ON THE DOORSTEP

You don’t need the car to enjoy the local area. Wander through North Bovey’s thatched cottages and over the stepping stones, with the Ring of Bells just a few minutes’ stroll away beside the village green. Climb Easdon Tor for far-reaching Dartmoor views, or follow the river through the woods to Bovey Castle for tea, cocktails, spa time, falconry and other activities. Creative workshops are dotted close by too, including jewellery making, pottery, willow weaving, blacksmithing and wet-plate photography. For a longer outing, continue on foot towards Lustleigh and its lovely thatched village pub.

  • A gentle circular walk from the cottage, taking in North Bovey’s pretty thatched cottages, quiet lanes, old stone walls and village green. Follow the lanes and footpaths down towards the river, cross the stepping stones if conditions are safe, then loop back through fields and hedgerows for lovely views of the surrounding Dartmoor countryside. Finish with a drink or meal at The Ring of Bells beside the green.

  • Our lovely village pub, The Ring of Bells, is just a short stroll from the cottage, overlooking North Bovey’s village green. It’s a traditional thatched Dartmoor inn with oak beams, wonky walls, cosy fires and a relaxed, friendly feel, perfect for an easy drink, relaxed supper or Sunday lunch without getting in the car. The building is Grade II listed and has early fabric dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, so it feels very much part of the village’s history

  • A lovely gentle walk from the cottage, following quiet lanes, woodland paths and the river towards Bovey Castle. Allow around 45 minutes with stops, especially if you pause for photos, admire the trees or take the slower route around the lakes.

    Once there, wander around the lakes and estate paths, then treat yourself to a cuppa and biscuits in the hotel lounge or on the terrace. It’s an easy, elegant little outing without needing to get in the car.

  • Bovey Castle’s Elan Spa offers a broad menu of treatments, including relaxing, aromatherapy, deep-tissue and hot-stone massages; personalised and anti-ageing facials; body treatments; maternity and menopause-focused therapies; manicures, pedicures and beauty treatments. Short 25-minute treatments are available alongside more indulgent 55–85 minute options, with add-ons such as hot-oil scalp, neck-and-shoulder, hand and foot treatments. Spa days are also available.

  • For a bit of downtime, head to Bovey Castle’s Elan Spa, a short drive or 15-minute walk through the woods. The leisure facilities include a beautiful indoor pool overlooking the grounds, whirlpool, sauna, steam room and well-equipped gym. Non-residents can book leisure access from £30 per adult (£15 for under-16s); booking ahead is recommended.

  • Bovey Castle is just a short walk from the cottage, following the river through the woods — perfect for a little five-star indulgence without needing to drive.

    Food & drink

    • Tea, coffee or drinks – settle into one of the hotel lounges or, in good weather, take a table on the terrace.

    • Afternoon tea – scones, sandwiches, homemade sweet treats and fine teas, served daily.

    • Cocktails & champagne – enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the elegant bar areas; the Great Western Grill also has its own Champagne Bar.

    • Lunch or casual dining – Smith’s Brasserie serves food throughout the day.

    • Dinner or Sunday lunch – book the Great Western Grill, Bovey’s more formal restaurant, for a special meal.

  • Activities

    You don’t need to be staying at Bovey Castle to make use of many of its activities – non-residents can book onto a wide range of experiences, including golf, country pursuits and creative workshops.

    • Falconry – a complimentary display takes place on the terrace every morning at 10.30am, weather permitting.

    • Golf – visitors can book a round on Bovey Castle’s championship course.

    • Croquet – enjoy a free game on the lawn. No booking required.

    • Archery, air-rifle and clay-pigeon shooting .

    • Deer park walks – guided walks through the grounds and deer park.

    • Fly-fishing – available to book on the estate.

    • Tennis – courts are available for guests and visitors.

    • Pottery throwing – a more creative option, hosted in their cosy barn, for a rainy day.

    • Cider and gin making – hands-on tasting and making sessions in a cosy barn.

    • 4x4 off-road driving – available on selected dates, though often booked up well in advance.

  • Dartmoor has a thriving community of artists, makers and craftspeople, and there are some wonderful opportunities to try something yourself while you’re here. A large number live and work a short walk from the cottage, or in nearby Moretonhampstead.

    • Jewellery making – spend a few hours learning traditional techniques and making your own piece to take home.

    • Wet-plate collodion photography – try this atmospheric 19th-century photographic process at a studio

    • Pottery – hands-on throwing and hand-building workshops with local ceramicists.

    • Willow weaving – visit Katherine’s extraordinarychapel workshop in Moretonhampstead, filled with life-sized Dartmoor creatures woven from willow, alongside her beautiful bird’s-nest lampshades, made from willow and foraged Dartmoor materials.

    • Woodturning – create a beautiful bowl on a traditional pole late from Dartmoor timber.

    • Blacksmithing– have a go at traditional forging in a traditional Victorian forge and make a small piece of your own.

    • Shoemaking – discover the craft behind handmade footwear, with workshops led by specialist makers.

    Workshops need to be booked in advance, and availability varies through the year.

    For more options, including letterpress printing and sign writing, visit Dartmoor Artisan Trail.

  • Step back in time on a traditional Shire horse-drawn carriage ride, collecting you from Moorland View’s doorstep for a memorable journey through Dartmoor’s moorland, country lanes and beautiful, timeless villages with an optional stop of a cream tea. Visit Devon Carriage Rides for details.

  • For a lovely local outing, walk around 30 minutes through quiet lanes and farmland to Moretonhampstead for brunch or lunch at the wonderful Hippo. The route can be muddy in places, so sensible footwear is recommended. See the OS map for full route details.

  • A rewarding walk straight from the cottage, climbing through lanes, fields and open moorland to Easdon Tor for wide views across Dartmoor. It feels properly wild once you’re up on the open ground, but is still close enough to North Bovey to make a lovely half-day walk.

    Allow time to linger at the top, especially on a clear day, then loop back down towards the village for a drink or meal at The Ring of Bells. Take a map or walking app, as the paths can be less obvious on the open moor, and avoid heading up in mist, high winds or poor visibility.

  • A beautiful longer walk from the cottage, heading through lanes, fields and wooded valley paths towards Lustleigh, one of Dartmoor’s prettiest villages. For the most scenic version, build in Lustleigh Cleave for river paths, mossy woodland, steep-sided valleys and lovely views — but take an OS map or walking app, as paths can be muddy, steep and less obvious in places.

    Reward yourself with lunch at The Cleave, a thatched village pub and restaurant in the heart of Lustleigh, or stop for tea and cake before heading back. You can either walk both ways if you want a proper day out, or book a taxi back to North Bovey if you’d rather make it a one-way walk.

LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS

From wild Dartmoor walks and cosy village pubs to riverside picnics, independent cafés, gardens, galleries and pretty Devon towns, Moorland View is perfectly placed for exploring the moor. These are the places we love most – all personally chosen to help you make the most of your stay.

Map of our favourite things to do

  • Moretonhampstead
    The easiest nearby option for practical food shopping, with a butcher, baker, greengrocer and small supermarket. It’s ideal for picking up breakfast bits, picnic supplies, simple supper ingredients or anything you’ve forgotten. Zero Waste is also useful for purchasing small amounts of ethically-sourced staples.

    Chagford
    Chagford is lovely for a slower food shop, with a proper village-square feel and a good mix of independent food shops. Blacks Delicatessen is especially good for picnic treats, cheeses, breads, quiches, salads, hampers and lovely things to bring back to the cottage, while Beachwood Bakery is brilliant for sourdough, pastries, coffee and sweet treats. For wine, beer and spirits, call into Jaded Palates, and for local produce, organic fruit and vegetables, homemade food and everyday essentials, try The Beehive Farm Shop & Café on the square.

    Ullacombe Farm Shop and Cox and Laflin, near Bovey Tracey
    Ullacombe Farm Shop, near Bovey Tracey, is the best option for a bigger, more leisurely farm-shop browse, with local produce, cheeses, dairy, fruit, vegetables, bread, gifts, a café and butchery. It’s also home to Cox & Laflin, an award-winning butcher using locally sourced meat. It works well if you’re heading towards Haytor, Widecombe or the southern side of Dartmoor.

  • Bovey Castle is just a short walk from the cottage, following the river through the woods – perfect for a little five-star indulgence without needing to drive.

    Try:

    • A luxury spa treatment or spa day – £30 per person, per day

    • Tea in the spectacular Cathedral Room or out on the terrace

    • Cocktails in one of the sumptuous lounges

    • Fine dining at the Great Western Grill

    • A round of golf or a game of croquet

    • A gentle walk around the lakes

    • A wander through the wildflower meadow and orchard

    • Deer-spotting around the estate, especially at quieter times of day

  • Hippo, Moretonhampstead
    A lovely café-bistro option for breakfast, brunch or lunch, just a short drive from Moorland View. Hippo serves good coffee, cakes and fresh, wholesome dishes in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

    Blackbird Bakers, Chagford
    A cosy café in the heart of Chagford, good for coffee, cake or a relaxed lunch while browsing the shops around the square. Blackbird Bakers  is a lovely easy stop if you’re spending time in the village.

    Beachwood Bakery, Chagford
    Excellent for pastries, sourdough, coffee, ice cream and sweet treats. Beachwood Bakery is ideal before a moorland walk or for picking up something lovely to take away.

    Blacks Deli, Chagford
    Great for picnic bits, salads, quiches, cheese, ready meals and special treats to bring back to the cottage. Blacks Deli is especially handy if you want to stock up without doing a full supermarket shop.

    Primrose Tea Rooms, Lustleigh
    A pretty thatched tearoom in the centre of Lustleigh, lovely for lunch, tea, cake or a classic Devon cream tea after a wander around the village. Primrose Tea Rooms is a charming stop in one of Dartmoor’s prettiest villages. Check ahead for opening times

    The Café on the Green, Widecombe-in-the-Moor
    A traditional Dartmoor café overlooking the village green, perfect for breakfast, lunch, cake or a cream tea before or after a moorland walk. The Café on the Green is right in the heart of Widecombe.

    Home Farm Café, Parke, Bovey Tracey
    A lovely café on the National Trust’s Parke estate, good for brunch, lunch, coffee or cake after a walk along the River Bovey. Home Farm Café makes a very easy stop if you’re heading towards Bovey Tracey or Haytor.

  • Ring of Bells, North Bovey
    Our friendly village pub, the Ring of Bells, is a traditional thatched Dartmoor inn with oak beams, wonky walls and log-burning stoves. The food is delicious, the wine list is good, and ales are poured straight from the barrel.

    Bovey Castle, North Bovey
    For something more indulgent, walk through the woods to Bovey Castle for cocktails in one of its sumptuous lounges or out on the terrace overlooking the estate. It’s a lovely five-star option for a pre-dinner drink, a special afternoon treat, or a relaxed evening without needing to drive.

    The Horse, Moretonhampstead
    Praised by the Michelin Guide as a “genuine slice of foodie heaven”, The Horse serves some of the best pub food in Devon in a relaxed contemporary setting. There’s also a pretty walled courtyard for summer evenings.

    Gidleigh Park, Chagford
    Set in 107 acres of private woodland, Gidleigh Park is one of Dartmoor’s most refined dining experiences. Formal, elegant and known for exceptional service, it offers polished seasonal British cooking, an impressive wine cellar and a real sense of occasion.

    Emilia, Ashburton
    A stylish, relaxed restaurant in Ashburton serving inventive sharing plates, designed for ordering several dishes for the table. Emilia has attracted some excellent national reviews, and is a great choice for a special lunch or dinner while you’re exploring this artsy antiques town.

    The Doe, Buckfastleigh
    A little further afield, but well worth the drive. Buckfastleigh may not be Dartmoor’s prettiest town, but The Doe is a real diamond in the rough: a stylish, relaxed neighbourhood restaurant with a warm welcome and excellent food. The menu centres on imaginative seasonal small plates, with good wines and a laid-back atmosphere. Open Thurs, Fri and Sat evenings, plus Sat 11-3pm. Booking recommended.

    The Cleave, Lustleigh
    A wonderfully cosy thatched pub in pretty Lustleigh, with flagstone floors, beamed walls and crackling fires inside, plus a sunny garden for warmer days. Walk from the cottage, have lunch at The Cleave, then book a cab back – or walk home if your legs are up to it.

    The Rugglestone, Widecombe-in-the-Moor
    A proper moorland pub in remote Widecombe, with flagstone floors, open fires and local ales poured straight from the barrel. The Rugglestone Inn has a tiny bar full of character, while the dining rooms and sheltered garden offer more space, picnic tables and fabulous Dartmoor views.

    The Three Crowns, Chagford
    The Three Crowns is a handsome historic inn in the heart of Chagford, with beams, fireplaces, a cosy bar and a smarter contemporary dining space. A lovely choice for lunch, supper or a drink after exploring the town, with seasonal menus and polished pub classics.

    The Chagford Inn, Chagford
    The Chagford Inn is a food-led Dartmoor pub where almost everything is made in-house, from bread and bacon to cured meats, stocks and butchery. Menus change regularly, with local Dexter beef, seasonal fish, thoughtful daily dishes and a proper Sunday roast; dogs are welcome too.

    Warren House Inn, High Dartmoor
    The highest inn in the South West, Warren House Inn has been welcoming travellers across the moor since 1845. Once a favourite with tin miners, it now serves real ales, warming soups, ploughman’s lunches, steak and ale pies, and its famous Warrener’s rabbit pie.

  • Just-baked scones, generous clotted cream and lashings of strawberry jam – no holiday in Devon is complete without a traditional cream tea. Our favourites on and around Dartmoor include:

    Bovey Castle
    For a grand country-house version close to the cottage, Bovey Castle serves afternoon tea with freshly baked scones, delicate sandwiches and homemade sweet treats – lovely in the Cathedral Room or, in good weather, out on the terrace.

    Gidleigh Park, Chagford
    For a real treat, Gidleigh Park serves afternoon tea in elegant surroundings, with views across the gardens and valley. Pair it with a gentle walk around the grounds to properly earn your scones.

    Fingle Bridge Inn, Drewsteignton
    Best after a walk through the Teign Gorge, Fingle Bridge Inn serves cream teas and cakes in a lovely riverside setting beside the old stone bridge.

    Blackbird Bakers, Chagford
    A cosy café in the heart of Chagford, good for coffee, cake or a relaxed lunch while browsing the shops around the square. Blackbird Bakers  is a lovely easy stop if you’re spending time in the village.

    The Old Forge, Chagford
    Housed in a converted forge in the village centre, The Old Forge is a traditional tearoom known for cream teas, homemade cakes, coffee and loose-leaf tea.

    Hotel Endsleigh
    Across the other side of the moor, but well worth the drive, Hotel Endsleigh is a romantic choice for cream tea or afternoon tea overlooking the Tamar Valley, with time to wander the Grade I-listed gardens afterwards.

  • Click here for full details about our favourite Dartmoor roadtrip,

  • Bovey Castle from the cottage
    An easy riverside walk through woods and lanes, taking around 45 minutes with stops. Wander around the lakes, then pause for tea, coffee or something stronger at Bovey Castle.

    Easdon Tor from the cottage
    A proper three-hour moorland hike from North Bovey, climbing up through fields and open moor for big Dartmoor views. Best in clear weather, as paths can be less obvious higher up.

    Lustleigh and The Cleave
    A beautiful longer walk to Lustleigh, one of Dartmoor’s prettiest thatched villages. Stop for lunch at The Cleave, then either walk back or book a taxi.

    Hound Tor
    A short, atmospheric walk among Dartmoor’s granite outcrops, with the remains of a 13th-century deserted medieval village just below Hound Tor.

    Fingle Gorge / Castle Drogo
    One of eastern Dartmoor’s most dramatic walks, with wooded riverside paths, steep gorge views and the option to finish near Fingle Bridge Inn or continue up towards Castle Drogo.

    Wistman’s Wood
    An otherworldly temperate ancient oak woodland near Two Bridges, with moss-covered boulders, twisted dwarf oaks and lichen-draped branches. The easy walk to Wistman’s Wood starts near Two Bridges Hotel, which is a good stop afterwards for cream tea.

    Parke Estate, Bovey Tracey
    A peaceful National Trust estate with riverside paths, woodland, a walled garden and access to the Wray Valley Trail. Parke is a gentle option if you want something less exposed than the open moor.

  • North Bovey village, Easdon Tor and The Ring of Bells
    A lovely walk straight from the cottage, with lanes, fields and open moorland up Easdon Tor, followed by a drink or meal at The Ring of Bells beside North Bovey’s village green. It’s ideal when you don’t want to drive, and gives a proper sense of the surrounding Dartmoor landscape.

    Lustleigh Cleave and The Cleave
    A beautiful walk combining one of Dartmoor’s prettiest villages with wooded valley paths, steep cleaves and open views. Reward yourself afterwards at The Cleave, a thatched 15th-century village pub and restaurant in the heart of Lustleigh. You can even walk from the cottage if you’re feeling energetic.

    Fingle Gorge and the Fingle Bridge Inn (or Mill End Hotel or the Three Crowns in Chagford)
    One of the best pub walks on eastern Dartmoor: a dramatic wooded gorge, riverside paths, ancient woodland and views towards Castle Drogo. You can start from Castle Drogo, from Fingle Bridge — though parking here can be tricky at busy times — or from the access point just past Mill End Hotel near Chagford. For a longer there-and-back walk, you can also start from Chagford itself.

    Plan your route so you return to where you parked, as taxis are not always easy to arrange at short notice. Finish with a drink or meal at the Fingle Bridge Inn if you’ve parked at Fingle Bridge, or head to The Three Crowns or one of Chagford’s other pubs if you’re based in town. For something a little more country-house, Mill End Hotel is also a lovely option for lunch, afternoon tea or a Devon cream tea after walking in the gorge.

    Widecombe and The Rugglestone Inn
    A classic Dartmoor pub walk can be built around Widecombe-in-the-Moor, with lanes, open moorland, church views and the option to stretch the route towards Hamel Down or the surrounding tors. Finish at The Rugglestone Inn, a wonderfully unspoilt Dartmoor pub just a few minutes’ walk from the village centre, beside a stream and surrounded by moorland.

    Birch Tor, Vitifer Mine and Warren House Inn
    For a wilder, high-moor pub walk, head towards Warren House Inn near Postbridge, one of Dartmoor’s most atmospheric and isolated pubs. Walks from here can take in open moorland, old tin-mining remains around Vitifer Mine, Birch Tor and big Dartmoor views, before returning to the inn for a drink by its famously long-burning fire, which the pub says has been kept alight since 1845.

    Parke and Home Farm Café, Bovey Tracey
    Not a pub, but a lovely easy walk-and-lunch option on the National Trust’s Parke estate, with woodland paths, open parkland and riverside walks along the River Bovey. Finish at Home Farm Café for brunch, lunch, coffee or cake.

  • Becky Falls
    One of Dartmoor’s most atmospheric woodland walks, Becky Falls is a beautiful spot for waterfalls, mossy boulders and ancient oak woodland. There are several walking routes, from gentle strolls to more challenging scrambles, plus a small animal area and café.

    Canonteign Falls
    A scenic estate with waterfalls, lakes, woodland walks and gardens on the edge of Dartmoor. Canonteign Falls is home to one of the South West’s highest waterfalls and works well for families, dog-friendly days out or a gentle nature walk.

    Venford Falls
    A more hidden, atmospheric Dartmoor waterfall near Venford Reservoir, tucked into woodland and reached by a short walk rather than a formal attraction. Venford Falls is beautiful after rain and good for guests who like a slightly wilder, less obvious Dartmoor outing, though paths can be muddy and uneven.

  • Castle Drogo
    Lutyens-designed Castle Drogo is a quasi-mediaeval granite castle that was the last to be built in Britain. Inside is Drewe's remarkable collection of venerable artefacts, such as 17th-century tapestries. The views of the Teign Gorge and Dartmoor are magnificent, and there’s a stunning walk along Fingle Gorge from the grounds.

    Buckfast Abbey
    A beautiful working Benedictine monastery set in a peaceful valley on the edge of Dartmoor. Visitors can explore the Abbey Church, gardens, shops and restaurant, making Buckfast Abbey a good option for a calm, contemplative day out

    Dartmoor Prison Museum
    A fascinating small museum exploring the history of one of Britain’s most famous pårisons, from Napoleonic prisoners of war to modern prison life. Princetown Prison Museum is a good choice for guests interested in social history, crime, punishment and Dartmoor’s darker stories

    Okehampton Castle
    The atmospheric ruins of the largest castle in Devon, set above the wooded valley of the River Okement on the northern edge of Dartmoor. Once a Norman motte-and-bailey castle and later a grand medieval residence, Okehampton Castle is now a romantic, peaceful spot for history lovers, with riverside walks and lovely views towards the moor.

  • Grimspound
    One of Dartmoor’s best-known prehistoric sites, Grimspound is a late Bronze Age settlement high between Hookney Tor and Hameldown. Its stone roundhouses and circular boundary wall make it easy to imagine ancient life on the moor.

    Scorhill Stone Circle
    An atmospheric Bronze Age stone circle on Gidleigh Common, near Chagford. Wild, open and less managed-feeling, it has sweeping views and a powerful sense of Dartmoor’s ancient ritual landscape.

    Fernworthy Stone Circle
    Set near Fernworthy Reservoir, this peaceful prehistoric site includes a stone circle, stone rows and burial cairns. It’s ideal for a gentle woodland-and-moorland walk with a strong sense of Dartmoor’s ancient past.

    Please click here to visit our blog about our favourite prehistoric sites

  • Chagford
    A pretty stannary town packed with cafés, tea rooms, delis and independent food shops. Try Blacks for light lunches and local produce, Jaded Palates for wine, local gins and ales, and Courtyard Café for healthy lunches and organic produce. Note: Chagford has half-day closing on Wednesday afternoons.

    Ashburton
    An elegant former stannary town known for its slate-hung buildings, antique shops, cafés, delis and restaurants. Emelia’s and vegetarian Rafiki’s are great places for lunch. Ten minutes out of town is The Doe, but booking is essential as opening times are limited.

    Widecombe-in-the-Moor
    One of Dartmoor’s most iconic villages, set in a beautiful moorland valley beneath Hameldown. Visit the famous church, browse the National Trust shop, stop at Café on the Green, and don’t miss the characterful Rugglestone Inn nearby.

    Lustleigh
    A picture-perfect Dartmoor village of thatched cottages, pretty lanes, a village orchard and wooded walks through Lustleigh Cleave. Pair a gentle wander with lunch or a drink at The Cleave, its atmospheric 15th-century thatched pub.

  • Art lovers can visit Green Hill Arts in nearby Moretonhampstead for changing exhibitions by South West artists and a shop selling locally made work.

    In Bovey Tracey, MAKE Southwest showcases contemporary craft and design across three galleries, alongside a large craft shop and café.

  • Hound of the Baskervilles Tour
    Follow in Sherlock Holmes’s footsteps across Dartmoor with Unique Devon Tours, visiting the places, legends and landscapes that helped inspire The Hound of the Baskervilles — from village graveyards and eerie churches to Bronze Age sites and moorland mires.

    Guided Dartmoor Walks
    Moorland Guides offer private and public guided walks across Dartmoor, covering ancient tracks, stone circles, tin-mining remains, tors, wildlife and local history. Debbie Jenkin is one of their experienced Dartmoor guides and runs regular private and group tours from North Bovey.

    Proper Dartmoor Tours
    Explore Dartmoor with charismatic local guide Tich Scott in a six-seater Land Rover, with bespoke tours covering moorland stories, hidden places, pubs and local character. Tich is an award-winning Devon dialect speaker and a brilliant Dartmoor storyteller. Visit Proper Dartmoor Tours for more information.

    Wildlife Tours
    Dartmoor Nature Tours offers guided wildlife walks and tours, from birdwatching and butterflies to seasonal nature walks and fungi forays. Best to check current availability before linking, as its main presence appears to be via Facebook/local listings.

    Dartmoor Scenic Tours
    Dartmoor Scenic Tours offers full-day 4x4 tours taking in classic moorland sights such as Haytor, Hound Tor, Postbridge, Widecombe, Princetown and Dartmoor Prison. Note: they are Torbay-based, so North Bovey pick-up may need checking.

    Hot Air Balloon Flight
    For a special-occasion treat, book a dawn or dusk hot-air balloon flight over Devon, with views towards Dartmoor depending on launch site and wind direction. Aerosaurus now directs future bookings through Virgin Balloon Flights, so I’d avoid presenting Aerosaurus as the current operator.

    Electric Bike Tour
    Dartmoor Walks & Rides This Way offers guided e-bike routes combining quiet lanes, moorland views and short walks at scenic stops. Routes can include Haytor, Hound Tor, Manaton and other classic Dartmoor landscapes.

    Stargazing
    Dartmoor’s dark skies are wonderful for stargazing, and Dartmoor Skies runs astronomy events with telescopes and expert guidance. Dartmoor’s Daughter has previously partnered on stargazing walks, but I’d link to Dartmoor Skies for the most current astronomy information

  • Artisan, Chagford
    Chagford is lovely for a slow browse around the square. Artisan, the makers’ shop champions local Devon artists and makers, with ceramics, paintings, jewellery, leather, textiles, wood and metalwork.

    The Dartmoor Shepherd, Chagford
    Just along the square, The Dartmoor Shepherd is a beautifully Dartmoor-rooted shop selling sheepskins, woolly homewares and handmade pieces from their regenerative farm.

    Ashburton Antiques and Craftmongers
    Ashburton is one of Dartmoor’s best towns for independent shopping, with a long-standing reputation for antiques, decorative pieces and interiors finds. Leave time to explore Ashburton’s antiques shops, then call into Craftmongers on East Street for beautifully curated traditional craft, art, nature-inspired books and sustainable homewares.

    MAKE Southwest, Bovey Tracey
    MAKE Southwest, formerly Devon Guild of Craftsmen, is the South West’s leading contemporary craft centre, set in a former mill beside the river in Bovey Tracey. It has exhibitions, maker-led events, a lovely craft shop and a café, with work by regional makers across ceramics, jewellery, textiles, wood, glass, print and metal.

    Nkuku, Totnes
    On the outskirts of Totnes, Nkuku is one of our favourite homeware shops — you may recognise a few pieces from the cottage. It’s full of rustic-chic furniture, lighting, textiles, ceramics, gifts and handcrafted pieces, beautifully arranged in room sets, with a lovely café for coffee, brunch or lunch.

  • Castle Drogo Gardens
    One of the closest and most dramatic garden visits from North Bovey, Castle Drogo has formal terraces, circular lawns, rhododendrons and the peaceful Chapel Garden, all set high above the Teign Gorge. Pair it with a walk through the gorge or lunch at Fingle Bridge.

    Stone Lane Gardens
    An enchanting woodland and water garden on the edge of Dartmoor, Stone Lane Gardens is known for its national collection of birch and alder trees. It also hosts a seasonal sculpture exhibition, with the 2026 exhibition due to run from 30 May to the end of August.

    The Garden House
    A beautiful 10-acre plantsman’s garden near Buckland Monachorum, The Garden House is especially lovely for spring flowers, summer borders and autumn colour. Set around historic former vicarage grounds, it’s one of Devon’s best-loved gardens.

    RHS Garden Rosemoor
    A classic Devon garden day out in towards north Devon, RHS Garden Rosemoor has 65 acres of formal gardens, roses, woodland planting and year-round colour. Best for serious garden lovers, or anyone wanting a polished RHS experience with plenty to explore.

    Dartington Gardens
    The Grade II* listed Dartington Gardens near Totnes offer 26 acres of historic landscape, ancient trees, terraces, sculpture and seasonal colour. Look out for the Henry Moore sculpture and the garden’s wonderfully tranquil, old-estate atmosphere.

    Buckfast Abbey Gardens
    A peaceful and easy stop on the southern edge of Dartmoor, Buckfast Abbey Gardens have formal planting, lavender, lawns and views of the Abbey. A gentle choice if you’re combining it with Ashburton, Buckfastleigh or a wider south-Dartmoor day out.

    Hotel Endsleigh Gardens
    The Grade I-listed gardens at Hotel Endsleigh are among Devon’s most romantic historic gardens, designed by Humphry Repton for the Duke of Bedford in the early 19th century. Set above the Tamar Valley, they include woodland walks, streams, cascades, follies, a rose walk, herbaceous borders and beautiful views over the river – lovely for lunch or cream tea with time to wander afterwards.

    Torre Abbey Gardens
    A good option if you’re heading to Torquay, Torre Abbey Gardens have roses, dahlias, ruins and the Agatha Christie-inspired Potent Plants Garden. More of a coastal day-trip addition than a Dartmoor garden outing.

    Northernhay Gardens, Exeter
    England’s oldest public open space, Northernhay Gardens was laid out in 1612 and has Roman and Saxon walls, mature trees and city-centre greenery. Best included as part of an Exeter day trip rather than a standalone garden visit.

    Open Gardens
    For seasonal private garden openings across Devon, check the National Garden Scheme. It’s a lovely way to discover smaller, less obvious gardens, especially in spring and summer.

  • Horse-riding
    Shilstone Rocks Stables in Widecombe in the Moor is one of the most safety conscious stables around, and offers hacks in small groups tailored to experience. Also very good, and slightly cheaper, is Babeny Stables. Liberty Trails do weekend tours across Dartmoor. 

    Fishing
    Dartmoor is renowned for its sparkling clean rivers teeming wild brown trout, sea trout and salmon. Bovey Castle runs private fishing lessons. If you have a licence, stretches of the East and West Dart Rivers can be fished on the purchase of a Duchy of Cornwall permit, available at Postbridge Post Office. Fingle Bridge Inn sells daily permits. Information on lake fishing is available from the South West Lakes Trust. 

    The Dartmoor Artisan Trail 
    This self-guided trail, founded by Suzy Bennett, Moorland View's owner, links the moor's finest artisans and gives visitors the chance to try out traditional Dartmoor skills. 

    Cycling
    One of Dartmoor’s loveliest easy cycle rides, the Granite Way follows 11 miles of largely traffic-free former railway line between Okehampton and Lydford, with sweeping moorland views and the spectacular Meldon Viaduct along the way. Bikes, e-bikes, children’s bikes and trailers can be hired from Granite Way Cycles beside Okehampton Station.

    Clay Pigeon Shooting
    There are several clay pigeon outfits on Dartmoor, with the nearest ones at Bovey Castle and Devon Clay Shooting. 

    Wild Swimming
    Spitchwick is the place for this, with a leafy setting and clean water (that brown colour is healthy peat). There’s a gorgeous swimming and picnic spot with a high corner pool, a deep, tranquil lower corner pool for serious swimmers; and a cliff for daredevil jumpers. 

    Llama walking
    Perhaps the most unlikely of Dartmoor’s possible experiences, llama walking offers the opportunity to hike with a woolly companion (the animals are famed for their calm nature) who will also carry your lunch. There’s also the option of a llama-portered high tea which you can enjoy amongst the tors.

    Watersports
    River Dart Country Park  organize Adventure Days when visitors can experience caving, rock climbing, canoeing and much more. Salmon and sea trout fishing is another option. 

    Canoeing and Kayaking
    The River Dart is the most popular canoeing destination in the national park - River Dart Country Park runs guided excursions. Sea Kayak Devon run trips to otherwise-inaccessible coves and caves along the south coast.

  • Chagford Swimming Pool
    Chagford Swimming Pool is the easiest and safest local swim: a beautiful community-run, open-air, river-fed pool beside the River Teign. It’s a lovely summer option if you want a proper swim without worrying about river conditions.

    Salmon Leaps, River Teign
    Salmon Leaps sits below Castle Drogo, near Mill End, with wooded river pools and old stone plunge pools. It’s beautiful for a cold-water dip, but only go in when the river is calm and conditions are safe.

    Spitchwick Common, River Dart
    Spitchwick Common is one of Dartmoor’s classic wild-swimming spots, with grassy banks, picnic space and deeper water near New Bridge. It’s beautiful but very popular in summer, so go early and avoid blocking lanes.

    Always avoid swimming after heavy rain, never jump into unknown water, and don’t swim alone.

  • Spa afternoon at Bovey Castle
    For a properly indulgent rainy day, book treatments or a spa break at Bovey Castle, just outside North Bovey. It’s ideal for a slow, luxurious afternoon of swimming, treatments, lunch or afternoon tea without needing to venture far.

    Lunch or supper at The Ring of Bells, North Bovey
    The easiest rainy-day treat: wander down to the village pub for a cosy meal, local ales and a firelit Dartmoor inn atmosphere. It’s especially lovely when you don’t want to drive, but still want to feel you’ve “gone out.”

    Castle Drogo
    A good wet-weather choice for history, architecture and a proper National Trust day out. Explore the Lutyens-designed castle, then add the gardens or Teign Gorge walks if the rain eases. Visit Castle Drogo.

    Dartmoor Prison Museum, Princetown
    A fascinating small museum telling the story of one of Britain’s most famous prisons, from prisoners of war to modern prison life. It’s a good choice for a moody Dartmoor day, especially combined with coffee or lunch in Princetown.

    Buckfast Abbey
    A peaceful rainy-day trip with the Abbey Church, gardens, shops and places to eat all in one place. It’s a calmer option for guests who enjoy history, architecture and a slower, more contemplative outing. Visit Buckfast Abbey.

    Exeter Underground Passages
    A memorable rainy-day option in Exeter, with guided tours through the medieval vaulted tunnels once used to bring clean drinking water into the city. The visit includes a short film, around 25 minutes underground and time in the exhibition. Visit Exeter Underground Passages.

    Green Hill Arts, Moretonhampstead
    Art lovers can visit Green Hill Arts in nearby Moretonhampstead for changing exhibitions by South West artists and a shop selling locally made work.

    In Bovey Tracey, MAKE Southwest showcases contemporary craft and design across three galleries, alongside a large craft shop and café.

    Hole up at the cottage
    Or simply embrace the weather and stay put: light the fire, make a pot of tea, pour a glass of wine, and curl up with a new book. Some of Dartmoor’s best days are the slow ones — mist at the windows, the stove glowing, and nowhere you need to be.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Whether you want to combine a gentle moorland wander with lunch, spend a slow day browsing independent shops, visit a beautiful garden, follow a proper pub walk or head out on a bigger coastal adventure, these are some of our favourite days out from Moorland View. They’re designed to be easy, enjoyable and not too over-planned – with good places to walk, eat, shop and pause along the way.

  • Woodland gorge walk, Britain’s last castle, indie shopping, bakery treats, café or pub lunch.

    Start at Castle Drogo and walk through Fingle Gorge, one of Dartmoor’s most atmospheric wooded river valleys, following the River Teign beneath steep oak-covered slopes for a pit-stop at the FIngle Bridge Inn.

    There are wild-swimming spots along the River Teign below Castle Drogo, including Salmon Leaps at Mill End, but only swim if conditions are safe, the river is calm, and you are confident in cold, natural water.

    Afterwards, head into Chagford for a gentle browse around the square (you can walk there from Castle Drogo in about an hour, or it’s a short drive). Pick up picnic treats, cheese, salads or ready meals from Blacks Deli, or call into Beachwood Bakery for organic sourdough, pastries, coffee and seasonal treats.

    For lunch, The Three Crowns is the classic choice – cosy by the fire in winter or lovely in the courtyard/terrace feel on warmer days. For something more relaxed and café-like, try The Birdcage, while Beachwood Bakery or Blacks are lovely options.

  • For details on our suggested route, please visit our blog.

  • A classic tor, remote moorland town, antiques and craft shopping and a stop for food.

    Take the scenic route across the moor to Ashburton, stopping first at Hound Tor for a short, atmospheric walk among Dartmoor’s granite outcrops. Just below the tor are the remains of a deserted medieval village, with 13th-century stone longhouses set into the open moorland – a lovely, easy way to add a little wild Dartmoor drama before lunch.

    From there, continue via Widecombe-in-the-Moor, one of Dartmoor’s classic and most remote villages, with its wide green, old stone buildings and magnificent St Pancras Church, often called the “Cathedral of the Moor”. Stop for coffee or cake at The Café on the Green, pop into the National Trust shop, or call at The Rugglestone Inn if you want a proper Dartmoor pub stop.

    Then continue down towards Ashburton, one of Dartmoor’s most characterful small towns, known for its independent shops, antiques dealers, artisan food and creative feel.

    For lunch, Rafikis is a great choice – an independent veggie and vegan café-bar serving all-day brunch, lunch specials, homemade cakes, coffee, beer, wine and cocktails. Emilia’s is another excellent option, serving inventive sharing plates in a relaxed setting and attracting some very good national reviews. For a more relaxed browse-and-graze day, pick up bread, buns, cakes or pastries from Briar Bakery on West Street.

    Leave time for Ashburton’s antiques shops – the town has more than ten, ranging from furniture and lighting to mirrors, pottery, collectables and decorative pieces.

    Don’t miss Craftmongers on East Street for beautifully curated traditional craft, art, nature-inspired books and sustainable homewares – very much worth a slow browse before heading back over the moor.

    Worth the short detour is gorgeous restaurant The Doe in Buckfastleigh, around 10 minutes away. It’s a bit of a diamond in the rough, but well worth the drive for its excellent food and relaxed atmosphere.

    Also consider eating at Riverford Field Kitchen, the organic farm that is home to the famous veg box scheme (book ahead)

    From there you can head to Totnes if you’d like to extend the outing.

  • Totnes makes a relaxing trip from Moorland View, with its independent shops, galleries, cafés, historic streets and riverside setting on the River Dart.

    Start with coffee at The Curator, known for wood-roasted coffee and artisan bakery treats, before wandering up the high street for a browse. Totnes has a very independent feel, with boutiques, bookshops, markets, food shops and small galleries rather than the usual chain-store line-up.

    For a dose of history, climb up to Totnes Castle, an English Heritage Norman motte-and-bailey castle with wide views over the town and surrounding countryside.

    For lunch, book or drop into The Bull Inn at the top of the high street, overlooking Rotherfold Square. It’s an organic, ethical pub and inn serving seasonal, supplier-led food, with lunch typically served from 12–3pm.

    On the way there or back, stop at Nkuku’s Lifestyle Store & Café near Dartington – one of our favourite homeware shops, and you may recognise a few pieces from the cottage.

    If you want to make more of a day of it, add a walk around Dartington’s Grade II listed gardens or a trip on the South Devon Railway between Totnes and Buckfastleigh.

    This itinerary can be combined with our Ashburton itinerary for a longer day out.

  • Topsham is a lovely estuary town just outside Exeter, with independent shops, antiques and riverside walks. Have a wander around the town, then stop at Darts Farm for its brilliant farm shop, food, gifts, homewares and places to eat. 

    To make more of a day of it, go on to Lympstone Manor for a gourmet lunch overlooking the Exe Estuary and vineyards, or book River Exe Café, a floating pontoon on the river (book ahead – a water taxii is arranged as part of your table booking).

  • For a wilder west Dartmoor day, drive across the moor towards Lydford Gorge, stopping at Brentor Church if you’d like a dramatic short detour – it sits high on a tor and is one of Dartmoor’s most iconic landmarks.

    Explore Lydford Gorge for woodland trails, rushing water, the Devil’s Cauldron and waterfall walks – a beautiful contrast to open moorland. Then head on to Hotel Endsleigh for lunch or cream tea overlooking the Tamar Valley. The hotel’s Grade I-listed, 108-acre gardens were designed by Humphry Repton and are a lovely place for a slow wander before or after eating.

    For the gentlest version of the day, skip the longer gorge walk and make Hotel Endsleigh the main event: lunch, garden stroll and a cream tea with views over the River Tamar.

  • Salcombe is a gorgeous coastal day out, but it gets very busy in summer, with narrow roads and slow traffic – go early and allow extra time for parking.

    Walk part of the coast path around Bolt Head for big sea views, rugged cliffs and fresh sea air. For a quieter beach, take the little passenger ferry across to East Portlemouth, then walk on to Mill Bay, Sunny Cove or Fisherman’s Cove. For lunch, try The Winking Prawn at North Sands for a relaxed beachy feel, or – our favourite – The Beachhouse at South Milton Sands, near Thurlestone, for seafood by the beach with views towards Thurlestone Rock.

  • Dartmouth is a gorgeous riverside day out, with pastel houses, boat-filled water, independent shops and lovely views across to Kingswear. Leave time for a browse around the town, then walk or drive out to Dartmouth Castle, an English Heritage fort at the mouth of the Dart with beautiful estuary views.

    For lunch or dinner, book Andria on Lower Street – a small, award-winning modern European restaurant known for seasonal small plates and a chef’s table.

    If you want to make more of a day of it, take a river cruise or ferry trip towards Dittisham or Greenway, Agatha Christie’s former holiday home. Cruises and ferries run from Dartmouth, with seasonal services to Greenway.