Dartmoor National Park

High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6QF

Add Dartmoor National Park to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel01822 890414

Family looking into the distance
  • Family looking into the distance
  • Ponies and bluebells at Dartmoor National Park
  • Haytor at Dartmoor National Park
  • Dartmoor Ponies
  • Grey Wethers Stone Circle (c) Dartmoor Partnership
  • Dramatic Dartmoor - National Park Authority

Book Tickets Online

Dartmoor National Park is one of the last great wildernesses in the UK with an inspirational landscape of heather clad moors and rugged tors.

History of Dartmoor

Dartmoor was designated as a National Park in 1951, a vast tract of largely untamed countryside of huge richness and diversity stretching across 368 square miles. It's a landscape quite unlike any other, populated by lofty granite tors, mysterious hut circles and standing stones, ancient woodlands, sturdy clapper bridges, rushing streams, Dartmoor ponies, bustling stannary towns and secluded villages.

Things to do on Dartmoor

This unique area has so much to see and do, but first of all you must experience Dartmoor by actually getting out onto it, the National Park is most easily accessed by car, although there are options by bus if it’s a particular village you would like to see but in general there is little public transport on to the moors. Walk, ride, cycle, canoe or even fish once you are on Dartmoor so that you can soak up its very special atmosphere. Another Dartmoor activity that has become very popular with families is letterboxing - you can find out more about this unique activity at High Moorland Visitor Centre at Princetown. Dartmoor is also a wonderful landscape for you to enjoy Geocaching, if you’re not sure what that is, you can learn more about it here.

Dartmoor is crossed by many miles of footpaths and tracks, but two major routes with breathtaking scenery are The Dartmoor Way, a circuit that visits many attractive Dartmoor towns and villages, and Two Moors Way linking Dartmoor and Exmoor.

However, you do not need to follow a planned route for Dartmoor is full of unexpected delights. These include a modern Castle with stunning views at Castle Drogo, a tranquil Benedictine monastery at Buckfast Abbey where you can buy honey and mead, a granite railway at Hay Tor, while a visit to picturesque Widecombe-in-the-Moor of Uncle Tom Cobley fame is a must.

As well as amazing scenery, Dartmoor has many different layers to discover - curious geology and fascinating archaeology, centuries of history, the mining legacy, local legend and folklore, and its unique wildlife and flora. The Dartmoor National Park Authority helps deepen understanding and enjoyment of Dartmoor in guided walks, talks and events, while Dartmoor's unique heritage can also be explored further at the fascinating Museum of Dartmoor Life at Okehampton.

However, Dartmoor is also special for many other reasons. Dartmoor shopping is distinctive as although shops tend to be quite small, there is a fascinating variety including bookshops, walking equipment stockists, specialist food and drink suppliers, antiques, and art and craft galleries. Dartmoor culture is also very strong with a whole host of events ranging from traditional celebrations like Tavistock Goose Fair to newer literary and music festivals such as The Two Moors Festival and Chagstock.

For ideas and inspiration on days out on Dartmoor, Visit Dartmoor has lots of great ideas on things to do, places to visit and activities to enjoy, including some great Dartmoor walks HERE.

View

Close

Map & Directions

View

Close

View

Close

TripAdvisor

What's Nearby

  1. River Dart Country Park

    90 acres of parkland adjacent to River Dart on edge of Dartmoor. Generous size pitches.…

    9.06 miles away
  2. Gaia Spa

    Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall in Devon will offer staying guests and day visitors access to…

    10.4 miles away
  3. Ashburton Antiques Trail

    Ashburton has built a reputation over many years as a top destination for antiques and no…

    10.46 miles away
  4. South Devon Railway

    The South Devon Railway features a wonderful 14 mile round trip along a branch line of…

    10.54 miles away
  1. Bovey Castle Golf Course

    11.07 miles away
  2. Pennywell Farm

    Hands-on activities, shows, and displays. The biggest farm activity park in the South…

    11.24 miles away
  3. Ilsington Country House Hotel Spa

    With beautifully tiled floors, well appointed changing rooms and the latest facilities,…

    11.88 miles away
  4. The River Bovey

    Flowing from Dartmoor through the town of Bovey Tracey before meeting the River Teign is…

    14.12 miles away
  5. House of Marbles

    House of Marbles is a unique attraction located in Bovey Tracey, the 'Gateway to the…

    14.12 miles away
  6. Ted Hughes Poetry Trail

    The Ted Hughes Poetry Trail was officially opened on the 4th May 2006 by Councillor Des…

    15.06 miles away
  7. Bovisand Beach

    An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the main beach at Bovisand is a sheltered…

    15.41 miles away
  8. Wembury Beach

    Wembury Beach is located in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).…

    16.21 miles away
  9. Newton Abbot Racecourse

    For great racing and great fun, look no further than a visit to Newton Abbot Racecourse.…

    17.1 miles away
  10. Hackney Marshes

    Hackney Marshes is a Local Nature Reserve. Buzzards, kestrels and pheasants are often…

    17.44 miles away
  11. Challaborough Beach

    A sheltered cove with a fine sandy beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).…

    18.14 miles away
  12. Bigbury on Sea Beach

    A stunning sandy beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) joined by causeway…

    18.51 miles away
Previous Next
Peak Hill Sidmouth Countryside
European Union Leader South Devon Coastal
Hello.
We'd love to hear what you think about the South Devon!
Complete our short survey below to enter our free draw, and be in with a chance of winning a luxury two-night stay in award winning accommodation in Devon.

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss

Don't Miss