaming around.

Grant M.

5/5

No longer a national park centre but a wonderful local craft centre, with well priced products. National park centre has been moved to the back of beyond at exmoor house by the river.

Adrian W.

5/5

Very enjoyable, lots of information, and things to see, very friendly.

Sue W.

5/5

We had a beautiful day out at Tarr Steps and Dulverton

jerry S.

5/5

Super place, staff extremely helpful

Wendy L.

5/5

Loads of great walks. Country pubs.

Andy H.

5/5

We popped in to get some information on National parks that are accessible for wheelchair users. The lady that helped us was very friendly and knowledgeable about the surrounding areas which was great. She suggested a visit to Wimblebor Lake which was a short drive from the centre. We had an excellent afternoon there and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thankyou!