Dartmoor National Park boasts over 160 granite tors and more than 10,000 archaeological sites from the Bronze Age – making it home to the highest concentration of prehistoric remains in Western Europe. This ancient landscape has inspired countless myths, artists, and even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” Beyond its mysterious reputation, Dartmoor offers an incredible variety of experiences from wild swimming spots and ancient woodlands to charming villages and exceptional local cuisine.
Getting to Dartmoor & Planning Your Journey
Dartmoor National Park is located in Devon, southwest England. The closest major airports are Exeter (30 minutes), Bristol (1.5 hours), and London Heathrow (3.5 hours). Most visitors find having a car essential for exploring Dartmoor’s scattered attractions.
Plan Your Dartmoor Journey
Start your adventure by securing the best transportation options to Dartmoor.
If you prefer public transportation, trains run to Exeter, Plymouth, and Newton Abbot, with connecting buses to various Dartmoor towns like Tavistock, Okehampton, and Moretonhampstead. However, service can be limited, especially on weekends.
For those arriving via cruise ships, Plymouth serves as a port of call for several cruise lines, with Dartmoor just a 20-minute drive away.
Best Time to Visit Dartmoor & Weather Tips
Recommended Seasons to Visit
Spring (April-May)
An ideal time to visit as temperatures range from 10-17°C (50-63°F). The landscape comes alive with wildflowers, particularly bluebells in late April and May. Rainfall is moderate, and the tourist crowds are lighter than summer.
Summer (June-August)
The most popular season with temperatures between 15-22°C (59-72°F). Expect more visitors, especially in August, but enjoy longer daylight hours perfect for hiking. Book accommodations well in advance.
Autumn (September-October)
A beautiful time with changing colors and temperatures of 9-17°C (48-63°F). Visitor numbers drop significantly after school holidays, and you’ll find better accommodation deals.
Winter (November-March)
For the adventurous, winter offers a dramatic, misty Dartmoor with temperatures of 3-9°C (37-48°F). Expect some attraction closures and limited daylight hours, but the atmospheric landscapes and cozy pubs make up for it.
Weather Warning: Dartmoor’s weather can change rapidly regardless of season. Always check forecasts before setting out, bring waterproof clothing, and let someone know your planned route when hiking.
Getting Around Dartmoor Locally
By Car
The most flexible option. Dartmoor’s narrow lanes require careful driving, especially when encountering livestock. Many car parks charge fees (bring coins), while some roadside parking is free.
Public Transport
The Haytor Hoppa and Dartmoor Explorer buses operate in summer. The Transmoor Link connects Yelverton and Tavistock to Okehampton and Exeter. Services are limited, so check timetables carefully.
Walking & Cycling
Dartmoor offers extensive walking paths and cycling routes. The Dartmoor Way is a 95 km (59 mi) circular cycling route around the moor’s edge, with an additional 27 km (17 mi) across its center.
Where to Stay in Dartmoor
Dartmoor offers accommodation options ranging from luxury country houses to camping under the stars. The most charming places to stay are in the small villages dotted around the moor’s edge.
Luxury Options
Bovey Castle near North Bovey offers 5-star luxury with a golf course and spa. The Ilsington Country House Hotel provides elegant rooms and excellent dining with spectacular views of Haytor.
Mid-range & B&Bs
Charming villages like Chagford, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, and Lustleigh offer character-filled B&Bs and inns. The Rugglestone Inn in Widecombe combines accommodation with excellent pub food.
Budget & Camping
River Dart Country Park offers camping and caravan pitches with excellent facilities. For a wilder experience, Dartmoor is one of the few places in England that permits wild camping in designated areas.
Find Your Perfect Dartmoor Stay
Book accommodation early, especially for summer visits and in popular villages.
Dining & Local Cuisine in Dartmoor
Dartmoor’s food scene combines traditional Devon fare with modern gastronomy, often featuring locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding farmland.
Must-Try Local Specialties
Recommended Dining Spots
Fine Dining
The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford offers exceptional cuisine in an elegant but unpretentious setting. Lewtrenchard Manor provides a grand dining experience in a historic Jacobean manor house.
Pubs & Casual Dining
The Rugglestone Inn in Widecombe serves hearty portions of traditional pub fare. The Folklore Kitchen and Social in Chagford is perfect for breakfast and lunch with excellent sourdough.
Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Dartmoor
Ancient Tors & Landscapes
Haytor
One of Dartmoor’s most accessible and impressive tors, with metal rungs installed during Queen Victoria’s era to help visitors climb to the top. The panoramic views are spectacular on clear days.
Hound Tor
The inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” this atmospheric tor is particularly dramatic on misty days. Don’t miss the nearby medieval village ruins, just 600m away.
Magical Woodlands
Wistman’s Wood
This rare patch of ancient woodland feels like stepping into a fantasy novel. Gnarled oak trees covered in lichen create an otherworldly atmosphere. The 2.6 km (1.6 mi) return trail is relatively easy but wear sturdy footwear.
Black-a-Tor Copse
Less visited than Wistman’s Wood but equally magical, this ancient woodland requires a longer walk but rewards with solitude and Lord of the Rings-like scenery. The 5 km (3.1 mi) walk includes some boggy sections.
Historic Sites
Castle Drogo
England’s last castle, built in the early 20th century. This National Trust property combines modern amenities with medieval aesthetics. The gardens and Teign Gorge walks are highlights.
Grimspound
Dating back over 3,000 years to the Bronze Age, this prehistoric settlement contains the remains of 24 stone huts. The remote location adds to its atmospheric appeal.
Explore Dartmoor’s Treasures
Discover guided tours and activities to make the most of your Dartmoor visit.
Charming Villages of Dartmoor
Widecombe-in-the-Moor
Home to the “Cathedral of the Moors,” a 14th-century church with an impressive tower. This picture-perfect village hosts a famous fair in September and offers excellent cream teas at the Café on the Green.
Lustleigh
Often described as Dartmoor’s prettiest village, Lustleigh features stunning thatched cottages and winding lanes. The village tea room serves traditional Devon cream teas in a charming setting.
Chagford
A vibrant small town with excellent food options, including the Folklore Kitchen and Social for breakfast and the Fat Mouse Dairy for artisanal cheese. The narrow approach roads are worth navigating for this delightful spot.
Waterfalls & Wild Swimming Spots
Sharrah Pool
Dartmoor’s premier wild swimming spot with crystal-clear emerald waters. The 3.2 km (2 mi) walk from Newbridge car park follows a well-maintained path along the River Dart.
Venford Falls
A hidden gem often missed by visitors. This small but atmospheric waterfall is surrounded by moss-covered rocks creating a fairy grotto feel. The short 1.6 km (1 mi) return walk is relatively easy.
Lydford Gorge
Devon’s deepest gorge features the spectacular 30m (98ft) White Lady Waterfall and the swirling Devil’s Cauldron. The National Trust maintains well-marked trails, though some sections can be slippery.
Family-Friendly Activities in Dartmoor
Pennywell Farm
A hands-on animal experience where children can hold miniature pigs and feed lambs. Additional activities include play areas, tractor rides, and a maze, making it perfect for a full day out.
House of Marbles
This free attraction in Bovey Tracey features fascinating marble runs, a museum, and a restaurant filled with curiosities. The giant marble run activated by a button is particularly impressive.
Dartmoor Pony Spotting
The iconic Dartmoor ponies roam freely across the moor. Reliable spotting locations include the areas around Haytor and along the road between Two Bridges and Tavistock. Remember they’re wild animals – observe but don’t touch.
Family Tip: The River Dart Country Park offers excellent facilities for families, including adventure playgrounds, a man-made beach, and various outdoor activities. It’s perfect for active families who enjoy the outdoors.
Outdoor Adventures & Activities
Hiking & Walking
Dartmoor offers walks for all abilities, from gentle strolls to challenging hikes. Popular routes include the Haytor and Hound Tor circuit (9.7 km/6 mi), the Avon Dam walk (accessible for strollers), and the challenging Tavy Cleave route with spectacular scenery.
Cycling
The Dartmoor Way provides a 95 km (59 mi) circular route around the moor’s edge. Mountain bikers can enjoy trails at Haldon Forest Park, which offers routes for various skill levels. Bike rentals are available at several locations including Tavistock and Okehampton.
Horse Riding
Experience Dartmoor as travelers did for centuries – on horseback. Several stables offer guided treks across the moor for riders of all abilities, with Shilstone Rocks and Babeny Farm being popular choices.
Book Your Dartmoor Adventure
Secure guided outdoor experiences with local experts.
Seasonal Highlights in Dartmoor
Spring
Bluebells transform Dartmoor’s woodlands in April and May. Holwell Lawn offers accessible displays with pathways between the flowers. Emsworthy Mire features field upon field of bluebells, while White Wood provides a woodland setting.
Summer
The perfect time for wild swimming in Dartmoor’s rivers and pools. Summer also brings the Widecombe Fair (September), a traditional country fair dating back hundreds of years with livestock shows and local crafts.
Autumn
Dartmoor’s woodlands display spectacular autumn colors, particularly at Lydford Gorge and Becky Falls. The clearer air offers excellent visibility for photography of the dramatic landscapes.
Winter
Misty, atmospheric conditions create a mysterious Dartmoor straight from the pages of “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” After a bracing walk, enjoy the cozy pubs with roaring fires. Brentor Church is particularly dramatic in winter conditions.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Weather Safety: Dartmoor’s weather can change rapidly. Always check forecasts before heading out, carry appropriate clothing, and bring a map and compass. Mobile phone coverage is patchy across the moor.
Dartmoor Code
Military Training Areas
Parts of Dartmoor are used for military training. Red flags indicate when live firing is taking place – never enter these areas when flags are flying. Check the Dartmoor National Park website for firing times.
Visitor Comments About Dartmoor
“We spent a week exploring Dartmoor and barely scratched the surface. The wild swimming at Sharrah Pool was a highlight – crystal clear water and we had it all to ourselves on a weekday morning. Bring water shoes though, as the rocks can be slippery.”
“Don’t miss Wistman’s Wood – it’s like walking into a fairy tale or Lord of the Rings set. We visited early morning when the light was filtering through the trees and it was magical. The path is rocky though, so proper footwear is essential.”
“We stayed in Widecombe-in-the-Moor and it was the perfect base. The Rugglestone Inn does amazing food (huge portions!) and sitting outside under the wisteria in May was beautiful. The narrow roads take some getting used to though!”
Practical Travel Tips for Dartmoor
What to Pack
- Waterproof jacket and pants (regardless of season)
- Sturdy walking boots with ankle support
- Layers for changing temperatures
- Sunscreen (the moorland offers little shade)
- Physical map (don’t rely solely on phone GPS)
- Reusable water bottle
Connectivity
- Mobile coverage is patchy across Dartmoor
- Download maps offline before your trip
- Some villages like Widecombe have limited or no signal
- Major towns around the moor’s edge have better connectivity
- Many accommodations offer Wi-Fi
Money Matters
- Carry cash for small villages and car parks
- ATMs available in larger towns like Tavistock
- Many smaller establishments may not accept cards
- National Trust properties accept contactless payment
- Consider a National Trust membership for multiple visits
Ready to Explore Dartmoor?
From mystical ancient woodlands and dramatic tors to wild swimming spots and charming villages, Dartmoor offers an incredible diversity of experiences. This ancient landscape has captivated visitors for centuries with its unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and local culture. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, family activities, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature, Dartmoor’s timeless appeal awaits. Pack your walking boots, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to create unforgettable memories in one of England’s most magical landscapes.
Start Planning Your Dartmoor Adventure Today
Secure the best transportation, accommodation, and activities for an unforgettable Dartmoor experience.
The above is subject to change.
Check back often to TRAVEL.COM for the latest travel tips and deals.
