Here are our expert-recommended campsites and attractions in and around the Dartmoor National Park.
From the stunning Meldon Viaduct to Lydford Gorge, the scenery in and around Dartmoor National Park is a lot more moor than just heathland and tors. Of course, the iconic uplands are home to the unique Dartmoor ponies and the area is rich in dramatic scenery, but spend a little more time here, and you'll realise there is a whole load more to discover in Dartmoor.
Think of Dartmoor, and you surely think of ponies and the dramatic moorland tors. There are over 160 granite outcrops atop the moors; their formation started around 280 million years ago. It's certainly not been an overnight process and happened in 5 major phases, the last of which was relatively recent at only 2 million to 10,000 years ago. If you want to explore the full process, you can find out more from the Dartmoor National Park website.
The eponymous Dartmoor ponies have roamed these uplands since prehistoric times and play an important part in maintaining the national park's ecosystem. Ponies are brought in every autumn in the annual pony 'drifts'. The 'pure' Dartmoor is a single colour, whilst the multi-colour ponies have been bred for work as pit ponies, for delivering the post or even helping shepherds.
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Dartmoor is slightly different to the other national parks, in so much as a large proportion of the land has been designated as 'Access Land.' This essentially gives unrestricted access to walkers, though with over 450 miles of public footpath available, it's unlikely you'll need to venture off the beaten path and onto one of the three areas used by the Ministry of Defence for training. The situation around wild camping in the park is changing and more details can be found on our wild camping hub.
Top Dartmoor Attractions
The Tors and Moorland
Tors of Dartmoor
Steeped in history and legend, the whole of Dartmoor is found atop the largest area of granite in Britain. Much of the rock is covered by a layer of peat bog, and where the underlying granite breaks through to reveal itself as a hilltop, it is known locally as a tor. Given its location in the South-West of England, the moorlands receive a higher volume of rain than the surrounding areas, as such rivers and the associated historical industry have shaped much of the landscape.
Popular with walkers, Brent Tor is probably the most famous view of Dartmoor with its 40ft church tower rising above the national park. Great Staple Tor is popular with photographers, given its stunning location and easy access. Haytor Rocks have the advantage of a visitors centre and spectacular views down to the coast of south Devon.
Of course, we couldn't move on to the next section without mentioning the highest point in the park High Willhays. The origin of the name is contested, with some believing it comes from a corruption of 'High Willows' and others believing the name derived from 'gwylfa', meaning a watching point. Either way, we remember it being called High Willies in our school geography class and being a source of much childish sniggering.
Castles and Abbeys
Castle Drogo
According to the National Trust, Castle Drogo is the last castle to be built in England. Following delays due to the first world war, construction was completed in 1930 with the castle being handed over to the National Trust in 1974. The building was designed by Edwin Lutyens, the architect of the Cenotaph.
Managed by English Heritage, Okehampton Castle is the largest castle in Devon. Whilst only ruins remain, the imposing sight of the keep and gatehouse gives an insight into the history of the castle.
Lydford Castle is free to visit and the area comprises Saxon and Norman earthworks along with the tower turned prison. Unusually, the 'motte' or mound of earth surrounding the castle's lowest floor was added after construction had been completed to make it appear more imposing and provide dismal living conditions for the prisoners below ground.
Part of an active Benedictine monastery, Buckfast Abbey is most famous for Buckfast Tonic Wine a caffeinated alcoholic drink which has been produced on-site since the 1890s
River Dart Country Park is an award-winning campsite on the southeastern edge of Dartmoor National Park. With excellent camping facilities and generously-sized pitches, it is the ideal holiday base for exploring the surrounding area. There are 280 individual pitches of a reasonable size and in different locations, some of which are slightly sloping. There are 138 pitches with electrical connections (10/16A) and 35 with hardstanding. All visitors to the site have free access to the extensive adventure playgrounds. There are also Dare Devil activities on site which include a high ropes course, mega zip wire, canoeing and kayaking – extra cost. There really is an adventure around every corner!
Situated on the southwest edge of Dartmoor, this holiday park has been developed on the grounds of the old Langstone Manor house. The touring pitches are tucked into various garden areas with mature trees and flowering shrubs or in the walled garden area with views over the moor. There are 40 level grass pitches, which vary in size (35 with 16A electricity). A popular camping area has been terraced with open views over farmland and the moor.
Set in a quiet, simple and spacious location, Stover Caravan and Motorhome Club site lies next to a beautiful country park on the edge of Dartmoor. If you crave a tranquil break and a wealth of lovely scenic walks, this is the ideal caravan site for your holiday. The Stover Park itself offers a variety of walks - you can choose secure expeditions guided by the Park staff or if you fancy something more challenging the wilder terrains of Dartmoor nearby are waiting to be discovered. The site has 74 hardstanding pitches (some seasonal) all with electricity 16 amp.
This peaceful little park is located on the northern edge of Dartmoor with easy access from the A30. It is sheltered from the weather by good hedging and, although not always visible from the pitches, there are open views across the moorland to the south. The 63 pitches are mostly on level grass, well-spaced, with 25 hardstandings and 38 electric hook-ups (10A). Shrubs divide some of the pitches. The site would be a suitable base for visiting Exeter, Okehampton and Plymouth, hiking over the moors or just enjoying the local area.
Hidden away in a corner of the Dartmoor National Park, Woodland Springs is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Set in a dip, it is sheltered by woodland with some views across the rural countryside. It provides 81 fairly level pitches, 50 fully serviced with hardstanding, 12 on grass without electricity and 19 on grass with electricity (16A). Two Camping pods are also available with heating, light and electricity. There is a circular gravel access road and a central toilet block. There is a small shop and off-licence; bread is baked daily. A large field provides good dog walking. The resident owners provide a warm welcome on this quiet park that only accepts adults. With 600 miles of public right-of-way on Dartmoor, there is plenty to keep walkers busy.
Harford Bridge has an interesting history – originally the Wheal Union tin mine until 1850, then used as a farm campsite from 1930 and taken over by the Royal Engineers in 1939. It is now a quiet, rural, mature park inside the Dartmoor National Park. It is bounded by the River Tavy on one side and the lane from the main road to the village of Peter Tavy on the other, with Harford Bridge, a classic granite moorland bridge, at the corner. With 16.5 acres, the park provides 125 touring pitches well spaced on a level grassy meadow with some shade from mature trees and others recently planted; 52 pitches have 16A electrical hook-ups and 12 have multi-services, five with hardstanding.
Tavistock Camping and Caravanning Club site is situated within the Dartmoor National Park boundaries with fabulous views up to the higher slopes of the moor. A neat, sheltered field provides 40 level pitches with hardstanding arranged on each side of a circular access road. A smaller terraced touring area and extra grass pitches are provided in the camping field along with an area of hardstanding for motorhomes in poor weather. In total there are 75 pitches (some serviced), 60 with electricity connections. Tavistock, two and a half miles from the site, has world heritage status. It is a picturesque and ancient market town with the beautiful River Tavy running through its centre. Whether you enjoy lovely cafes, shopping, grand architecture or historical abbey ruins, it is well worth a visit.
Lydford Caravan and Camping Park is known by its regular visitors for its sense of peace, beauty and tranquillity. It offers a host of stunning views of the nearby Dartmoor Tors and is set in three main areas divided by attractive hedgerows and trees. There is a choice of 75 level and gently sloping touring pitches (some seasonal), either hardstanding or grassy, most with 16 amp electricity. Within easy reach from the site is Lydford village, once a tinners’ stannary town and steeped in rich local history. Amongst its many attractions are a charming Norman castle and an ancient church, which boasts original ninth-century connections. No arrivals accepted before 13:00.
With easy access from the A30 road, this peaceful neat well kept park has matured into a very comfortable place to stay. The site is situated on the northern edge of Dartmoor National Park. It is bordered by tall trees and hedges and internal trees and shrubs have grown providing areas to pitch with well tended flower beds around. There are just 27 flat touring pitches with hardstanding and 16A electricity, 12 of which also have water. Reception is near the entrance, together with a family bar with entertainment some evenings in season. Mobile home accommodation also available to rent.
Lemonford is a well run, neat and tidy site for families of all ages. It is some three miles from both Ashburton and Newton Abbot on the southern edge of the national park. The site is attractively landscaped with a mixture of trees and shrubs covering 7.5 acres. Although close to the main road, it is set in a sheltered, peaceful dip bordered by the pretty River Lemon. There are 142 pitches, with 87 reasonably level pitches for touring, of which 76 are fully serviced (10A electricity). Access is good for large outfits, but commercial vehicles are not accepted.
