North Bovey – a Thatched Dartmoor Village Made for Quiet Escapes

North Bovey is one of Dartmoor National Park’s most enchanting and unspoiled villages, valued for its slow pace, historic character and extraordinary natural beauty. Here’s how to make the most of your stay.

Surrounded by open moorland, ancient woodland and rolling Devon countryside, North Bovey offers a rare sense of peace that feels genuinely removed from modern life – while remaining an ideal base for exploring the wider National Park.

For couples seeking a calm, romantic place to stay on Dartmoor, North Bovey combines authentic village life with exceptional access to walking routes, beauty spots and memorable luxury experiences.

North Bovey is particularly well suited to:
✓ Couples seeking peace, privacy and natural beauty
✓ Honeymoons, anniversaries and romantic escapes
✓ Guests who enjoy walking, relaxing and slow, authentic travel

It may be less suitable for:
× Those looking for nightlife or busy social scenes – although the village pub can get quite raucous on a Friday night!
× Guests wanting a large choice of shops or tourist attractions on the doorstep

ATMOSPHERE & CHARACTER

Dating back to the 13th century, North Bovey has retained much of its original character. Thatched cottages cluster around an oak-shaded village green, while a beautiful parish church and gently winding lanes give the village its unmistakably English feel.

Life here moves at an unhurried pace. There are no street names and no street lights. Instead, days are shaped by birdsong, distant church bells and the occasional clip-clop of horses passing through the lanes. It is a place where stillness feels natural rather than staged.

A strong sense of community remains part of everyday life. Locals look out for one another, barter with each other for home produce, and it is not unusual to find fresh eggs, honey or homemade preserves offered from honesty boxes outside village homes – small traditions that give visitors a glimpse into Dartmoor’s enduring way of life.

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WHERE TO STAY IN NORTH BOVEY

For those looking to stay within North Bovey itself, choosing a self-contained cottage offers the greatest sense of retreat. Without the formality of an inn or hotel, days can unfold naturally – from slow breakfasts, garden lounging to stargazing.

Moorland View sits quietly within the village, providing a five-star, owner-run cottage designed specifically for couples seeking peace, privacy and a deeply restorative stay.

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WALKS FROM NORTH BOVEY

Guests staying at Moorland View receive a carefully curated walking guide, with clear directions and local insight to help you choose the right route for the day.

Have your password? Access our guest-only North Bovey walks guide

A FEW FAVOURITES

North Bovey village
A 30-minute stroll around our village, taking in the pub, stepping stones, river and church.

North Bovey → Easdon Tor
A brisk climb up Easdon Tor – the forested hill visible from Moorland View – rewards you with invigorating air, sweeping 360-degree views across Dartmoor and the chance to spot birds of prey and wild Dartmoor ponies.

North Bovey → Bovey Castle
A flat, easy riverside stroll takes you through beautiful woodlands along River Bovey to Bovey Castle. 40 mins return.

North Bovey → Lustleigh
This rewarding four-hour return walk to Lustleigh takes in far-reaching views, a Roman fort and the dramatic woodland of Lustleigh Cleave, and a well-earned stop at the thatched Cleave pub.

NORTH BOVEY Q&As

Simple answers to the practical questions guests often ask about staying North Bovey, to help you plan your break at Moorland View with confidence.

  • North Bovey sits within Dartmoor National Park and is around 30 minutes’ drive from Exeter, with straightforward access from the A30 and M5. The final approach is scenic rather than challenging, and the village feels peacefully tucked away without being remote.

  • North Bovey has a well-regarded village pub, the Ring of Bells, known for its relaxed atmosphere and seasonal cooking. It also offers breakfast, which guests can enjoy by arrangement.

    For a more indulgent dining experience, Bovey Castle is a short drive away, with several restaurants and bars set within its historic estate. Booking ahead is recommended, particularly at weekends.

  • Moretonhampstead is around 10 minutes’ drive away and has independent food shops, bakeries and a well-stocked Co-op.

    Chagford is approximately 15 minutes’ drive and offers an excellent selection of independent shops, including a butcher, baker, deli, greengrocer, off-licence and an organic food shop.

    Guests can also arrange food deliveries, and there are honesty boxes in the village for honey and eggs.

  • North Bovey is rewarding in every season.

    Spring and early summer bring fresh greens, wildflowers and long daylight for walking, while autumn is especially atmospheric, with rich colours and crisp evenings.

    Winter is quieter and deeply restful, with dark skies, empty paths and a strong sense of retreat. Many guests enjoy visiting outside peak summer months, when the village feels at its most peaceful.

  • No – North Bovey remains relatively quiet even during the summer months.

    While the wider Dartmoor area sees more visitors, the village itself has no major attractions or through-traffic, so it retains a calm, residential feel.

    Outside of occasional pub events and Sunday lunch periods, it rarely feels crowded.

  • Mobile reception in the village is patchy, with EE offering the strongest signal locally. Reception inside stone buildings can be limited, but reliable high-speed Wi-Fi is available.

  • A car is recommended to explore the wider area, although many guests enjoy spending full days walking directly from the village.

  • Yes. Parking in and around the village is straightforward, free and low-stress. There is a free car park opposite the entrance to the church