Montrose

The steep lanes above Minehead climb through oak and beech to where the moor begins to breathe, and Montrose sits tucked into that fold between coast and upland, the kind of place where you wake to birdsong and the distant call of Exmoor ponies.

This is a solid choice for couples walking the coast path or families wanting a base that's softer than canvas—there are camping pods for those after a bit of shelter, plus guest house rooms when the weather turns or you fancy proper sheets. The location puts you right on the edge of the national park, with Minehead's harbour and Victorian seafront a short drop downhill, and the high moor spreading west toward Dunkery Beacon.

It's worth asking about dogs before you book, and check the campfire situation when you arrive—policies can shift with the season and the ground. Open all year, so it suits winter walkers as much as summer campers. Expect a quieter, more traditional vibe than the big holiday sites closer to town—this feels more like a stopover than a destination, in the best possible way.