“I have never before, in my long and eclectic career, been gifted with such an abundance of natural beauty.” Steven Spielberg
Dartmoor is a vast moorland in the county of Devon, in southwest England. Dartmoor ponies roam its craggy landscape, defined by forests, rivers, wetlands, and tors (rock formations). Trails wind through valleys with Neolithic tombs, Bronze Age stone circles, and abandoned medieval farmhouses. The area is dotted with villages, including Princetown home to Dartmoor Prison used during the Napoleonic Wars.
In the film War Horse, the Dartmoor landscape is described as “the third character” in the epic story and this extraordinary part of Devon.
Covering an area of 368 square miles, Dartmoor is about the size of London but is home to only around 35,000 people. 90% of the land is used for farming, much of it pastoral – cows, sheep, and ponies outnumber humans.
It’s not hard to imagine why many poets, writers, and artists found inspiration within this bleak yet evocative landscape. The sheer expansiveness is breathtaking. It completely undoes me. When the fog rolls in and the sun begin to set, the landscape takes on another character altogether.
When I first experienced this wild place, I was in awe terrain.. and then I saw the ponies.
These wild ponies can be seen roaming freely on the moors across Dartmoor National Park. One of the oldest breeds of ponies in the world, they are considered the closest breed to wild horses remaining in Europe. They’ve lived on the moor for centuries, thriving despite harsh winter weather; there are records going back to 1012 AD acknowledging their presence and footprints being discovered that date back 3,500 years. The moors are known for their extreme weather conditions, of which the ponies have developed into particularly hardy breeds with impressive stamina.
Over the centuries, the ponies have been used in Dartmoor’s mining industry to transport ore, for shepherding, taking families to market, and on occasion, even helping the postman deliver letters.
I was encouraged to discover that all of the moor’s ponies belong to different pony keepers, who ensure that each herd is healthy. Once a year, the ponies are rounded up to be marked and checked over. Note: it is illegal to feed them. If people feed ponies, it attracts them to the roadside and puts them at risk of being killed.
DARTMOOR INFORMATION
Princetown is a wonderful starting point to understanding life in Dartmoor. The austere and foreboding Dartmoor Prison, built during the Napoleonic Wars, is the most iconic and famous part of Princetown; the jail is still an important part of the country’s prison service, though today visitors can visit the prison museum and learn more about it.
It’s thought that Sherlock Holmes scribe Arthur Conan Doyle penned his most famous work, The Hound of the Baskervilles, during a stay at the Old Duchy Hotel, now the Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre in the heart of Princetown. You can go to the center and retrace Conan Doyle’s steps on a walk to Grimspound.
STAY
Hotel Endsleigh Endsleigh is set in 100 acres of fairy tale gardens, woodlands, follies, and grottos. Endsleigh has 19 rooms each individually designed with uncluttered elegance. The furniture is a mix of old and new, with some unusual pieces
Cider House A gorgeous self-catering accommodation located on the 700 acre National Trust Estate of Buckland abbey, on the fringes of Dartmoor.
Horn of Plenty A luxury manor house hotel located on the border of Devon and Cornwall, overlooking the famous Tamar Valley towards Kit Hill and Bodmin Moor. Most of the luxury rooms feature balconies from which to enjoy stunning countryside views, peace and quiet, and birdsong.
Bovey Castle Bovey Castle has five Red Stars from the AA for exceptional hospitality - the highest accolade awarded by the AA and given to only the most outstanding hotels. First opened as a hotel and golf resort in 1930 by Great Western Railways, Bovey Castle hotel and spa is now enjoyed by guests who fall in love with its imposing charm. Standing within 275 acres of beautiful countryside within Devon's Dartmoor National Park.
StarBed Hideaway Tucked away in the peaceful, historic estate of Buckland Abbey on the western fringes of Dartmoor National Park, is hidden a haven for romantic weekend breaks. StarBed Hideaways provide a unique fusion of outdoor luxury accommodation and alfresco adventure. A picture-perfect setting for romantic retreats and nostalgic, luxury escapes.
StarBed Hideaway
Walkham Valley Cottages Three Self-Catering Cottages that have been lovingly renovated with luxury and comfort in mind, award-winning* these cottages offer the perfect setting for your country escape. Nestled on the side of the valley, surrounded only by the open moor, woodland, and pasture. All that Dartmoor has to offer is on your doorstep. Be your preference sitting back in the garden relaxing with a glass of wine, trekking on horseback across the moors, walking, golfing, days at the beach, off-road cycling, or fishing, all are close by.
EAT & DRINK
The Warren House Inn where the fire has been burning continuously for one hundred and fifty years. Some say even longer still. Wander in at any given moment, even in the height of summer, and you’ll find a roaring fire, a large selection of local ales, and an amazing view of the surrounding landscape. The Warren House Inn is the highest pub in Southern England and is famous for its Warrener’s Pie (a rabbit-filled concoction)! Just bear in mind that you head here for the ambiance, atmosphere, and not so much the food.
Merrivale Dartmoor Inn sits just a stone’s throw from Tavistock and Princetown, and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner reservations, with breath-taking views across Dartmoor as the perfect backdrop. The menu is 100% organic with everything sourced from the Eversfield Organic farm and Market Garden, or from a wonderful selection of small, local producers. The traditional Devon bar offers a fine selection of the best local, organic ales from the barrel, alongside organic wines, cocktails, mixers, and soft drinks.
Cafe of the Green is a family-run eatery that has been proudly serving delicious fresh homemade Devonshire cream teas, cakes, and lunches. to visitors stopping by Widecombe in the Moor for almost a century.
Church Lane Set in the heart of Tavistock, Church Lane occupies a stunning Georgian property that has been lovingly restored. serve food all day from our Mediterranean-inspired menu and a selection of superb drinks including our extensive premium rum list! With authentic Italian style pizza baked freshly to order in our stone based oven, varied salads, delicious sharing boards, and French crepes there is something to appeal to all tastes
The Drake Manor Inn is within easy access of Plymouth and Tavistock, nestled between the church and the stream, it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the charm of this historical building. Known for a well-stocked bar, excellent food, and convivial atmosphere make them an excellent choice for locals and visitors alike.
The Who’d Have Thought It Inn Nestled away in the picturesque Dartmoor village of Milton Combe lies the 16th-century inn. Renowned for their menu, which changes with the seasons, they pride themselves on offering something a little different to customers celebrating the incredible produce on offer in the South West.
VISIT
Widecombe-in-the-Moor The biggest day in the calendar of the picturesque village is probably the most famous thing about the place; the folk song “Widecombe Fair” immortalizes the tale of Tom Pearce and the death of his horse at the famous fair. The annual fair, held on the second Tuesday in September, is a classic agricultural fair with horse jumping, rural crafts, a dog show, and much more.
The Church of St Pancras, colloquially known as the Cathedral of the Moors in recognition of its 120-ft tower, stands over the village green — helping to make Widecombe one of the most beloved villages on Dartmoor.
Widecombe-in-the-Moor
Tavistock is a thriving, beautiful market town. An ancient stannary town and home of the cream tea, Tavistock is the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status. The vibrancy and uniqueness of Tavistock are undeniable with a range of beautiful local independent shops. Not to be overlooked is the famous pannier market or the award-winning farmers’ market. Tavistock has direct access to Dartmoor. The Western Moor is magical and fantastic for walking, cycling, and riding.
Lydford Gorge The deepest river gorge in the South West, with a 30m high waterfall with hiking paths, a kids' play area, and a tearoom.
Buckland Abbey is a Grade I listed a 700-year-old house in Buckland Monachorum, near Yelverton, Devon, England, noted for its connection with Sir Richard Grenville the Younger and Sir Francis Drake.
Cotehele is a medieval house with Tudor additions. It is a rambling granite and slate-stone manor house on the banks of the River Tamar that has been little changed over five centuries. This house is a rarity - it hasn't been ravaged by fire or accident and is seemingly untouched by the war.
Lustleigh Often dubbed ‘the prettiest village in Dartmoor’, Lustleigh is a beautiful blend of thatched cottages, narrow lanes, and lush green woodland. The village, situated in the heart of the Wrey Valley, has long been a popular hotspot for walkers and those who are seeking a quintessentially British village.
