Places to visit in Dartmoor National Park

Begin your three days out in Dartmoor at one of the gateway towns to the National Park – Bovey Tracey. This charming granite-built market town is home to the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, so it’s full of artisan shops and eateries. Check out the quirky House of Marbles, which sells handmade glassware and toys – and is home to the biggest permanent marble-run in the UK

Head into Dartmoor and visit the National Park Visitor Centre at Haytor, to get your bearings and pick up a map. Walking is one of the top things to do in Dartmoor National Park, so head to Haytor rocks and download an audio tour. Discover the legend of Hound Tor, the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles.

It’s a short drive, or hearty walk, to Widecombe-in-the-Moor: one of Dartmoor’s most picturesque places to visit. Explore its village green, and stop for a bit to eat in its tea rooms and pubs. It hosts regular craft markets year-round, and its magnificent church is known as the Cathedral of the Moor.

From Widecombe, take another short drive to Grimspound, a Bronze Age settlement with the remains of 24 stone roundhouses – one of the top things to do in Dartmoor National Park. It’s an atmospheric spot with fantastic views: see if you can spot the National Park’s varied wildlife, from its famous wild ponies to otters, bats and hawks.

After all that walking, enjoy some fine-dining at Bovey Castle – a five-star hotel and golf course in a 19th Century manor house in North Bovey. It’s one of the best places to stay in Dartmoor, and why not treat yourself to a spa treatment while you’re there?

After breakfast, take a short drive – or another long walk – to Grey Wethers stone circles, on the slopes of Sittaford Tor. Legend has it, that the stones are actually grazing sheep, which come to life every Midsummer Eve. It’s just one of the many myths and legends which fill Dartmoor and make it an extraordinary place to visit.

Looking for spectacular walks in Dartmoor National Park? Head to Two Bridges Hotel, from which you can hike the Wistman’s Wood Walk. This mystical place is full of twisted dwarf oak trees covered in moss and lichens, and is about as close to fairyland as you can get. Grab a second breakfast, or lunch, at the Two Bridges – which also has accommodation.

Next, travel to Princetown and see the former hotel – now the Visitor Centre – where Arthur Conan Doyle developed his famous Sherlock Holmes Baskervilles tale. It's full of exhibitions about Dartmoor’s spooky history. Another quirky but fascinating place to visit is the Dartmoor Prison Museum, which reveals the national park’s penal history via thousands of surprising artefacts: from knuckle dusters to straight jackets.

One of the best places to stay in Dartmoor is the Cottages at Blackadon Farm. Holding Green Tourism Gold standard, these award-winning sustainable self-catering properties are located near Moorhaven. You can eat at local pubs, or enjoy local dining delivered to your door. Oh, and there are also miniature donkeys on site: if that doesn’t sway you, nothing will!

This region of Devon has some of the best dark skies in southern England – so tonight, look to the heavens and count the constellations. There are a variety of stargazing locations across Dartmoor,  but the nearest from Blackadon Farm is in Harford. 

Dartmoor is full of wildlife, but if you want to see even more exotic beasts then check out Dartmoor Zoo – which inspired the hit movie We Bought a Zoo. It’s home to lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, wolves and much more. Ever wanted to meet a meerkat, get up-close with lions, or feed an otter? Now’s your chance at Dartmoor Zoo.

For another refreshing walk in Dartmoor National Park, call in at Tavistock – the market town founded in 974. Take a stroll along the River Tavy or enjoy a heritage trail through the town – before exploring its shops and Pannier Market, which has been running for an incredible 900 years. Grab lunch at one of its many great places to eat.

One of the best things to do in Dartmoor National Park is to discover the moors on horseback. Cholwell Riding Stables, in Mary Tavy, runs one- and two-hour rides for all levels. Or for those who want to build an extra-special riding holiday, see Liberty Trails’ luxury holidays for capable riders.

Bring your adventure to a close at the National Trust’s Castle Drogo – the last castle to be built in England. Visit the house and garden and explore Teign Gorge, with its incredible views – one of the top things to do in Dartmoor National Park.

Finally, end your journey with dinner at one of the best places to eat in Dartmoor – Gidleigh Park. This luxury manor hotel on the edge of Dartmoor has a Michelin-starred restaurant, which uses ingredients from the hotel’s kitchen garden and local suppliers. And if you decide to stay longer, who can blame you?