When most people think of visiting Devon, they picture bucket and spade holidays by the seaside. Many are unaware that Dartmoor, in the interior of the county, offers some of the most spectacular and dramatic scenery in the UK and is an ideal location for those who want something a little more active than a beach-based holiday. Opportunities abound for walking, cycling, horse riding, letterboxing (a kind of treasure trail for grown-ups), nature watching and wild swimming, and the views are a photographer’s dream!
Dartmoor covers 368 square miles, so you’ll never be short of somewhere to walk! The area is famous for its tors, the local name for a rocky peak. At 621m, the highest of these is High Willhayes, although its neighbour Yes Tor is only marginally lower. Perhaps the most picturesque is Brent Tor, which is topped with the church of St Michael de Rupe. For atmospheric ruins, try Okehampton Castle or the remains of the prehistoric settlement at Grimspound. If you want a castle that is a little more intact, be sure to visit Castle Drogo, perched dramatically above the village of Drewsteignton.
With its charming thatched cottages and narrow streets, Lustleigh is considered to be the prettiest village on Dartmoor, while Widecombe Fair is famous from the folk song of the same name, featuring ‘Uncle Tom Cobley and all’. If the weather is less than perfect during your stay, why not immerse yourself in one of the area’s fascinating museums, such as the Dartmoor Prison Museum in Princetown, War Horse Valley in Winkleigh or the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton.
On Dartmoor, you’re never far from nature. As well as the famous ponies, the moors are home to wild sheep and cattle, as well as being a stronghold for smaller mammals such as the dormouse. There are endless bird-watching opportunities and, despite declining in other areas, populations of skylarks and snipe are thriving here. Nature lovers will enjoy a trip to the Discovery Centre at Burrator Reservoir, followed by a walk around the lake.
After all that activity, why not rest up for a while in one of the area’s numerous cosy pubs -and don’t forget to indulge in a cream tea at least once during your stay!
