Wild ponies. Ancient stone tors. Mist swirling across vast moorland. That’s Dartmoor in a nutshell.
But there’s more to this dramatic corner of Devon than just postcard views. We’ve hiked it, picnicked it, gotten rained on (a lot), and uncovered the best bits for families, couples, and curious wanderers alike.
So if you’re planning a trip and want to skip the tourist traps and find the real Dartmoor, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into 21 things you absolutely can’t miss.
Before we get into the juicy stuff, let’s cover the basics.
Right in the heart of South Devon, Dartmoor National Park spans over 950 square kilometres of untamed countryside. You’ve got rocky tors, heather-covered hills, hidden waterfalls, and tiny villages that feel frozen in time.
Think of it as the UK’s answer to the Wild West – minus the cowboys and plus a lot more tea.
Want heather in bloom? Aim for late June to August – but you won’t be alone. It’s peak season for walkers and day-trippers.
Spring (April–May) brings bluebells and baby animals, while autumn (September–October) shows off those fiery moorland colours. Wet, yes – but stunning.
Winter? Moody, muddy, and often magical – but only for the well-prepared. You’ll want boots, layers and a sense of humour.
If you’re driving, head for the M5 then cut across towards Exeter or Newton Abbot. From there, the moors are within 30–45 minutes’ reach.
Prefer the train? The line from Exeter to Okehampton is up and running again – handy if you’re exploring the north moor without a car. You’ll also find buses (like the 118) linking spots like Tavistock and Okehampton with nearby villages.
Dartmoor is wild, changeable and phone-signal-free in places. So don’t be caught out.
Here’s what you definitely need:
Pro tip: Always let someone know your route. And if you get lost, head uphill to spot landmarks or signal for help.
From ancient oak forests to waterfall-filled gorges, these outdoor gems are why people fall in love with Dartmoor.
We’ve picked the best of the bunch — from family-friendly trails to dramatic climbs.
If you’ve only got time for one tor, make it this one.
Why it’s worth it:
You can walk to the old Haytor Quarry too – the tramway path is wide, but a bit uneven in places.
Good to know:
A walk straight into folklore.
This moss-covered, twisted oak woodland looks like something out of a fantasy film. And it kind of is — it’s one of the last high-altitude oakwoods in Britain.
Trail length: 4.5km loop (~1.5 hrs)
Heads-up: It can get very boggy. Stick to the trail – those rare lichens and mosses are protected.
This one’s for waterfall lovers.
You’ve got two options here:
Both are part of a National Trust site, so expect an entry fee and paid parking.
Tip: Wear proper shoes. Not a place for flip-flops.
Looking for a peaceful, low-key stroll with views? Bellever ticks the box.
It’s packed with gentle forest trails, wild ponies, and riverside picnic spots. You can also climb up to Bellever Tor for a sweeping view.
Why we love it:
There are toilets and a small café by the car park too.
Classic Dartmoor day out — and a hit with families.
You’re looking at:
Entry: £13.50 per adult (private attraction)
Bonus: Great rainy-day option as the trees give decent cover.
Standing at 60m, this is officially the tallest waterfall in South West England.
Set in lovely landscaped gardens with a Victorian fernery and play area, it’s ideal if you fancy a scenic wander without the mud.
Combo deal alert: You can get a joint ticket for Canonteign Falls and Becky Falls – great if you’re planning to do both in a day.
If you’re into castles, cloisters or slightly spooky museums, Dartmoor delivers.
These aren’t just pretty old buildings — they’re windows into everything from monastic life to medieval sieges.
A working Benedictine monastery with picture-perfect gardens, peaceful riverside paths, and… monk-made tonic wine. Yep, that Buckfast.
Why visit:
Quiet, spiritual, and surprisingly interesting — even if you’re not the religious type.
Once the largest castle in Devon, now a stunning ruin perched above the West Okement River.
Great for:
Owned by English Heritage – free for members or small fee otherwise. There’s a picnic area and basic parking.
This one’s quirky — and darkly fascinating.
Housed inside part of the still-active Dartmoor Prison, the museum tells stories of:
Expect creepy cell reconstructions and artefacts. Not one for toddlers, but older kids and adults will find it fascinating.
Time needed: About 30–45 mins
Location: In Princetown, with parking nearby.
Half-abbey, half-mansion — this was Sir Francis Drake’s home after he circumnavigated the globe.
Managed by the National Trust, it’s got:
Inside, there are exhibits on Drake’s voyages (and controversies). History with a side of stately grandeur.
The last castle ever built in England — but don’t expect turrets and dragons.
This is 20th-century architecture meets rugged hilltop drama. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it overlooks the Teign Gorge and blends Art Deco with medieval flair.
Entry: National Trust site, with ticketed access
Bonus: Dog-friendly gardens and epic views
Great for those who want a castle day without the usual medieval vibe.
Ever seen a water-powered forge in action?
This one in Sticklepath still works — hammers, wheels, sparks and all. Kids are always transfixed watching iron tools made the old-school way.
It’s small, but packed with atmosphere. National Trust again, so free for members.
These spots mix nature with fun — perfect for rainy days, sunny picnics, or when you just want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Yes, Dartmoor has its own zoo — and it’s not just big cats behind fences.
Expect to see:
It’s on a 33-acre site and has proper conservation credentials (you might recognise it from the film We Bought a Zoo).
Entry: Around £22 per adult (steep, but includes an annual pass upgrade)
Plan to spend: Half a day, minimum
A surprisingly magical spot.
You’ll get:
Top tip: It’s compact but lovely – allow 1–2 hours max.
Pre-booking is advised, especially in holidays.
This is the place for hands-on animal time.
What you’ll find:
Massively popular with under-10s — and honestly, grown-ups secretly love it too.
Entry: £15–£20 per person
Under 4s: Go free
Adventure central.
This 90-acre outdoor park has it all:
One of the best-value days out — you pay once at the gate and everything inside is included.
Perfect for: Hot summer days, large groups or kids with energy to burn.
You’ve seen the tors and castles. Now it’s time to hop on a steam train, browse ancient market halls, and even watch marbles come to life. These are the wildcards that round out a proper Dartmoor trip.
If you’ve got a soft spot for steam engines, don’t miss this.
This 6.5-mile heritage line snakes through the Dart Valley with:
Dogs and bikes allowed (for a small fee), and you can easily pair it with Buckfast Abbey or the Otters & Butterflies centre nearby.
Round trip price: ~£22 per adult
Bonus: Great in all weather
Not your average toy shop.
This place is:
It’s free to enter and weirdly wonderful — especially when it’s chucking it down outside.
There’s a solid café on-site too, so you can make a relaxed visit of it.
Set in a covered 12th-century hall, this market’s been running for over 900 years.
You’ll find:
Open Tuesday to Saturday with themed days (antiques, crafts, food, etc). Bonus points if you visit during one of the weekend farmers’ markets in Bedford Square just next door.
If you’ve got an extra day or two, it’s worth the 90-minute drive east to see England’s only natural World Heritage Site.
Head to:
It’s not Dartmoor, but makes for a solid bonus if you’re already in South Devon.
Last but not least — where you stay matters.
Cofton Holidays puts you within striking distance of everything above (usually 30–60 mins by car). And it’s more than just a place to crash.
You’ve got:
Everything’s right on-site, so if the weather is changeable, you can easily switch out your activities.
Why it works: Easy access to Dartmoor, but with the comfort of home and all the mod cons.
Check accommodation availability now
Dartmoor might be the star of the show — but your basecamp can make or break the trip. That’s where Cofton Holidays comes in.
We’re not just conveniently located.
We’ve built a place that’s got everything you need after a day of moorland adventure — whether you’re hiking tors, chasing waterfalls or wrangling overexcited toddlers.
Prime Location, Zero Hassle
We’re tucked into South Devon, right by the coast — with Dartmoor’s east and south edges less than an hour away.
That means:
So you can explore the wild — then be back in time for dinner and a hot soak.
We’ve got a place for every type of traveller:
Everything’s clean, comfy and made for relaxing after muddy walks.
Cofton’s not just a roof over your head — it’s a proper holiday experience.
On-site perks include:
Even if the weather turns (this is Devon, after all), you’ve got plenty to do without leaving the park.
We get it — your dog’s part of the family. That’s why we’ve built dog-friendly lodges, camping spots and woodland walks. There are even dog-wash stations to sort out muddy paws.
Come Explore Dartmoor With Us
Whether you want moorland hikes, hands-on family fun, or just a proper cream tea after castle hopping, Dartmoor delivers.
And with Cofton Holidays as your base, you’re perfectly placed to explore, unwind and repeat — all in the heart of Devon’s best countryside.
Ready to plan your trip?
Book your stay with us, pack your boots, and let Dartmoor work its magic.
Turn your Dartmoor adventure into a full Devon escape.
Book your stay at Cofton Holidays – your 5-star base for exploring Dartmoor, the coast, and everything in between.
