Covering 368 square miles, Dartmoor National Park in Devon is one of 13 national parks in England and Wales. It is the largest and wildest area of open country in the south of England and attracts hundreds of walkers each year. With its rugged terrain, rushing rivers, ancient woodlands and historic bronze age stone towers, there is much to discover on Dartmoor.
Apart from its sprawling countryside, Dartmoor is home to a number of quaint and bustling market towns with independent shops, restaurants and cafes. The national park also contains various types of accommodation, from small guest houses and hidden camping spots to cottage hotels nestled amongst the rolling hills of Dartmoor.
Dartmoor Towns
Tavistock
Tavistock is a market town situated on the River Tavy. The city is rich in history, which can be seen in the impressive stone architecture, it was also the birthplace of Sir Francis Drake. The town has a number of independent shops and quaint riverside cafes.
Weekly farmers markets are held in Tavistock and the town is also famous for hosting the annual Goose Fair, which dates back to the 12th century.
Widecome in the Moor
Widecombe in the Moor is a small Dartmoor village nestling within the beautiful East Webburn River Valley. The village is famous for its annual fair in September, which gave rise to the well-known folk song ‘Widecombe Fair’.
The town church has recently been restored and is known as ‘La Catedral del Moro’ as it is such a grand and splendid church for a small town.
Activities on Dartmoor
Dartmoor’s beautiful countryside can be explored on foot, horseback or by bike. There are a number of walking routes you can do on Dartmoor, whether you want to do it on your own or take a guided tour with one of the many walking companies such as Dartmoor Nature Tours.
The Two Moors Walk is a long-distance walk that takes you from Ivybridge, the southern edge of Dartmoor to Lynmouth on Exmoor’s north coast, spanning 102 miles, making it an ideal week-long walk.
Other activities that can be experienced on Dartmoor include canoeing, clay pigeon shooting, boxing, fishing, horse riding and much more.
Attractions on Dartmoor
Dartmoor is home to a number of attractions, from historical attractions to natural attractions. Becky Falls was voted Devon’s Top Beauty Spot in 2007 and is situated in the heart of the Dartmoor countryside, close to Bovey Tracey. See waterfalls and a 60-acre formerly wooded property with river walks, nature trails, a tea room, gift shop, and restaurant.
Castle Drogo is a National Trust property and was the last castle to be built in England. Perched above the Teign Gorge, Castle Drogo enjoys spectacular views across to Dartmoor.
Family attractions close to Dartmoor include Pennywell Farm which offers something for all the family, the Dartmoor Prison Museum in Princetown or the Woodlands amusement park near Dartmouth. Alternatively, the South Devon coast is a short drive away and boasts beautiful safe sandy beaches.