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. 

Click here for further details

Run by Dartmoor resident and experienced guide Emma Cunis, Dartmoor’s Daughter creates walks and nature connection experiences on the moor to improve physical health and mental and emotional wellbeing. Working with a range of different experts to offer guided walks and activities for adults, families, and children, a trip with Dartmoors Daughter will be a holiday highlight. (Photo: Steve Haywood)

Click here for further details 

And now for something completely different ....Dartmoor Alpaca & Llama walks offer a range of walks suitable for all abilities and varying in length. Perfect for all ages over 8years this hugely enjoyable way to discover Dartmoors beautiful sweeping landscapes whilst leading a llama will be a hit for all animal lovers.  The walks operate all year round weather permitting from Ponsworthy near Widicombe in the Moor and can be tailored to requirments. 

Click here for further details 

A warm and friendly pub in the heart of Dartmoor with a menu full of well-cooked pub favourites, daily specials and good vegetarian options.  The home cooked pies, made with quality local ingredients, are particularly popular. 

Warren House Inn Postbridge, Yelverton PL20 6TA (T: 01822 880208)

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 fully licensed riverside restaurant with half a mile of tranquil river frontage and outside seating, specialising in Devon cream teas as well as a good range of home cooked meals, snacks and indulgent puddings.

Badgers Holt  Dartmeet, Yelverton PL20 6SG (T: 01364 631213)

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)

Popular with walkers, The Old Inn is a good spot to enjoy a pint of real ale or cider, Devon cream tea, tasty lunch or evening meal.  The food is fresh and seasonal, with specials focusing on hearty local meat dishes, and the surroundings warm and friendly. 

The Old Inn Widecombe in the Moor TQ13 7TA (T: 01364 621207)

Sitting at the mouth of the River Teign, Teignmouth is a traditional British seaside resort with a wide sandy beach backed by Georgian houses and a Victorian pier with amusement arcades and cafes.  The main beach, known as Town Beach, offers acres of sand to play on and sunbathe and if the mood takes you the safe waters are perfect for taking a dip.  The sheltered estuary is popular with kayakers and paddle boarders, and the award winning clean waters are home to plenty of sealife with dolphins spotted occaisionally offshore.  No dogs 1^st May – 30^th September. 

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.

In between Brixham and Paignton, this long, sandy beach is a popular spot with families, thanks to its sheltered waters, year-round facilities and easy parking. The Blue Flag beach is perfect for making sandcastles and searching for wildlife in the rockpools. There are toilets, and two places to get ice creams, coffees and soft drinks. What’s more, the car park is right by the beach, so there’s no need to lug your provisions a long way. Behind the pretty row of colourful beach huts, there’s a large grassy area, so don’t forget to pack a ball or rounders bat to keep the whole family entertained. Broadsands Beach is a popular dog walking spot throughout autumn and winter, but there is a seasonal dog ban during the summer months (1st May - 30th September).

This family friendly Blue Flag beach is the perfect spot for some traditional seaside fun.  The mile and a half long sandy beach with award winning clean waters is backed by sheltered sand dunes and grassland, home to over 600 types of flowering plants and a host of interesting birdlife.  If watersports are your thing you can have a go at surfing or body boarding under the watchful eye of the RNLI lifeguards, or enjoy the many family friendly amusements and rides.  The beach is easily accessible with plenty of parking, toilets and a choice of restaurants, cafes and bars plus deck chair hire.  Dogs welcome all year round in designated areas.