Top 5 Places to Visit on Dartmoor
Located in the heart of Devon, there are so many interesting places to visit on Dartmoor with charming towns and villages, unmissable gorges and ancient sites all clamouring for your attention. Measuring 368 square miles, Dartmoor is one of the UK’s biggest and most untamed national parks. It contains vast moorlands and age old woodland, which makes it a popular destination with walkers and those looking for an experience in the great outdoors. Below are 5 of the unmissable places to visit on Dartmoor to help you plan your next staycation!
#1 South Devon Railway
The South Devon Railway is a former part of the Great Western Railway built in 1872 and transports visitors 7 miles through the stunning River Dart valley between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Why not sit back and take pleasure from the vistas on this award winning experience? You can relax in a vintage train carriage pulled by an iconic steam engine through Devon’s magnificent landscape. The peaceful track passes through farms and orchards and it is often possible to spot some of the region’s abundant wildlife, such as birds of prey and kingfishers along the river. For a truly unforgettable outing why not book a seat in the dining carriage for Sunday lunch or an Afternoon Tea? If you are looking for a fun packed family day out, there are joint tickets available for Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies as well as the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm.
#2 Castle Drogo
The last great castle to be built in England and an architectural gem, the imposing Castle Drogo, built between 1911 and 1930 is an unmissable destination during a visit to Dartmoor! The architect Edwin Lutyens (architect of New Delhi) designed the castle for Julius Drewe, founder of the Home and Colonial stores, who wanted a building which would hark back to his medieval ancestor Drogo de Teigne. Although Lutyens plans were never fully implemented, due to financial issues and family deaths during the First World War, the enormous building is still an arresting sight on its ridge overlooking the Teign Valley. There is also a Grade II listed garden at the castle, also designed by Lutyens. The garden has striking terraces cut out of the rock offering amazing views over the valley, a rose garden and rhododendron garden.
#3 Tavistock
The ancient stannary town of Tavistock is located on the River Tavy and traces its existence back to the foundation of Tavistock Abbey in 961. The town has an eclectic mix of historical architecture, a canal with beautiful walks and independent shops making it a fine location for a day out on the edge of Dartmoor national park. Make sure to head to the famous pannier market for antiques, bric-a-brac and much more! Tavistock has a proud history with Sir Francis Drake as its most famous son and was formerly an important centre for copper mining. It is now part of a World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit during your stay in Dartmoor!
#4 Lydford Gorge
The dramatic Lydford Gorge is something that you definitely do not want to miss during your visit to Dartmoor! It has a huge variety of flora and fauna, spectacular waterfalls and challenging, but rewarding, walking routes. At 30 metres high, the Whitelady waterfall is an unmissable sight with its tonnes of water crashing down vertically through rocks and greenery into the pool below. If that wasn’t enough natural wonder for you, then there is also the enchantingly named Devil’s Cauldron, a turbulent pot in the Lyd river, which is argued as the best section of the circular 3 mile hike through the gorge. The surrounding black rocks are assaulted by the fury of the powerful waters and is heard long before it is seen. Make sure not to miss this fantastic location, but be careful to plan ahead as the paths can be slippery and dangerous at certain times of year.
#5 Brent Tor
Of the many rocky tors on Dartmoor, Brent Tor is certainly the most mysterious! The tor is a unique example of a carboniferous basaltic volcano and unlike many other tors in the area it is not made from granite, but basaltic lava. The lava hardened as it flowed into the sea over 350 millions years ago and formed the tor with its lava pillows. The distinctive mount has since dominated the Dartmoor landscape and been used as an Iron Age hillfort and later as a lookout point with the church of St. Michel de Rupe at its top. The tor is something that you cannot miss, just for its dramatic setting alone, with great views across Dartmoor!
Goboony
There are many places to visit on Dartmoor and one of the best ways to make the most of them is by hiring your own holidayhome on wheels! Goboony is a company that wants to give as many people as possible the chance to experience the freedom of the open road. Goboony gives campervan and motorhome owners a platform to hire out their vehicles to budding campers, so that their vehicles do not sit unused and unloved. There are many types of vehicles on Goboony suitable all needs, so whether you want a luxury modern motorhome or an traditional campervan, a short staycation or an extended adventure abroad, you can find what you are looking for at Goboony.
Goboony feels that trust is essential for both vehicle owner and traveller to enjoy their hire experience. It is important to us that both owner and hirer can trust each other, so we facilitate clear channels of communication and a safe and secure payment service. You can easily compare prices and check availability on our site and find the perfect home on wheels for your holiday. We have thousands of owners registered on the site all over the country. So what are you waiting for? Explore our website and discover your next adventure with Goboony.