Lydford Gorge
Lydford Gorge
Spend a day exploring the deepest gorge in South West England, complete with a 30m waterfall. Along the route the river changes in character from a peaceful stream to an angry torrent, particularly in the feature knows as the Devil’s Cauldron. The gorge is approximately 1 mile long and the circular walk takes 2 ½ hours, and there is a tearoom at each end of the gorge. The pretty village of Lydford nearby boasts a nice pub and the ruins of a castle, reputed to be haunted.
Meldon Reservoir
winter
This man-made lake offers a unique combination of rugged moorland, spectacular scenery and industrial heritage, including a Scheduled Monument. Numerous marked tracks provide endless walking opportunities, while the more adventurous can try navigating open moorland. The reservoir is particularly spectacular after heavy rain, when excess water cascades over the dam. The Granite Way cycle route crosses the nearby railway viaduct, which can also be reached on foot.
Castle Drogo
Perched dramatically above the village of Drewsteignton, Castle Drogo was the last castle to be built in England and was completed in 1930. The castle and gardens were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, more famous for his work in New Delhi, and the building has recently undergone an extensive renovation programme. After exploring the house and gardens, why not enjoy one of the walks in the surrounding wooded valley?
Widecombe in the Moor
The lovely village of Widecombe is probably best known for its fair, which is held on the second Thursday in September every year, and features in the song of the same name, along with ‘Uncle Tom Cobley and all…’ Set in a beautiful part of Dartmoor, it’s worth a visit at any time of year. Be sure to call into the Rugglestone Inn, which regularly features on ‘Best Pub’ lists, although you might want to book ahead to be sure of getting a table as it’s one of the smallest pubs in England.
Lustleigh
With its charming thatched cottages and narrow lanes, picture-postcard Lustleigh is often considered to be the prettiest village on Dartmoor, and comes complete with a village cricket pitch and communal orchard. Once you have finished exploring the village, there are wonderful walks to be had in nearby Lustleigh Cleave, before heading back into the village for a bite to eat at the pub or a cream tea at the tearooms.
War Horse museum
War Horse Valley
This fascinating museum and farm attraction is located on the actual farm that inspired the famous children’s book by Michael Morpurgo. As well as exhibitions on World War I, the War Horse story and vintage farming methods and machinery, there are lots of animals to meet and a farm trail to explore. The farm was also once home to Reverend Jack Russell, who first bred the terriers to which he gave his name.
Dartmoor Prison
Dartmoor Prison
Not just a venue for the criminally-minded, the prison’s museum offers an interesting, and sometimes macabre, insight into 200 years of prison life. As well as displays of prison memorabilia and weapons, exhibits include beautiful items made and painted by the convicts. The stories of some of the prison’s more famous escape attempts are also told, including one involving the time-honoured method of knotted bedsheets!
Warren House Inn
The Warren House Inn lies at the very centre of Dartmoor, between Moretonhampstead and Postbridge. At 434m above sea level, it is the highest inn in southern England (and the third highest in England) and said to be the loneliest. The present Inn was built in 1845 and the fire in the hearth has been burning continuously since then. The house speciality is “Warrener’s Pie”, made from rabbits to the inn’s own recipe.
Exeter
Not just the ideal ‘rainy day’ location, the bustling city of Exeter is worth a visit in its own right. The city centre is dominated by the cathedral of St Peter and the surrounding Cathedral Green is flanked by many of its most historic buildings. Take a Red Coat guided tour of the city, or visit the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum or the Underground Passages. The quay offers numerous places to eat by the waterside, along with interesting little shops to browse, or why not enjoy a gentle stroll along the canal to the Double Locks pub, which is something of an Exeter institution!
Wild Swimming
for a dip!
If you want something that’s a little more exhilarating than the local swimming pool, Dartmoor offers numerous opportunities for wild swimming. There’s nothing to beat the experience of being immersed in crystal-clear water whilst surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the moors. From babbling brooks to calm pools and even waterfalls, the variety of suitable locations is endless. Be warned though – the water can be surprisingly bracing, even in summer!