Dartmoor

Hotels on Dartmoor
B&Bs on Dartmoor
Self Catering on Dartmoor
Attractions on Dartmoor

If crowded beaches and traffic jams are your idea of holiday hell, we have the perfect answer. With 368 square miles of unspoilt beauty, Dartmoor is the place to experience freedom - unadulterated, dramatic, and inspiring freedom. It’s the kind of place you can just venture into, camping out under the stars, or dipping into here and there to uncover hidden gems of pubs, culture and natural wonders. Dartmoor is the largest and wildest area of open country in Southern England, and it really feels like it.

History

Dartmoor is a gift for lovers of ancient history. There’s plenty of evidence of prehistoric settlement around Dartmoor, with the Bronze Age period seeing a larger population moving into the area. From around 1000 BC much of the moor was abandoned due to cooler weather. In the Medieval period settlers returned to Dartmoor, continuing the practice of building houses from the area’s abundant resource – granite.

Things to do

With the largest concentration of Bronze Age remains in the UK, there is plenty for the modern antiquarian to discover on Dartmoor. But if you want something a little more exciting than Bronze Age barrows and spectacular scenery, there are plenty of outdoor activities to get your pulse racing. There are over 450 miles of public rights of way, so walkers and cyclists have lots to discover, but you can also choose to go climbing, canoeing or, if you’re ready for a real challenge, take part in the annual Ten Tors race. With rivers, dramatic Tors and rolling countryside, Dartmoor is one big adventure playground with something for everyone.

Food and drink

After a day canoeing, climbing or walking nothing can beat a hearty home cooked meal made from delicious and fresh local produce in a Dartmoor pub. The Dartmoor Food and Drink Festival takes place every October and features the best from the area’s microbreweries, specialist farmers and top chefs.

Something a little different

The Rock Inn, in the shadow of the famous Haytor, is a must if you want great accommodation and food. The moor is quite literally and spectacularly on the doorstep of this friendly, welcoming inn. Elsewhere the Rugglestone Inn attracts moor lovers for its inspirational dishes and scenic views.