When I used to think of Dartmoor, I’d think of wild and rugged open moorland; a desolate kind of beauty. A mysterious place, steeped in myth and legend. And it is all of those things, but it’s also so much more.
In Dartmoor, you’ll find England’s most rare ancient woodland - which feels like you’ve stepped onto the set of The Lord of the Rings - some of the UK’s best wild swimming spots, secret waterfalls, abandoned quarries, chocolate box villages and a great food scene. You can climb jagged tors, wander medieval castles and sit and watch the sunset from a church that’s just under 1,000 years old.
In short, there’s something for everyone, and a trip here is definitely one you won’t forget. Here are 20 of the best things to do in Dartmoor.
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1: Wander the ancient fairytale wood
2: Check out Dartmoor’s prettiest village
3: Catch a sunset from St Michael’s Church
4: Explore the mysterious mossy gorge
5: Enjoy wild swimming paradise at Sharrah Pool
6: Climb one of the famous tors
7: Discover Dartmoor’s secret waterfall
8: Indulge in one of Dartmoor’s best restaurants
9: Visit the incredible abandoned quarry
10: Bluebells
11: Delight in Devonshire tea at an atmospheric manor house
12: Stroll the quaint village of Chagford
13: Visit Devon’s largest castle
14: Relax under the wisteria at the 200 year old Rugglestone Inn
15: Step back in time at Dartmoor’s best known prehistoric site
16: Check out the Cathedral of the Moors
17: Feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of The Lord of the Rings
18: Explore England’s last castle
19: Enjoy one of Dartmoor’s prettiest landscapes
20: Meet the friendly locals
Incredible things to do in Dartmoor
1. Wander the ancient fairytale woodland
The ethereal Wistman’s Wood is a rare patch of ancient woodland and as you walk between the pygmy oaks, it’s like entering another world.
Gnarled tree roots covered in lichen appear like fingers reaching towards gaps in the forest canopy, creating an eerie atmosphere. It’s reminiscent of a scene from The Lord of the Rings.
Moss covered boulders cover almost every square inch of the forest floor, and the only sounds you’ll hear are that of the resident cuckoo and wind rustling through the trees.
You can choose to walk a 2.6 mile return trail, or complete a longer 4.7 mile circuit. Both tracks are easy enough, and we have full details on what to expect in this indepth guide to Wistman’s Wood.
Just remember never to touch or walk on the rare lichen, which takes years to grow a mere inch.
2. Check out Dartmoor’s prettiest village
The tiny village of Lustleigh might be a blink and you’ll miss it affair on the map, but it’s well worth seeking out.
It has some of the most beautiful thatch houses I’ve ever seen, the kind that really should be on a postcard, and you find yourself wistfully wondering what it might be like to live there.
There’s little to do in the village itself, so it’s best to come when the highly rated tea room is open, so you can combine a short stroll with a cream tea.
We timed our trip badly, so nothing was actually open on our visit, but it was gorgeous enough that we were happy to simply admire the houses. We’ll be back for a cream tea next time though!
3. Catch a sunset from St Michael's Church
St Michael's Church sits high up on Brentor and it’s hard to imagine a more atmospheric setting.
The 12th century church can be visited at any time of day, but it’s at sunset or sunrise when the views are at their most spectacular (our photos are at sunset).
We’ve also visited on a foggy evening and I have to say - if you aren’t too worried about photos - then that was my favourite conditions of all. It felt like walking onto a movie set! We initially thought the church was closed, but the door is just very stiff.
Give it a good pull and it will creak open, the lights will automatically turn on inside, and you’re almost guaranteed to get it to yourself.
The walk to get up to the church only takes around five minutes, but it is uphill and on uneven terrain. Both the church and the views are definitely worth the short climb.
4. Explore the mysterious mossy gorge
Lydford Gorge is one of my favourite walks in England and that’s really saying something.
This dark and mysterious gorge (best visited on a cloudy day in my opinion) is spectacular, with moss covered cliff walls and crystal clear water.
It’s most well known for Whitelady Falls, which is indeed beautiful, but it’s the gorge beyond that stole my heart.
This is not your average manicured track - narrow paths cling to the rock walls and there are rails in place to help you navigate any slippery sections.
It’s a one way walk and few people venture beyond the waterfall. This all adds to the enchanting nature of the trail, as you feel like it’s just you and the wonderful wild gorge. Here are all the details, including pictures of the path.
5. Enjoy wild swimming paradise at Sharrah Pool
If you’re looking for Dartmoor’s best wild swimming spot, this is it.
The water is crystal clear and shines emerald in the afternoon sunshine. The rock walls and cascades give the scene a wild vibe and there is a huge amount of space to swim long leisurely laps - it’s bigger than an olympic swimming pool, and oh so much more picturesque.
The walk to get there is just over two miles, but it’s an easy well-maintained path and worth every last step.
All the details on Sharrah Pool, plus a hidden swimming spot beyond, are in this post.
6. Climb one of the famous tors
When you picture Dartmoor, it’s usually open moorland presided over by jagged tors. Visiting at least one is a must, and with over 160 to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice.
The most famous are Haytor and Hound Tor, and both are short easy walks (although not flat).
You can actually climb to the top of Haytor using metal rungs put in place for Queen Victoria. She might not have ended up using them as the weather set in, but it certainly makes it easy for the rest of us!
Hound Tor is best known as the inspiration for Arthur Conan Doyle's ‘Hound of the Baskervilles’, and is particularly atmospheric on a misty day, which adds to that mysterious feel.
If you’re up for a longish walk, in six miles, you can cover both these tors, as well as Saddle Tor and the Hound Tor Medieval Village - which makes for one of the best hikes in Dartmoor.
If not, go for Haytor, or Hound Tor combined with the medieval village, which is only 600m away from the tor - although it is uphill on the way back.
7. Discover Dartmoor’s secret waterfall
You would never know that just below the open grassland lies what feels like a secret fairy grotto! Venford Falls itself might be small, but it’s incredibly atmospheric, with mossy walls and dense foliage.
It’s a delightful spot to sit, shaded from the elements, and take a paddle in the cool water at the foot of the falls. It’s unlikely you’ll have to share it with anyone else, which all adds to the wonderful secluded vibe.
The return walk is less than a mile and easy enough, but for one very short patch of loose soil. You can see all the details on how to find the falls, which are not signposted, in this post.
8. Indulge in one of Dartmoor’s best restaurants
We stumbled upon the Dartmoor Inn quite by accident after a wild swim at nearby Black Rock Falls. After deciding we were too tired to cook, we ventured inside what looked like a very unassuming country pub from the exterior.
The interior was a whole different story and we were delighted to find a cosy, but elegant dining space with a really friendly atmosphere.
The food was absolutely delicious. It was easily the best food of our three week trip in Dartmoor, with each and every course being a winner - and it’s rare I say that!
We loved it so much that we tried to go a second time, but it was always fully booked.
You might want to book in advance if you’re travelling in peak season. Note there there is more than one Dartmoor Inn in Dartmoor, and the one we visited was in Lydford.
9. Explore the incredible abandoned quarry
The long abandoned Foggintor Quarry offers a fun and easy Dartmoor adventure. There are plenty of buildings (now ruins) to explore, but it’s the main quarry site itself which is the real highlight.
The water filled quarry has a desolate beauty, with craggy walls and a mirror like reflection on a calm day.
It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful, some might think it’s so quiet as to be a little eerie, but personally we found it a wonderful place to sit and relax. If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s also a great spot for a wild swim!
All the details on the quarry and what it’s like to swim there are in this post.
10. Wander the huge bluebell fields
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Dartmoor between mid April and May, then you are going to be in for a treat. Bluebells blanket huge swathes of the hillside and add a touch of magic to the already beautiful scenery.
You’ll see many when simply driving between activities, but there are several great places to stop and wander amongst them.
The easiest to access and probably most well known spot is Holwell Lawn.
You’ll pass bluebells covering the hillside almost immediately, but you can continue for 400m to reach the open lawns, which have little pathways between the flowers, so you can walk amongst them without causing damage.
Another of our favourites spots is at Emsworthy Mire, which has field upon field of bluebells - we must have seen thousands! It’s a slightly longer walk, but not difficult, you can see details in this post by skipping to the last section of the walk.
If you’re looking for a woodland setting then White Wood is a great choice and it’s just a short walk from Venford Falls.
11. Delight in Devonshire tea at an atmospheric manor house
Who can resist a good afternoon tea when visiting Devon? Not us! There are plenty of places to choose from, and we opted for the atmospheric Lewtrenchard Manor.
The surroundings are gorgeous inside and out. I loved that they spaced every one out, so we ended up having our tea in the library without another soul in sight, which felt very grand.
There were plenty of oversized armchairs and comfy sofas and it all felt very cosy, especially as it was absolutely pouring with rain outside. The afternoon tea was lovely and the portions were huge, so there was plenty to take away for later too.
12. Stroll the quaint village of Chagford
Chagford is one of our favourite Dartmoor villages. It’s tiny and very cute, with several places worth stopping by for a bite to eat.
The Folklore Kitchen and Social cafe had some of the best sourdough we’ve had in the UK, as well as perfectly poached eggs.
But make sure you save room for some cheese or ice cream at the Fat Mouse Dairy. I would have gone for the name alone, but the produce was also fantastic and the staff incredibly friendly.
It’s one of those places where you can walk in full, but end up unable to resist trying a little something.
Other than the two places we’ve mentioned, there was a nice looking pub and a few other places we would have liked to have tried if we were staying a little closer. On that note the road into Chagford is very narrow. This is common in Dartmoor, but this one was particularly busy on our visit, which made it a little hairy in a big car!
13. Visit Devon’s largest castle
Okehampton Castle may be Devon’s largest castle, but there isn’t much of it left today - the owner fell out with Henry VIII, so he was executed and his castle went into disrepair. The ruins were a cautionary tale to anyone who thought of crossing the King.
However, it’s still very impressive and well worth checking out, as the ruins give it a mystique, especially the fire place and chimney that stand alone.
The castle at Okehampton was originally built by a Norman Lord who put down rebellions against the Norman conquest in the 11th century. It’s a great example of a motte and bailey castle (one of the earliest forms, where a tower is built on a hill with living areas in a walled off area below).
We weren’t big fans of the audio guide - it’s one of those ones where voice actors are pretending to be historical characters - but the boards do a good job in telling you everything you need to know.
Even if you’re not into history, Okehampton Castle is in a beautiful setting and has a picnic area by the river, as well as some woodland walks.
Entry is free for English Heritage members, otherwise it’s £6 for adults, £4 for children and there are family ticket options as well.
14. Relax under the wisteria at the 200 year old Rugglestone Inn
We were lucky enough to visit the charming Rugglestone Inn (located in Widecombe in the Moor) in May when the wisteria was in full bloom. If there’s a prettier pub terrace in Dartmoor, then we haven’t seen it yet! It was just gorgeous.
Inside you’ll find an inviting 200 year old inn, with a traditional British pub menu. The food is good and served in huge portions. You could easily share all three courses and still leave full to the brim.
We really enjoyed our visit, but if you only have the chance to have one meal out on your trip, I would make it the Dartmoor Inn, and pop to the Rugglestone for drinks.
15. Step back in time at Dartmoor’s best known prehistoric site
Grimspound might be the best known of the prehistoric sites in Dartmoor, but you definitely wouldn’t know it from the lack of signage and parking!
Still, once you realise the parking is actually the tiny lay by and you spot the somewhat discreet signpost, then it really is worth the visit if you’re a bit of a history enthusiast.
You’ll find the remains of 24 houses which date back to the last Bronze Age, making them over 3000 years old. They are located on a wild and windswept patch of open moorland where you’ll feel the full brunt of the elements. We went on a very wet and windy day, but it actually felt quite fitting.
The walk is slightly uphill, but only takes around five minutes (it’s only 400m from the road). Just watch out if it’s been wet because there can be some muddy patches.
Entry is free of charge, but you’ll want to read up about the site ahead of time to really make the most of the trip.
16. Check out the Cathedral of the Moors
No visit to Dartmoor would be complete without pottering around one of its most famous villages.
Widecombe in the Moor is a picture perfect village, with stunning views and a 14th century church.
Much like other small villages in the area, there isn’t a whole lot to do, but it’s a relaxing place to spend an hour or two. The Cafe On The Green was one of the nicer cafes in Dartmoor, with a lovely outside seating area if the weather’s nice, and a welcoming interior if not.
The sourdough bread was great and the coffee ok (but we’ll admit to being coffee snobs). Incidentally, if you are too, the best coffee we tried in Dartmoor was at the small unassuming Café Latino in Ashburton.
17. Feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of The Lord of the Rings
If you love fairytale forests and Wistman’s Wood has left you wanting more, then it’s time to go a little further off the beaten track.
It might be a little more than twice the distance of Wistman’s Wood, but Black-a-Tor Copse is worth the effort, and you’re very likely to get this ancient beauty all to yourself.
You can walk amongst the gnarled trees and huge mossy boulders, but you must stick to the patches of dirt to protect the rare lichen. This makes it a little trickier explore, but still possible with care.
The walk to reach the wood is easy enough, but it’s not flat, and has one large boggy section. If it’s a warm day there are some stunning small plunge pools along the way. All the details on the wood and the walk are here.
18. Visit England’s last castle
Castle Drogo isn’t one for the purists, as it is more of a manor house, designed to look like a castle but was actually built in the early 20th century (when there was no longer a need for medieval defensive fortresses). However, if you’re not a purist, it’s an interesting place to spend an hour or so.
You can walk through the castle and explore the bedrooms and living areas of Julius Drew and his family, who lived there until 1974, when it was given over to the National Trust.
As well as the castle, we highly recommend going for a stroll through the beautiful gardens, and if you have more time, the circular walk around Teign Gorge - we’ve written about it here.
National Trust members can visit Castle Drogo for free, otherwise entry is £13 for adults and £6.50 for kids.
19. Enjoy one of Dartmoor’s prettiest landscapes
Whether you’re looking for a wild swimming spot, place for a picnic, or simply some spectacular scenery, Tavy Cleave is going to be for you. The pool and cascades sit beneath several dramatic tors, creating a quintessential Dartmoor scene.
The pool is shallow, so it’s not the best for a proper swim, but it’s great for lazing around, and perfect for all the family.
The walk is easy, but it does have a boggy patch (common on Dartmoor walks) which can be navigated around using boulders as stepping stones. All the details on the three mile walk, including directions, are in this post.
20. Meet the friendly locals
Dartmoor ponies have roamed the moors for over 3500 years and used to number around 30,000. Today only around 1500 remain and they’re a much loved part of the Dartmoor scenery.
When driving through the national park between Two Bridges and Tavistock, you’ll almost guaranteed to spot them, but it’s not always at a place where you can stop for a closer look, or to take photos.
If that’s the case, there are several other areas you are very likely to find them. We saw plenty around Hound Tor and the ponies with the tor in the background made for a particularly lovely scene.
There were also large numbers on the short, flat walk to Foggintor Quarry. There are many other places to see them, but these two are very accessible.
Incidentally, the ponies are friendly enough, but you shouldn’t pet them as they are wild!
Where to stay in Dartmoor
There are plenty of beautiful villages located in Dartmoor, but if it’s your first visit we’d probably recommend somewhere around Widecombe in the Moor, or Chagford - however you do pay extra to be in such charming locations.
If you’re looking for somewhere with more amenities and slightly cheaper rates, it would be Okehampton or Tavistock, but they do not have the village charm.
Note that we never had phone signal in Widecombe in the Moor, so you’ll want to check any property has top notch wifi if you need to stay connected.
The Oak Barn, Widecombe in the Moor (high end)
The two bedroom Oak Barn has heaps of character and country charm and allows you to be fully self sufficient, with a well equipped kitchen and washing machine. There’s a bath tub, fireplace, BBQ, and excellent wifi, all within walking distance of the Rugglestone Inn.
You can check out the reviews and prices on Booking.com:
Wrenscott, Chagford (midrange)
This charming one bedroom cottage has everything you need to self cater and is small but perfectly formed. There’s a small private garden and though it’s just a very short walk to the village, you also have a private parking space, which is handy as parking can be difficult in peak season.
You can check out the reviews and prices on Booking.com:
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