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Dartmoor
is indeed a memorable plateau formed from granite, which
sometimes obtrudes as tors, overlaid with peat. The highest
tor is High
Willhays, 2.039 feet but there are many others equally impressive.
Among the most interesting features of Dartmoor are the
thirteenth-century bridge at Postbridge, the eerie Cranmere Pool,
remains of prehistoric settlements such as Grimspound. the stunted
oak trees of Wistman’s Wood and, of course, the bleak prison at
Princetown which was built at the start of the nineteenth century.
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- The natural grandeur of Dartmoor contrasts markedly with
the bright lights of some of Devon's holiday resorts visited on this tour.
- The scenery is varied, taking in picturesque harbour's,
ruined castles and desolate moorland.
 DARTMOOR’S
small towns and villages are home to some of the best shops and pubs
offering local produce and a true taste of Dartmoor. They form an
integral part of community life on Dartmoor and, along with the
village halls and churches, provide the focus for Dartmoor's
residents. -
- Read about a few of the moors towns and villages.
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- Chagford is a thriving and
welcoming little town that has a wealth of lovely shops supplying a
range of local produce and is particularly well known for its two
outstanding traditional hardware stores. The town also boasts the
largest outdoor swimming pool in Devon set in idyllic surroundings
in wooded countryside close to the river, where you can enjoy a swim
or just sit and enjoy a drink or snack from the cafe.
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- Christow situated on the slopes
of the Teign Valley, is a traditional Dartmoor village with a wealth
of mining history. The village has a small shop, a post office and
the popular Artichoke Inn.
Cornwood This is an excellent
starting point for exploring the old farmsteads, and prehistoric and
more recent tin mining remains that abound in the area. There is a
village post office and tearooms.
Dunsford Whitewashed thatched
cottages huddle together above the wooded slopes of the River Teign.
Both the post office stores and the Royal Oak public house ace to be
found at the centre of the village and just down the road is a
children’s play area in the most idyllic selling behind the village
hall.
Drewsteignton The village
church, shop and pub flank a central square in this attractive
village. The village and its pub are named after a local family
whose name can be traced back to 1210 in its original form ‘Drogo’.
Hennock situated to the north west of
Bovey Tracey, is a small village overlooking the Teign Valley. One
particular gem is the Public House, also the Post Office.
Holne This attractive village is one of
the few Dartmoor
settlements left with a working farm at its centre. Home Court Farm
sells beef, Iamb and eggs direct to the public and supplies produce
to its near neighbour, the Church House Inn.
Horrabridge The village of
Horrabridge lies along the A386 just outside Tavistock. Here you can
admire the historic bridge dating back to 1260 while picnicking
beside the River Tavy in Weir Park. There are also shops and two
pubs to choose from.
Lustleigh This picturesque
village is tucked along the eastern foothills of Dartmoor. Savour
lunch outside The Cleave pub next to the village cricket field.
Mary Tavy It owes much of its
character to history. At one time, the largest copper mine is Wheel
Friendship, was on Mary Tavy. There is a post office shop, with a
quirky in that the entrance is via the back door!
Moretonhampstead is one of
Dartmoor’s main centres for art with a thriving community of
craftsmen artists, potters and blacksmith whose talents can be
viewed in local studios as well as a prestigious gallery. A recent
public art project has transformed the town with its life sculptures
of Dartmoor ponies that children love to ride and a vibrant
mosaic snail that wends it way towards the parish church.-
- Princetown Lies at the heart of
the National Park and is famous for HM Prison Dartmoor. Don’t miss
the Prison Museum its fascinating history of prison life. Here, too,
is the Dartmoor National Park Authority’s award wining High Moorland
Visitor Centre, which is open throughout the year. The Tyrwhitt
Trails give good insight into the history historic settlement and
provide opportunities to explore the high moorland beyond. Locally brewed Jail Ale is sold in bottle at the
Feathers and the Prince of Wales.
Postbridge This hamlet is at the
heart of the moor is so named because the bridge carried the first
post road over the moor. There is a choice of two pubs and you can
relax by the side of the river and enjoy a takeaway cream tea Post
Office Stores.
South Zeal This medieval new town,
was created in the 13th Century by the Norman Lord, Robert de Tony.
the village shop, The Stores, has expanded over the last few years
and provides ample opportunity for retail therapy. The two village
pubs in this attractive settlement offer the opportunity for
relaxing meals.
Sticklepath This was on a former
major trade route during the industrial revolution but is now tucked
away in the quiet corner of Dartmoor. A visit is worthwhile since,
as well as the two pubs and local shop, the Finch Foundry museum
will give you an insight into the village’s lively past.
Walkhampton The church stands above
the village and its tower is visible for many miles around. The
pretty village is set in a hollow where Huckworthy Bridge spans the
Walkham. The village includes a Post Office and the Walkhampton Inn,
which serves
- good local beers.
Widecombe in the Moor,
World famous thanks to Tom Pearce, his grey mare the annual Widecombe
Fair, which takes place c second ‘Tuesday of September. Widecombe has
retained much of its unique character and is home to the ’Cathedral of
the Moor’ the impressive Church of Saint Pancras that dominates the
stunning views of the village from the surrounding moorland.
Yelverton is rich in heritage and
history as well as for it's range of shops and attractions. The area is
known as Drakes Dartmoor because here you can follow in the footsteps of
the greatest figures in history. Just outside the town is Buckland
Abbey, previously home to the hero of the Armada Sir Francis Drake.
Today it is managed by the National and is home to permanent exhibitions
on his life work and exploits.
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- Dartmoor
towns and villages to visit
- About Dartmoor
- Bovey Tracey
- Buckfastliegh
- Clapperbridge
- Buckland in the Moor
- Dartmeet
- Mary Tavy
- Okehampton
- Princeton
- Tavistock
- Widecoombe
- Attractions
- On the moor, the
River Dart divides into East and West. Sea trout fishing is
good on the West dart, while brown trout can be taken on both
rivers. Salmon fishing is best 3 miles upstream from Dartmeet.
Dartmoor Accommodation
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