Exmoor Explorer EX1 - Ilfracombe to Coombe Martin, Lynmouth, Porlock, Minehead & Blue Anchor
The Exmoor Coaster runs to a mixed timetable – with buses running daily from 25th May until 31st August 2025.
- Low season timetable runs 25th May to 23rd July with closed top double deckers.
- Peak season timetable runs 24th July to 31st August with open-top double deckers.
Places to visit along the way
Highlights
All places
- Blue Anchor
- Carhampton
- Dunster
- Minehead
- Minehead Butlins
- Bratton
- Selworthy
- Holnicote
- Allerford
- Porlock
- Porlock Hill
- Whitstone Post
- Exmoor County Gate
- Countisbury
- Lynmouth
- Barbrook
- Woody Bay station
- Parracombe
- Blackmoor Gate
- Coombe Martin
- Sandaway Beach
- Watermouth Bay
- Hele Bay
- Ilfracombe
- Ilfracombe Harbour
Sights to see along the way
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
Track and points at the end of the passing loop at Blue Anchor in Somerset. This is part of the West Somerset Heritage Railway, which runs from Bishop's Lydeard to Minehead.
The beach in Blue Anchor, Somerset, England, UK - looking at the Bristol channel
Ilfracombe Harbour Devon England UK
Broad Strand Beach near Combe Martin in North Devon, England, UK
Walking route Ilfracombe beach, cliffs, view of the sea and stones, selective focus SSUCv3H4sIAAAAAAAACpyRz27DIAzG75P2DhHnRkpC/nWvUu3gEJqgEqiAdJqqvvsMhIrzbvhn+7M/8/z8KAoygRWMfBVPH2EspNytM+CEVoir08ENVzM3OXkY2lc54LNw2giQOZzAsVXBxhGqXUqPXyFJrAO3W2799AMxcHxBjQjfEnHFS4yLlAhJ7MAUIaeM2X0KLKEo/q/O+PhObmDhiv2GhTMjhksO0cgllpLbj+Nmy63BPguduXpoBtIX0EzpbgQTasnatFvD2VMb07tyxq/w3pxIre8wSX/iK2ryxFewFsvnxLNBDD9Zb9kcpV0wcKiSGX/ChzVt+nGkYzf0XVPT8dwfBfH3VoE6YZ0khDG7iTm3LvwG5NpQyti1LWGkQ9kOLZTntmrK4Yyq0LWspjUe/vUHAAD//wMACdZAFpgCAAA=
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
Click or tap an image to view it larger and read more about where it is.
Exmoor Explorer EX1 - Ilfracombe to Coombe Martin, Lynmouth, Porlock, Minehead & Blue Anchor
The Exmoor Explorer (formerly Exmoor Coaster) bus route is a gateway to the natural splendour of Exmoor National Park, providing a memorable journey through one of England’s most captivating regions.
Starting down the road from the charming coastal town of Minehead, at the Blue Anchor holiday park, the route embarks on a scenic adventure that showcases the diverse landscapes and rich history of Exmoor.
Minehead, with its traditional seaside allure, is the perfect starting point for your day’s adventure. Known for its sweeping promenade and the historic West Somerset Railway, Minehead offers visitors a blend of coastal beauty and nostalgic charm.
The town is a bustling hub of activity, with sandy beaches, independent shops, and delightful cafes, making it an ideal place to explore before boarding the Exmoor Coaster.
As the bus ascends into the heart of Exmoor, passengers are treated to panoramic views of rolling hills, verdant valleys, and the rugged coastline.
Exmoor National Park is renowned for its dramatic scenery, with vast moorlands that stretch into the horizon, ancient woodlands, and tranquil rivers. The area is rich in wildlife, including red deer and the iconic Exmoor ponies, making the journey a nature lover’s delight.
The route concludes in Ilfracombe, a vibrant town that combines natural beauty with cultural heritage. Ilfracombe’s picturesque harbour, dominated by the striking statue of Verity by Damien Hirst, is a focal point.
The town’s Victorian architecture, quaint streets, and stunning coastal views make it a delightful destination. Ilfracombe also offers access to the South West Coast Path, perfect for those wishing to explore further.
The Exmoor Explorer (formerly Exmoor Coaster) seamlessly connects these highlights, offering a comfortable and scenic travel experience that captures the essence of Exmoor, Minehead, and Ilfracombe, making it a must-do for both locals and visitors alike.
Dogs are welcome,
bring your adorable pooch onboard
Dogs can usually travel with you onboard this route. However, it's at the driver's discretion, the driver will consider things like if there is already another pet on the bus when making their decision. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are of course allowed at all times.
