Top places to visit in Dartmoor and South Devon
I’m delighted to share with you my highlights from my latest solo getaway to Devon, UK. With international travel still very much off the cards, I decided to explore Devon for the first the time to celebrate my 33rd year around the sun. Even though Devon is a mere three hours drive away from home, I’m ashamed to admit I’ve never explored this beautiful county before. I’d always drive straight through on route to Cornwall for childhood holidays or weekend escapes. I’m pleased to say Devon did not disappoint and I’ve come away only wanting to return to see more.
In this blog I will share with you the top places I’d recommend to visit for a trip to Dartmoor National Park and South Devon. I hope this blog gives you some inspiration to visit once of the most beautiful counties in the UK.
View from Brent Tor
Wistman’s Wood
Situated in the heart of Dartmoor National Park near Two Bridges is the mysterious Wistman’s Wood. Wander under a network of twisted Dwarf Oak trees with moss covered boulders under foot that date back hundreds of years. You will feel like you have stumbled into an enchanted forest as you meander through the dense network of low hanging trees. It is so well preserved at is is impossible for grazing animals to enter this dense ancient woodland. Wistman’s Wood has a haunted past, with tales of witchcraft and smugglers. Legend has it this site was a sacred place for Druids and the woods hosted many pagan rituals. You will find several Druid stones as you explore (with the circular moss patterns you can’t miss them). You can access the woods by taking a short walk from a small car park found opposite the Two Bridges Hotel. The path to the woods is easy to follow and a little further on you can also tackle the Longaford and Littaford Tors, which promise wonderful views across Dartmoor.
TOP TIPS: Due to increase popularity, I would recommend getting to the woods early to guarantee yourself a place to park. Wear supportive footwear as you will have to climb and scramble over slippery boulders.
Castle Drogo
High above the ancient woodlands of the Teign Gorge stands the impressive Castle Drogo. Built in 1911, this castle is the last to ever be built in England and is perfectly situated overlooking Dartmoor. Not only can you see inside this impressive structure and learn all about the Drewe family who lived here, you can also explore the beautiful gardens and wander to the impressive Teign Gorge nearby. There are also plenty of walks to enjoy within the estate grounds, including a circular trail that leads along the top of Teign gorge to Sharp Tor, which offers amazing views of the castle, the River Teign and the tors of Dartmoor in the distance.
TOP TIPS: Castle Drogo is now managed by the National Trust and you will need to pre-book your visit to see inside the castle and car parking fees apply. Be prepared to drive along the narrow Devon roads on the approach to the Castle where you may have to reverse to make room for oncoming traffic. Access to the castle and grounds is currently £13 per adult (child and family fees available too). There are signposts that will guide you to the circular walks available and maps can also be picked up at the reception area. There is a café on site that offers the chance to have an afternoon tea and other refreshments.
Lydford Gorge
Located west of Dartmoor National Park near the town of Tavistock is the impressive Lydford Gorge. Here you can walk high above and proceed through an impressive deep river gorge, with fast flowing waters and the towering Whitelady waterfall. The gorge is naturally formed from thousands of years of gradual rock erosion and what is known as ‘river capture’, where one river merges with another. This spectacular green ravine is a must see for lovers of nature and the outdoors. The gushing waters and swirling whirlpools are not only wonderful to see, but also to hear. The circular walk of the gorge takes approximately 2 hours to complete and a small tea room half way makes for the perfect pit stop. Due to Covid-19 the Devil’s Cauldron (an impressive whirlpool situated in a cavern) is currently closed.
TOP TIPS: Sections of the walk have narrow paths with high drops, steep slopes and long flights of rugged steps. Therefore wear supportive footwear and use the hand rails provided for extra support (I lost my footing once or twice as the stone paths and steps are naturally slippery). There are two car parks available and I would recommend parking at the Devil’s Cauldron end so you can stop off at the tea room half way round.
Dartmoor Prison Museum
If you’re looking for an indoor activity on a wet weather day, I’d thoroughly recommend visiting Dartmoor Prison Museum. Here you can learn all about the fascinating 200 year history of one of Britain’s most notorious prisons. Dartmoor Prison is situated in Princetown in the middle of the bleak and misty moors, maintaining original Victorian buildings that can be seen as you approach in the distance. It was first a prisoner of war camp from the Napoleonic wars in 1809 and is still an active prison to this day The museum is located in what was the old prison dairy farm and is filled with incredible artefacts, documents and displays that give you a real feel for what prison life is like. There are displays that show photos of what the prison looks like inside today, along with an incredible array of confiscated contraband and make shift weapons! The prison housed some well known criminals, including associates to the Krays and other infamous gangsters.
TOP TIPS: You do not have to pre-book to visit the museum which costs just £4 per adult (card payments only). There is a free car park on site which is quite small so I would recommend an early visit if possible. Photography is not allowed inside the museum.
Dartmouth
Situated on the mouth of the River Dart on the South Devon coast is the beautiful town of Dartmouth. On a sunny day with the crystal blue waters and colorful hillside buildings, you could mistake Dartmouth for the Amalfi coast! I would thoroughly recommend setting aside a day to visit Dartmouth as there is so much to see and do here. Dartmouth is a town you can simply wander and explore on foot, navigating your way through the old cobbled streets with plenty of shops, galleries and eateries to enjoy in the main town centre. If you’re a fan of seafood, then you absolutely must try the local catch of the day here. South Devon crab or classic fish and chips can be enjoyed at many restaurants here, including Rockfish on the waterfront which offers gluten free menus.
If you want to learn about the history of Dartmouth, I would recommend a visit to Dartmouth Castle, a 14th century fortress perfectly situated on the mouth of the River Dart. You can catch a boat from the town centre to the castle (just £2.50 each way) which offers the chance to see Dartmouth from the water. Note that pre-booking to the castle is essential if you want to see inside the impressive ancient passageways. Next to the castle you can take the steps down to enjoy a swim in the beautiful Castle Cove or a short walk will take you to the secluded Sugary Cove beach. Other historic locations include the Bayards Cove Fort and Greenway house (holiday home of author Agatha Christie accessed via the Greenway ferry).
If you’re a fan of steam trains, you can cross the water via the car passenger ferry to Kingswear station and take a ride on the Dartmouth Steam Railway. Take a seven mile journey through the beautiful South Devon countryside to nearby Paignton on a vintage steam train with original Victorian train carriages. There are also plenty of river cruises available to explore the Dart estuary or you can even hire your own boat for the day. Book first thing at the many kiosks along the embankment.
TOP TIPS: Parking is limited in the town centre so I would recommend using the park and ride service. If you want to catch a ferry across the river, I’d recommend taking the car passenger ferry which crosses regularly throughout the day.
Brent Tor
No trip to Dartmoor National Park is complete with climbing at least one of the many Tors. If you want a Tor that is accessible, easy to climb and unique, then I would recommend Brent Tor which is situated in the west just a short drive from Lydford Gorge. What makes this Tor so unique is the 12th century St Michael’s Church that sits at the summit which still offers Sunday services to this day. Brent Tor offers breathtaking panoramic views across Dartmoor and I would recommend visiting at dusk of you want to get some amazing sunset shots.
TOP TIPS: There is a free car park nearby to access the Tor and the climb should only take five to ten minutes.
Brixham and Berry Head
Located on the South Devon coast is the charming fishing harbour town of Brixham. If you want to enjoy a glorious coastal walk, then a day out to Brixham and Berry Head is a must. A 15 minute from Brixham Marina car park will take you to Berry Head Nature Reserve, where you can take the South West Coastal path to Sharkham Point and enjoy spectacular views across Torbay. Here you can spot plenty of birdlife and take in the most wonderful cliffside views. There are ruins of a Napoleonic Fort which you can explore along the way too. Make sure to stop at the Guardhouse Cafe near Berry Head lighthouse on your return from Sharkham Point.
Wander down into Brixham and enjoy a great selection of shops and places to eat. Brixham has a rich maritime history and moored in the harbour is a replica of the Golden Hind, the ship which Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the world in over 400 years ago. You can book to go on board this vessel and get a flavor of what it would have been like to sail onboard a 16th century ship. I would also recommend a stroll along Brixham Marina, where you may well spot dolphins that come in frequently trailing the fishing boats. You can also enjoy paddle boarding and hire a boat from the Marina.
TOPS TIPS: I would recommend parking at Brixham Marina, which is ideally situated between Brixham and Berry Head. There is also a car park at Berry Head if you just wish to take in a coastal walk for the day.
Thank you so much for reading my blog. I hope this has offered you some inspiration to plan your own staycation to beautiful Devon. If you have any questions about the locations listed please drop me a line in the comments or via my contacts page.