Why Dartmoor Is Made for Romantic Breaks
Quiet landscapes, cosy evenings and the luxury of space
Some places feel romantic because they are dramatic or theatrical. Dartmoor is both – but it’s also romantic for a different reason. It slows you down straightaway.
Set apart from the coast and free from large-scale tourism, Dartmoor offers couples something increasingly rare – space, privacy and a sense of being gently removed from everyday life. It’s not a destination for rushing between highlights. It’s a place where romance unfolds through atmosphere, comfort and unhurried time together.
A landscape that encourages closeness
Dartmoor’s wide skies, open moorland and enclosed valleys naturally set a slower pace. Walks tend to be about wandering side by side rather than ticking things off, with plenty of quiet pauses built in.
There’s room to talk, to share silences, and to move at your own rhythm – which is often what couples value most when they escape together.
If you’re considering Devon for a couple’s escape, our romantic breaks guide explains how these qualities shape the experience in practice.
Cosiness matters more here than spectacle
On Dartmoor, romance is shaped as much by where you’re staying as by what you do with your days.
Days in are often the highlight: lighting a fire, running a deep bath, cooking something simple or opening a bottle and staying in. The pleasure comes from warmth and comfort after fresh air, rather than from dressing up or going out late.
For romantic breaks here, accommodation isn’t just a base – it sets the entire tone of the stay.
Staying somewhere genuinely quiet makes all the difference – which is why Moorland View was created as a secluded, five-star cottage for couples, set in the heart of Dartmoor National Park.
Privacy without trying too hard
Unlike busier destinations, Dartmoor doesn’t require careful planning to avoid crowds. Away from peak holiday weeks, quiet lanes, footpaths and villages are part of everyday life rather than something you have to search for.
That sense of privacy allows couples to relax into the moment without feeling watched or hurried – a subtle but important ingredient of a genuinely romantic break.
Evenings that feel unclaimed
Dartmoor nights are darker and quieter than most places in southern England. With little light pollution and fewer distractions, evenings naturally slow down.
Whether that means stepping outside to look at the sky, settling in early, or simply enjoying the stillness, the lack of background noise and activity makes time feel more generous.
Simple pleasures done well
Romantic breaks on Dartmoor tend to be shaped by small indulgences rather than big plans.
A good walk followed by a pub lunch. A single memorable meal rather than multiple bookings. Time spent together rather than moving constantly.
It’s a style of romance that values quality over quantity – and many couples find that unexpectedly restorative.
Why Dartmoor suits couples seeking calm
Dartmoor works best for couples who value:
privacy over buzz
comfort over spectacle
atmosphere over itinerary
time together over constant activity
It’s not about doing more. It’s about feeling more settled, more present and more connected.
A quieter kind of romance
Romance on Dartmoor isn’t performative. It doesn’t demand an audience or a schedule. It’s found in warmth after cold air, in shared routines, and in the feeling that nothing else needs your attention for a while.
For couples who value calm, seclusion and a sense of being gently held by the landscape, Dartmoor offers a deeply satisfying setting for a romantic break – one that lingers long after you’ve gone home.
Planning a romantic break in Dartmoor?
We share uncrowded walks, seasonal timing tips and places we personally recommend to our guests at Moorland View.
→ Link: Explore the cottage