Dartmoor National Park
The heart of Dartmoor is regarded as the last truly wild area in Southern England, and the brooding jagged skyline of the high moor has given rise to many myths, legends and works of literature. The visitor, however, will soon discover that the moor can be a far more agreeable place than that portrayed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the ‘Hound of the Baskervilles’.
The ‘edge of the moor’ is a world of verdant grassland, tumbling streams, light woodland and abundant wildlife. Short turf cloaked in gorse and heather render the moor purple and gold during the late summer and autumn. Jagged natural rock formations and ancient stone circles and rows lend a wonderful atmosphere. Crystal clear streams tumble from the high moor as they lose height on their race toward the sea. Nestling in the valleys are attractive villages where welcoming country inns serve a good pint of locally brewed ale or cider, and tearooms a traditional cream tea.
The moor is teeming with wildlife; most notably hardy Dartmoor ponies, birds of prey, roe deer and the elusive otter.
The itinerary will vary depending upon the grade and duration of the tour, but most will include a visit to the airy viewpoints of Haytor Rocks, Saddle Tor and Hound Tor; the ancient clapper bridge across the River Dart at Postbridge; Wistman's Wood with its lichen-covered and weather-stunted oaks; Grimspound where the remains of late Bronze Age round houses add atmosphere to the landscape; and the idyllic villages of Lustleigh, North Bovey and Widecombe-in-the-Moor.
To give you a 'taster' of the landscape take a look at the beautiful aerial photography in this short video.
Accommodation
Unless you ask us to customise your trip, and choose alternative accommodation, your holiday on Dartmoor will be based at a comfortable family-run guest house close to the centre of the attractive moorland town of Moretonhampstead. Your room will have ensuite bathroom facilities and you will have a choice of continental or full English breakfast. Moretonhampstead has several excellent inns which serve food in the evening.
If you prefer hotel accommodation we can arrange a room at the White Hart Hotel, an historic coaching inn which stands in The Square in Moretonhampstead. The hotel which offers a range of standard and superior feature rooms, has a comfortable lounge, well-stocked bar and a restaurant which prides itself on using fresh local produce. The additional cost for accommodation at the White Hart Hotel will depend upon the room type chosen.
Bed & Breakfast
Holiday Options
- All of the above prices are per person, and based upon two guests sharing a double or twin-bedded room.
- Single traveller supplement; £75 per night (more about solo traveller supplements and single room supplements).
- Discounts available for parties of three or more guests.
Currency Converter: All of our prices are in British pounds. To estimate the cost in another currency use the currency converter here.
Travel information
Rail: Newton Abbot
Onward travel: Taxi