Things to do in Devon
Discover beautiful beaches, rugged coastlines and the wilderness of Dartmoor. Find inspiration for your perfect Devon holiday.
Read more about DevonDartmoor National Park: a guide
Ready to explore this breathtaking landscape? Here's your essential guide to getting the most out of your Dartmoor adventure.
Dartmoor National Park is a Devon gem worthy of special attention. Picture vast, rugged moorland stretching to the horizon, ancient granite tors waiting to be summited and a network of trails calling to be conquered. Dartmoor isn't just a destination; it’s an opportunity to visit the wild heart of England and escape the hustle and bustle.
Best walks in Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor is a walker's paradise, offering routes from gentle riverside strolls to challenging climbs that reward you with panoramic views. Let's take you through our pick of the bunch.
1. Haytor Rocks, Haytor Vale
If you want to be a tor bagger of Dartmoor there are a number to choose from including Haytor Rocks which is the most famous, offering a relatively easy ascent from the car park but delivering genuinely epic, sweeping views. For a more challenging and rewarding climb, head for the northern moor peaks like Yes Tor and High Willhays (the highest point in Southern England).
Stay at: Dornafield Club Campsite - 11 miles away
2. Wistman's Wood
If walking into a fairy tale is more your thing then take a hike to Wistman’s Wood, an easy 3-mile walk to this ancient, high-altitude oak woodland. The gnarled, moss-covered dwarf oaks and granite boulders create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else, perfect for a mystical morning hike.
3. Foggintor Quarry
Foggintor Quarry is a dramatic 2-mile walk which leads to the abandoned quarry which is now a beautiful, atmospheric basin of still, blue water surrounded by imposing granite walls. It's a short but profoundly scenic trek, offering a great photo opportunity.
Stay at: Steamer Quay Club Campsite - 23 miles away
Best cycling routes in Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor’s cycling scene is surprisingly rich, featuring a mix of family-friendly traffic-free trails and demanding long-distance routes that circumnavigate the high moor.
1. Wray Valley Trail
A stunning 7-mile section of the National Cycle Network connecting Moretonhampstead to Bovey Tracey, the Wray Valley Trail is worth a visit. It’s mostly traffic-free and takes you through the peaceful Parke Estate.
2. The Dartmoor Way
If you're looking for something more ambitious, The Dartmoor Way is the ultimate challenge. The 108-mile circular route winds its way around the entire National Park, utilising quiet lanes and minor roads. If you don't fancy the whole route, you can enjoy the different sections starting from the various villages and towns.
Stay at: Stover Club Campsite - 3 miles away from Bovey Tracey
Places to eat in Dartmoor National Park
After spending the day exploring, or even after a relaxing day out you'll want to enjoy some of the delicious traditional pub food on offer. Here's our pick of the bunch.
1. Warren House Inn, Yelverton
Famous for being the highest inn in Southern England, standing high up on Dartmoor at 1425ft above sea level. Enjoy a well-earned pint and their legendary Warrener’s Pie while taking in the magnificent moorland views. A warm welcome awaits with a fire that has said to have been continuously burning since 1845.
2. The Rugglestone Inn, Widecombe-in-the-Moor
A traditional Dartmoor pub with a roaring fire and fantastic home-cooked food. It's the perfect spot for classic pub grub after a day on the surrounding hills.
Stay at: Stover Club Campsite - 10 miles away from The Rugglestone Inn
Villages to visit in Dartmoor National Park
The towns and villages of Dartmoor are steeped in history and well worth a visit. Here are just a select few.
1. Widecombe-in-the-Moor
A picturesque village on the moor, with a vast village green, attractive tea rooms, and the impressive ‘Cathedral of the Moor' - the Church of St Pancras.
2. Lustleigh
Considered a postcard-perfect village, Lustleigh is a beautiful cluster of thatched cottages and granite stonework, centred around an idyllic village green. It's an essential stop for classic Devon charm.
Stay at: Stover Club Campsite - 6 miles away from Lustleigh
3. Buckfastleigh
Known as a crucial Gateway to the Moors on the southern edge, this town is perfect for the serious hiker. Explore the magnificent Buckfast Abbey or take a scenic ride on the South Devon Railway or visit the Buckfast Butterfly Farm And Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary.
Stay at: Steamer Quay Club Campsite - 8 miles away from Buckfastleigh
Indoor attractions in Dartmoor National Park
Dartmoor is a great place to visit no matter what the weather. When you fancy a break from the outdoors there's plenty of indoor activities on offer including a wealth of history and geology. Here's our checklist:
- Finlake Falls, Chudleigh
- Dart Rock Climbing Centre, Buckfastleigh
- The House of Marbles, Bovey Tracey
- The William Pengelly Cave Studies Centre, Buckfastleigh
- Tavistock Pannier Market, Tavistock
- South Devon Railway
If you love a castle, check out our blog Castles in Devon: a guide to find out more about some of the best to visit in Devon.
Dartmouth Castle, Dartmouth
