TOURISM season on Exmoor starts to ramp up this weekend with the opening of the national park authority’s (ENPA) three visitor centres.

The National Park Centres open on Saturday (March 29) in Dunster, Dulverton, and Lynmouth.

It will be the first season for the Dulverton centre in its new location within ENPA’s historic Exmoor House headquarters, a former Victorian workhouse, after its controversial relocation from the town centre.

Along with the centres in Dunster and Lynmouth, it features Exmoor films, hands-on displays, and a wealth of information about the national park, as well as local products and guides.

Dunster is also showcasing a series of moorland paintings by acclaimed artist Emily Grocott, while Lynmouth is hosting an exhibition by renowned photographer Mark Asprey.

ENPA enterprise and communications manager Dan James said: “"Tourism is worth an estimated £232 million to the rural economy of Exmoor, but its value is so much more.

“National parks were created to not only protect our most precious landscapes but to give everybody the opportunity to access them.

“With the nature and climate crisis and continued social pressures it has never been more important to reconnect people and nature.

“Our centres offer a warm welcome and expert advice on discovering more of Exmoor and its special qualities.

“We hope to share some of Exmoor’s story and encourage people to give back by helping us to keep Exmoor special and supporting our rural communities.

“Our award-winning centres are here for everybody, visitors and local communities alike.

“For decades we have been helping people to find ‘their’ Exmoor and after the last couple of challenging years we are hoping for a great start to the season.”

The three centres will be open seven days a week from 10 am to 5 pm until early November.