Things to do in Dartmoor

LOCAL TOWNS & VILLAGES

 

If it’s a trip of exploring you are looking for then head out to some of the local villages and towns. Each one unique but equally as charming, definitely worth the visit. Each town and village is packed full of history and fascinating facts, there are plenty of independent shops and beautiful scenery which will keep you amused for hours.

 

Our top 5 local Towns & Villages 

Chagford - 45 minutes, walking
The local ancient stannary town is a 45 minute walk or around a two mile drive from the hotel. It enjoys a range of boutique, gift and clothes shops not to mention two of the best hardware stores to be found in the area.
www.visitchagford.com

Exeter - 40 minutes
The historical city of Exeter was the most south westerly Roman fortified settlement in Britain. With a stunning cathedral founded in 1050, the city centre is full of character and ancient history yet with all the amenities that would be expected of a modern day city.
www.visitexeter.com

Totnes - 60 minutes
A reputation for having an alternative vibe, with organic, ethical and fair trade the norm, not the exception. It’s the home of the Transition Town movement and is proud to be a little different.
www.visittotnes.co.uk

Clovelly, North Devon - 90 minutes
Built into a 400 feet high cliff this is a world famous fishing village with a picturesque cobbled traffic – free high street, whitewashed cottages and a tiny working port. It is famous for its donkeys, which traditionally carried goods up and down the cobbled street. 
www.clovelly.co.uk

Brixham - 75 minutes
Life in the busy fishing town of Brixham has always centred around the harbour, where yachts and heritage trawlers jostle for space with dayboats heading out to sea for the day’s catch. There’s plenty to see and do here, whether you’re looking for a romantic trip or family-friendly day out, and the fun starts at sea!
www.visitbrixham.com

  

HISTORIC DAYS OUT

 

With a vast selection of Castles and Stately Homes near to Dartmoor, we are spoiled for choice, so here are a few of our must-see recommendations while you are in the area...

 

Our top 5 Historic Days Out 

Castle Drogo - 20 minutes
A National Trust property and one of the last great homes to be built in England, this unique 20th century ‘mock’ castle sits above the Teign Gorge with stunning views over the wild beauty of Dartmoor.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-drogo

Bradley - 45 minutes
A delightful medieval manor house, set in woodland and meadows. Catch a glimpse of medieval history in the house; from original ceilings to medieval cat holes. Bradley is still a family home, and you get a real sense of that as you explore the house. You may even see a member of the donor family room guiding or welcoming you to the car park.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bradley

Powderham Castle - 45 minutes
Is located in a unique, picturesque setting just outside Exeter, beside the Exe estuary. Six hundred years of history are contained within the walls of one of England’s oldest family homes.
www.powderham.co.uk

Buckfast Abbey - 50 minutes
Nestled in a tranquil haven on the edge of Dartmoor and along the banks of the River Dart, Buckfast Abbey – the only English medieval monastery to have been restored and used again for its original purpose – offers all the ingredients for a great trip whether visiting the area on holiday or just looking for an inspiring day out. Founded in 1018, the Abbey will celebrate its millennium in 2018. 
www.buckfast.org.uk

Tintagel Castle - 75 minutes
With its spectacular location on Cornwall’s dramatic and windswept Atlantic coastline, Tintagel is a place of magic and myth where the legend of King Arthur was born.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/tintagel-castle

  

GARDENS

 

Visits to gardens are often associated with summertime, but here in Devon, gardens bloom and burst with colour throughout all seasons of the year. Here are a small selection of our top five options...

 

Our top 5 Gardens 

Stone Lane Gardens, Chagford - 20 minutes
Stone Lane gardens is a 5 acre arboretum holding important National Collections of wild origin Birch and Alder trees in a lovely landscaped water and woodland setting. Sculpture exhibitions feature heavily in and around the gardens.
www.stonelanegardens.com

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens - 50 minutes
Bicton Park has a lovely 50 acre garden in close proximity to the sea. The gardens date from 1874 and include an Italian garden, an American and stream garden, and a delightful Mediterranean and Rose garden. Bicton has long been famed for its magnificent trees, over 1000 of them, representing 300 species, many of which are endangered. The delightful beach of Budleigh Salterton is also close at hand.
www.bictongardens.co.uk

Dartington Hall, Dartington - 60 minutes
A truly wonderful landscape garden most of which has been created in the last 100 years. A woodland garden with rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias have been planted round a series of clever terraces on the steep hill side. There are magnificent trees, a Japanese garden and a series of woodland glades.
www.dartington.org

Killerton House, Broadclyst - 55 minutes
Located in the fine 18th century house known for its large costume collection, this delightful hillside garden and estate offers stunning parkland all year round. The garden sits on a south facing slope with far reaching views towards Dartmoor and the Exe Estuary. It features a vast array of interest throughout the seasons including magnificent rhododendrons and magnolias, stunning herbaceous boarders and a collection of rare trees.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton

RHS Rosemoor Gardens - 60 minutes
An enchanting 65 acre garden, Rosemoor is a garden of intoxicating beauty, meticulously crafted and planted, retaining the essence of rural North Devon within a dramatic backdrop of steep wooded valley sides.
www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor

   

BEACHES

 

Along the miles of Devon and Cornwall coastline there are 20 beaches from wide sandy stretches to hidden rocky coves. So whether you're after a place to lay out your towel, build sandcastles, have a gentle paddle, ramble through a rockpool or just a quiet place to sit and watch the surf, you're sure to find a beach to suit.

Do not hesitate to ask our Reception team for any directions if needed.

 

Our top 5 Beaches to Visit 

Ness Cove, Shaldon - 60 minutes
A secluded, rugged beach backed by dramatic red cliffs and accessed via an original smugglers tunnel. Children will love it.
www.shaldon-devon.co.uk/Shaldon-beaches

Slapton Sands - 75 minutes
More than 600 US servicemen were killed on this three-mile stretch of shingle when German E-boats attacked their D-day rehearsals. A Sherman tank on the sand commemorates them.
www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/things-to-do/slapton-sands-and-torcross-beach

Bantham Beach - 90 minutes
This beach is long and sandy with water shallow enough for children to swim safely, and lively enough for water sports enthusiasts further out as wetsuits outnumber bikinis on south Devon’s only surf beach. East Portlemouth - Perfect for people wanting to enjoy a day of peace and quiet this sandy beach is situated on the estuary opposite Salcombe.
www.banthamestate.co.uk

South Milton Sands - 90 minutes
A beautiful beach for a traditional holiday, ideal for rock pooling and beachcombing, it’s also the perfect location for snorkelling, scuba diving and windsurfing. Seal and dolphins are regular visitors to the shore.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/south-milton-sands

Woolacombe - 90 minutes
An epic, three-mile swathe of sand, which has oodles of space for surfers, swimmers and sunbathers – as well as a Blue Flag.
www.woolacombetourism.co.uk

   

SOMETHING FOR THE LITTLE ONES

 

With its 107 acres of beautiful parklands, fresh country air and the North Teign River flowing through its grounds, Gidleigh Park epitomises the very best of life in Devon. Within the secluded gardens and woodlands of the hotel there are various outdoor facilities, including a tennis court, a bowling green, championship croquet lawns and an 18-hole putting course designed by the legendary Peter Alliss.

Walks from the hotel take you along the river and onto the higher moor where there is the chance to spot the local wildlife, including squirrels, owls, rabbits, and if you are lucky deer. We can also arrange for birds of prey displays in the grounds and fishing on the banks of the river or in the local reservoirs. Should you wish to venture a little further then there are numerous activities, walks and leisure facilities ideal to keep your little ones interested and occupied.

 

Our top 5 Family Days Out 

Paignton Zoo - 60 minutes
With more animals than anyone else in the South West, you're in for a really wild day out in Devon for all the family!With over two thousand creatures to get close to, indoor and outdoor play areas, the Jungle Express train, keeper talks, animal feeding sessions and six amazing animal habitats.
www.paigntonzoo.org.uk

The House of Marbles - 35 minutes
Located near the town of Bovey Tracey, the House of Marbles is a working glass and games factory set in a historic pottery. The factory offers fun and games with a restaurant providing light snacks. Beware, however that the restaurant is also a toy shop!
www.houseofmarbles.com

Becky Falls - 45 minutes
Located on Dartmoor, Bovey Tracey, You will have the opportunity to see cascading waterfalls and explore the 60 acre woodland estate with river walks. There is also a pet garden, nature trail, tea room, ice-cream parlour, gift shop and restaurant.
www.beckyfalls.com

Pennywell Farm - 50 minutes
A family run children’s petting farm, providing a real treat for the children with a good programme of daily interactive events including owl, eagle and birds of prey displays.
www.pennywellfarm.co.uk

Otters and Butterflies - 45 minutes
Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary offers a great, enjoyable, otter and butterfly educational experience. You can wander around the otter sanctuary and butterfly farm and see new butterflies emerge in tropical surroundings. You will also have the opportunity to view the otters swimming underwater and to follow the otter keeper at feeding times. The Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary is an all weather attraction.
www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk