Dartmoor National Park Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of England's southwest region, Dartmoor National Park is a captivating destination that seamlessly combines rugged natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. Spanning over 368 square miles, this vast expanse of moorland, woodland, and granite tors offers visitors an enchanting and diverse landscape to explore.

One of the park's most distinctive features is its iconic granite tors, towering rock formations that dot the landscape. These ancient geological wonders have been shaped by centuries of weathering, creating a dramatic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike. From the famous Haytor, with its panoramic views over the park, to the mystical Hound Tor, said to be the inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles," these tors are a testament to Dartmoor's unique allure.

Beyond its natural wonders, Dartmoor National Park is steeped in history and folklore. The park is home to numerous prehistoric sites, including stone circles, burial chambers, and hillforts, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabited this land thousands of years ago. Visitors can also explore the remnants of Dartmoor's mining past, with old tin mines and quarries scattered throughout the park.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, Dartmoor National Park is a haven for hikers, cyclists, and horse riders. With over 450 miles of public rights of way, there are endless opportunities to traverse the park's picturesque trails and discover hidden gems along the way. From the gentle slopes of the Teign Valley to the challenging terrain of the High Moor, Dartmoor offers something for every level of outdoor enthusiast.

Wildlife enthusiasts will also be delighted by the diverse range of flora and fauna that call Dartmoor home. From the elusive Dartmoor pony, a symbol of the park, to the rare marsh fritillary butterfly, the park is teeming with unique and protected species. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of feathered friends, including the iconic European stonechat and the majestic peregrine falcon.

Alternative names: Established: 1951 (73 years ago)Area: 368.34 mi²Elevation: 1191 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 50°34'56"N, 3°54'20"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Dartmoor National Park Top Attractions

Dartmoor National Park Attractions - What to See and Explore

Dartmoor National Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Okehampton Castle, Lydford Castle, St Andrew's Church, Canonteign Falls. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Forts and castles • View point • Ruins
Okehampton Castle
Okehampton Castle is a medieval motte and bailey castle in Devon, England. It was built between 1068 and 1086 by Baldwin FitzGilbert following a revolt in Devon against Norman rule, and formed the centre of the Honour of Okehampton, guarding a crossing point across the West Okement River.
Forts and castles • Romanesque architecture
Lydford Castle
Lydford Castle is a medieval castle in the town of Lydford, Devon, England. The first castle in Lydford, sometimes termed the Norman fort, was a small ringwork built in a corner of the Anglo-Saxon fortified burh in the years after the Norman conquest of England.
Church
St Andrew's Church
St Andrew's Church, Moretonhampstead is a Grade I listed parish church in the Church of England Diocese of Exeter in Moretonhampstead, Devon.

Natural attraction • Park • Trail
Canonteign Falls
Canonteign Falls is a waterfall in the historic tything of Canonteign in the Teign Valley and Dartmoor National Park near Chudleigh, South Devon, England. It is 220 feet high and is one of the highest waterfalls in England. It was created in 1890 by diverting a stream over the edge of a cliff.
Waterfall • Zoo • Park
Becky Falls
Becky Falls, originally known as Becka Falls, is a tourist attraction in Dartmoor, England, centered on a waterfall of around 20 metres down a boulder-strewn bed. In addition to the waterfall as the centrepiece, there is a woodland park with features such as a children's zoo, woodland trail, and crafts.
Archaeological site • Ruins
Grimspound
Grimspound is a late Bronze Age settlement, situated on Dartmoor in Devon, England. It consists of a set of 24 hut circles surrounded by a low stone wall.
Archaeological site • Trail
Hound Tor
Hound Tor is a tor on Dartmoor, Devon, England and is a good example of a heavily weathered granite outcrop. It is easily accessible, situated within a few minutes from the B3387 between Bovey Tracey and Widecombe-in-the-Moor.
50°30'6"N • 3°47'54"W
Hembury Castle
Hembury Castle is an Iron Age hillfort about a mile north-west of the village of Buckfast on the south-eastern edge of Dartmoor in Devon, England. The fort is about 178 metres above sea level on a promontory between the River Dart on the east and the Holy Brook, south-west.
Archaeological site • Reservoir
Burrator Reservoir
Burrator Reservoir is a reservoir on the south side of Dartmoor in the English county of Devon.
Zoo • Farm • Park
Miniature Pony Centre
The Miniature Pony Centre is a farm tourist attraction based in the center of the Dartmoor National Park, near Moretonhampstead. Originally, the land was owned by W.H. Smith of the retail chain and he was the first Lord Hambleden who also owned Bovey Castle, formerly the Manor House.
Bridge
Meldon Viaduct
Meldon Viaduct carried the London & South Western Railway across the West Okement River at Meldon on Dartmoor in Devon, South West England.
Cemetery • Church
Church of Saint Pancras
The Church of Saint Pancras is a Church of England church in Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Devon, England. It is also known as the Cathedral of the Moor.
Nature • Natural attraction • Rock
Bowerman's Nose
Bowerman's Nose is a stack of weathered granite on Dartmoor, Devon, England. It is situated on the northern slopes of Hayne Down, about a mile from Hound Tor and close to the village of Manaton at grid reference SX742805.
Memorial
Jay's Grave
Jay's Grave is supposedly the last resting place of a suicide victim who is thought to have died in the late 18th century. It has become a well-known landmark on Dartmoor, Devon, in South-West England, and is the subject of local folklore, and several ghost stories.
Nature • Natural attraction • Forest
Yarner Wood & Trendlebere Down
Yarner Wood & Trendlebere Down in Dartmoor, Devon, England is a woodland managed by Natural England. The woodland is part of the East Dartmoor Woods and Heaths National Nature Reserve. The entire area is 777 acres while Yarner Wood is 365 acres. Since 1985 the site has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Town • Museum • Hotel
Moretonhampstead
Moretonhampstead is a market town, parish and ancient manor in Devon, situated on the north-eastern edge of Dartmoor, within the Dartmoor National Park.
Bridge
Newbridge
Newbridge or New Bridge is a Grade II* listed medieval bridge over the River Dart, Dartmoor, Devon, England. It is on the road between Ashburton and Two Bridges, and connects Aish Tor to Holne Chase.
Nature • Natural attraction • Hill
High Willhays
High Willhays, or according to some authorities High Willes, is the highest point on Dartmoor, Devon, at 621 metres above sea level, and the highest point in Southern England.
Nature • Natural attraction • Hill
Cosdon Hill
Cosdon Hill, also called Cosdon Beacon, or Cawsand Beacon, is one of the highest hills on Dartmoor, in Devon, England. It has numerous traces of prehistoric occupation.

Day trips

Dartmoor National Park – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Dartmoor National Park, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Royal Albert Memorial Museum (Exeter), Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, Greenway House (Dartmouth).

19 milesNE
Museum, Gothic Revival architecture, Specialty museum
Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter
Nestled in the heart of Exeter, England, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) is a beacon of culture and history that beckons tourists and locals alike. This renowned institution is not just a museum; it's a journey through time and space, offering a window into the...
21 milesE
Golf
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, located in the United Kingdom, is a site of remarkable natural beauty and biodiversity. This coastal haven stretches across 506 acres, encompassing a variety of habitats including sand dunes, grasslands, ponds, and marshes, which...
20 milesSE
Historical place, Garden, Park
Greenway House, Dartmouth
Nestled in the lush Devon countryside near the town of Dartmouth, United Kingdom, Greenway House is a place of both historical significance and natural beauty. This charming estate, which overlooks the serene River Dart, is best known as the former holiday home of the...
19 milesNE
Gothic edifice with rooftop tours
Exeter Cathedral, Exeter
Exeter Cathedral stands as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a historical beacon in the heart of Exeter, England. Officially known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Exeter, this magnificent structure dates back to the 12th century and serves as the seat...
19 milesSE
Amusement, Theme park, Amusement park
Woodlands Family Theme Park, Dartmouth
Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Dartmouth, United Kingdom, Woodlands Family Theme Park offers an exhilarating escape for families seeking adventure and fun. As an amusement park deeply rooted in England's green and pleasant land, Woodlands provides a diverse...

Show all

Best Time To Visit Dartmoor National Park

Learn when is the best time to travel to Dartmoor National Park weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and June.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in June and July. Most of it rains in January, November and December.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Dartmoor National Park?

The top attractions to visit in Dartmoor National Park are:

What is the best time to visit Dartmoor National Park?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May and June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.