North Dartmoor
North Dartmooor provides an excellent base for exploring the moor and Devon's northern coastline too.
Belstone, a village steeped in folklore boasts a dramatic 'Tor' which rises up to a dizzying 1500ft. There are a number of Bronze Age remains within the parish. The most notorious is the Nine Maidens stone circle, named after a group of young women said to have been turned to stone as punishment for dancing on a Sunday. Confusingly, the stones are also known as the Seventeen Brothers, who allegedly suffered the same fate. Either way, the stones are said to “dance” at noon every day, so it’s worth a look to see if you can spot them swaying!
The town of Chagford is also well worth a visit for the numerous arts and crafts shops, homely cafes and pubs and legendary hardware store (yes, you read that correctly).
Nearby is Cheriton Bishop. A quaint little village situated on the eastern edge of Dartmoor allowing complete immersion in the wild whilst being only 10 miles from the thriving city of Exeter, with its excellent shopping, historic architecture and great art scene.
East Dartmoor
The village of Manaton is a great spot for exploring Dartmoor. The tourist attraction, Becky Falls, is literally on the doorstep, but it’s also just a short drive to the picturesque villages of Lustleigh and Widecombe in the Moor, both great for a wander round and a cream tea. Venturing further into the moors you will reach Haytor, a famous outcrop of granite, particularly popular with climbers. If you don’t have a head for heights you can sit back and watch those who do ascend the vertical face of the rock or walk the loop right around the tor. Look out for the disused granite tramway on your way round.
The Teign Valley is a wonderful area of wooded valleys in the foothills of Dartmoor. From here Exeter and Topsham are within easy reach, and the nearby market town of Bovey Tracey holds claim to being the “Gateway to Dartmoor”. The town is home to the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, where you can watch craftsmen at work producing wares including jewellery, glass, textiles and prints.
South Dartmoor
The quaint little village of Rattery is located just on the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park and close to the South Hams market town of Totnes. Nearby is the pretty town of Ashburton, with its independent shops, cafes and delis. Or venture through South Brent up the narrow lanes to the small car park at Shipley Bridge. From here you can walk to the Avon Dam. A pedestrianised road follows the river all the way to the dam so it is great for pushchairs and kids’ bikes and scooters.
Shaugh Prior is a great spot for walking, with a scenic riverside path through the woods and up onto the moors. The villiage is within easy reach of Plymouth, which is worth a visit for a stroll along the Barbican or a trip to the National Marine Aquarium. If you drive onto the moors, stop off at nearby Cadover Bridge. It has a large car-park so is a great place for a picnic or base if you fancy a longer hike. Tavistock is also close by and is certainly worth a visit on market days.
Staying in one of our holiday cottages on South Dartmoor means you‘ll not only be immersed in moorland life, but you’re not far from the South Devon coastline and its fantastic beaches.
Central Dartmoor
Situated in the heart of Dartmoor is the village of Postbridge, famous for its clapper bridge which is said to date back as early as the 12th century. The clapper bridge is still intact and stands next to the current road bridge. The surrounding area is scattered with remnants of Neolithic monuments and Bronze Age settlements, so it’s definitely worth a stroll around to see what you can find and allow yourself to step back in time.
From Postbridge both Moretonhampstead and Princetown are within a short drive. The latter is home to the infamous Dartmoor Prison which was originally built to house prisoners from the Napoleonic War. It was completed in 1809 and is remains a working prison with a visitors centre and museum.
West Dartmoor
Yelverton, on the edge of the moor, offers a good base for exploring Plymouth and is also close to the nearby market town of Tavistock, which has both high street and independent shops and a pleasant riverside walk. Travelling east into the centre of the moor towards Princetown, you will find Burrator Reservoir, a popular spot for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
To the west of Dartmoor is the small village of Chillaton, whose history of mining and quarrying is still evident if you look hard enough. Grassy hummocks in the valley hide old spoil heaps and you may spot a beautiful old stone kiln as you wander round. The North Cornwall coast is within easy reach, as are both Launceston and Tavistock. Lydford is also worth a visit. Standing on the western edge of Dartmoor, this tiny village has a big history. It was once of strategic importance and has its own small castle, but a real must is to take a stroll to the dramatic waterfall and the whirlpools, known as the ‘Devil’s cauldron’ at Lydford Gorge.
Locations to visit
Things to do
Food & drink
Beaches
