Places to visit
The towns and villages in and around Dartmoor are all wonderful places to wander, explore and shop.
- Widecome in the Moor - A beautiful village that has the traditional "green", pubs, cafes and a 16th Century Church. Not forgetting "Uncle Tom Cobley" who visited the fair many years ago.
- Princetown - during your visit to the only town on the moor, don't miss a visit to the Dartmoor Prison Museum or drop into the High Moorland Visitor Centre, where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle began writing The Hound of the Baskervilles.
- Tavistock - Situated on the River Tavy, this market town has what is claimed to be the "best in the country" covered Pannier market, along with numerous other small shops to wander around, and don't miss the large statue of Sir Francis Drake, as it was here the great sailor was born.
- Chagford - if you are looking for a place that has it all, then look no further. Known as "The Jewel in a Granite Setting", Chagford has several pubs, cafes, shops, arts and crafts galleries along with two hardware stores that evidently sell everything !!!!
Walking, climbing, riding or cycling
Walking is the most common activity on Dartmoor, and can certainly be challenging and often wet and cold, but well worth the effort for the beautiful landscapes that you will see. There are numerous walks on the moors, challenging ones for the more experienced or a modest circular walk for those less confident and even audio apps to guide you on your way. Postbridge visitor centre is just down the road from Beechwood on Dartmoor, and here you can get advice to set you on your way, or you can go to www.dartmoor.co.uk for more information.
Cycling is another great way to experience Dartmoor and whether you are a proficient pedaller or haven't been on a bike since the one with the stabilisers, you can enjoy the experience. You can head off on your own and enjoy the 368 square miles of Dartmoor or join one of the guided tours that range from easy, moderate to hard that are run by the Dartmoor Tourism board. For those of you who fancy a helping hand you could hire an electric bike to help you on your way. Visit www.dartmoor.co.uk for more information.
You could also visit www.savvycycling.co.uk who have a Coast to Coast cycle route through our area, and also advice for for all things cycling related, trails, maintenance, bikes, clothing and much more.
If you want to experience the moor on four legs rather than two, then you may like to consider Horse Riding. Whether you are an experienced rider or a novice, there are rides to suit all. The nearest stables to us are Cholwell Riding Stables at Mary Tavy, Tavistock. Their website is www.cholwellridingstables.co.uk and their contact number is 01822 810526 should you wish to make a booking. We also have stables that accommodate your horse, if you wish to bring it on holiday with you !!
If Rock Climbing is your sport, then again Dartmoor is the place to visit. The granite tors are there to be explored whether you wish to be part of a group or go it alone, there is enough space for all in this astonishing area of beauty. You can visit the Haytor area, Fur Tor, Foggintor, Bonehill Rocks, East Mill Tor and Dewerstone. It is worth checking out the British Mountaineering Council’s website for a comprehensive list www.thebmc.co.uk
Markets, pubs and much more......
There are Farmers Markets held all year round at the towns and villages on Dartmoor. Each offers its own unique local supply of home grown produce, from vegetables and fruit to locally baked pasties, home made cakes, cheese and of course clotted cream. For more details on what is on and when visit
www.dartmoor.co.uk
Dartmoor also has its share of Festivals, such as the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink from 5th to 7th May 2018 and Festive Food, Drink and Gift Market at Tavistock on 16th December 2018.
And of course the Moor has a selection of pubs, cafes, restaurants and tea rooms for you to stop and just relax and maybe enjoy one of the regions traditional Cream Teas - with the jam on top of course !!!!
You might even like to participate in the Dartmoor Cream Tea Challenge which incorporates 16 venues where Cream Teas are served and you just tick it off the list - how satisfying is that !!!!
www.dartmoor.co.uk
Dartmoor also has its share of Festivals, such as the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink from 5th to 7th May 2018 and Festive Food, Drink and Gift Market at Tavistock on 16th December 2018.
And of course the Moor has a selection of pubs, cafes, restaurants and tea rooms for you to stop and just relax and maybe enjoy one of the regions traditional Cream Teas - with the jam on top of course !!!!
You might even like to participate in the Dartmoor Cream Tea Challenge which incorporates 16 venues where Cream Teas are served and you just tick it off the list - how satisfying is that !!!!