For more than 200 years, Dartmoor Prison has held its bleak and imposing position on the moors, surrounded by the vast landscape and battered by the relentless elements.  Today, there is a museum dedicated to its tale, attracting more than 35,000 visitors every year from all over the world to hear its grizzly stories.   Showcasing its turbulent history from Prisoner of War Depot for French and American prisoners of war, to the later convict era all the way through to the modern day, you can see life-size models of Napoleonic soldiers in colourful period uniforms, read about the Princetown Massacre, and read about tough measures used to control the toughest of men.  

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In addition to walking, the dramatic scenery of Dartmoor is well worth exploring by bike.  Paths are laid out to make the terrain easy to follow in places, although for the more adventurous cyclist, you can of course go ‘off piste’ so to speak. Dartmoor is perfect for children who are cycling and more proficient cyclists, so it’s ideal for a family day out in the fresh air - just make sure you take warm clothes as it does get a little breezy up there!  Parking is easy and the views you are rewarded with are well worth the effort. 

www.visitdartmoor.co.uk/things-to-do/cycling

Windswept moors and secluded woods, historic monuments and spectacular views, Dartmoor is all at once bleak, magical and inspiring - perfect for walking, strolling and exploring.  In the summer months it will take you on a spectacular tour of local wildlife, brimming with flowers, semi wild horses and vegetation.  In the winter months you can pretty much guarantee snow, ice and bracing winds, so wrap up warm and visit the pubs for a hearty lunch or cream tea.  For your visit you can also download an audio walk to an mp3 player, or simply do some of the circular routes that are easy to follow.  Driving up onto the moor is a joy in itself and there’s plenty of parking.

www.visitdartmoor.co.uk/things-to-do/walking

Well-established stables surrounded by breathtaking scenery and offering hacks across the moor for all abilities, as well as popular ‘Pub Rides’ stopping off for a hearty pub lunch en route. 

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A beautiful moorland course with views stretching all the way to Cornwall, Yelverton Golf Club delivers firm fairways and true quick greens throughout the year.  The traditional clubhouse invites you in with a warm welcome, whether you’re a guest or a member, while the 18-hole course brings you challenges, excitement, obstacles and visual beauty all round.  Visitors are welcome, with green fees starting at £30.  Remember that dress codes apply so be mindful of that before you arrive. 

www.yelvertongolf.co.uk

A traditional 18^th century Dartmoor inn with friendly staff and plenty of atmosphere serving home cooked dishes using locally sourced Dartmoor produce.  A great stop off whilst enjoying some of the wonderful walks in the area.

The Plume of Feathers The Square, Princetown, Yelverton PL20 6QQ (T: 01822 890240)

A friendly café in the centre of Princetown with plenty of outdoor seating, cosy sofas and wood burners.  Serves healthy lunches, snacks and cream teas all sourced from local suppliers.  Dogs, children, muddy boots and bicycles all welcome! 

Fox Tor Café 2 Two Bridges Road, Princetown, Dartmoor PL20 6QS (T: 01822 890238)

In a beautiful location in the heart of Dartmoor National Park this friendly hotel is a good spot to enjoy a morning coffee or cream tea in the cosy lounge, or an indulgent meal in the fine dining restaurant.  The attractively presented, creative dishes are accompanied by a superb selection of fine wines. 

Two Bridges Hotel & Restaurant Two Bridges, Dartmoor PL20 6SW (T: 01822 892300)

An acclaimed hotel restaurant in a stunning location surrounded by untamed moorland, serving light lunches along with evening fine dining and cream teas. 

Prince Hall Hotel Restaurant Two Bridges, Dartmoor, PL20 6SA (T: 018252 890403)

A historic village inn with lots of atmosphere, friendly staff, a menu full of well-cooked pub classics and a good range of real ales and local ciders.

The Royal Oak Inn Meavy, Yelverton PL20 6PJ (T: 01822 852944)

The popular beach at Wembury also offers acres of sand, award-winning clean, safe water for all ages to enjoy and an abundance of rock pools for little ones to explore. Take a stroll along the cliff paths towards Bovisand and Newton Ferrers for unrivalled coastal views, or visit Wembury Marine Centre which runs organised Rockpool Rambles throughout the summer months.  There is also a seasonal café, shop, car park and toilets.

One of South Devon’s quieter beaches, Mothecombe is a large and unspoiled, privately owned stretch of sand that’s open every day, all year round. Having won an award from the Marine Conservation Society for its clean sea and sand, you can be assured that relaxing here and pottering about in the water is going to be a happy, healthy and pleasant experience for all in this sheltered corner of Devon. For those wanting to try out water sports, Mothecombe offers the ideal conditions for windsurfing, kayaking, body boarding and generally enjoying the water, particularly for beginners as it’s a comparatively gentle environment in which to give it a go. Given its pristine nature, it will probably come as no surprise that dogs are not allowed on the beach in high season, so keep an eye out for signs for more information, but best to steer clear with furry friends from May to September. There is a car park from which you can access the beach down a narrow path, so it’s not ideal for wheelchair users, but is otherwise conveniently close by. There’s also a tea house in the car park for drinks and snacks and there are toilets nearby as well, so pending the tides you can spend a good day here enjoying the natural scenery and all the fun that it brings with it, whether that’s for the whole family, on a romantic afternoon in the summer sun, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of this less populated park of the coastline.

With fabulous views across Plymouth Sound, Kingsand beach is a sheltered sand and shingle beach on the Rame Peninsula in East Cornwall, perfect for beachlovers of all ages.  In the heart of the traditional fishing village of Kingsand, the beach is backed by narrow streets of  fishermans cottages and the famous Kingsand Clocktower as well as several cafes and pubs to choose from.  Dogs allowed all year, no lifeguard cover. 

A sand and shingle beach with boats to hire, rockpools to explore and safe swimming, Cawsand village beach is similar to neighbouring Kingsand but is the larger of the two beaches.  Historically a smuggling village, 17^th century Cawsand retains its narrow streets, pretty cottages and traditional pubs making it popular with visitors during the summer months .