The Top 5 Places to Visit in Dartmoor this Summer
“I have never before, in my long and eclectic career, been gifted with such an abundance of natural beauty as I experienced filming War Horse on Dartmoor.”
A rugged expanse of natural wonder, Dartmoor has been captivating visitors with awe-inspiring landscapes and intriguing legends for generations. Even legendary movie director Steven Spielberg was struck by the landscapes he found as the quote above shows. Across granite tors, pristine valleys and the remnants of civilisations gone by, Dartmoor is the chance to truly immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
With such an array of amazing options, we’re here to help with our five favourite places to visit in Dartmoor.
Five of the best places to visit in Dartmoor
Haytor
A ‘tor’ is a tall freestanding outcrop of rock on the top of a hill - and there are plenty to be found all over Dartmoor. Haytor (also known as Haytor Rocks) rises 457 metres above sea level and is probably Dartmoor’s most famous with pictures having adorned postcards and souvenir mugs for decades. And for good reason. Those who climb to the summit are rewarded with stunning vistas over Dartmoor and the south Devon coastline, Haytor is a must for places to visit in Dartmoor.
Dartmoor’s fascinating history can be explored in the local visitors' centre. There are often wild Dartmoor ponies grazing nearby to wave to (please don’t feed them) and other local sites to explore for those wanting to stretch their legs. Saddle Tor is close enough to summit during the same visit, Haytor Quarry will give you a view of Dartmoor's industrial history and Yarner Woods is a nearby oak wood with international importance.
Brent Tor and St Michael’s Church
If you’re after a tor that has more than simply impressive views, head for Brent Tor. Certainly, one of the best places to visit in Dartmoor, a medieval church sits on top making for a distinctive view. The tor itself is also unusual - one of the few on Dartmoor to be made of basaltic lava some 350 million years ago rather than the more common granite.
The lovely church at Brent Tor is St Michael de Rupe (or St Michael of the Rock) is well worth the steep climb. There is a bevvy of legends and mysteries surrounding it alongside the stunning views that can be found from the top. The church itself is the fourth smallest parish church in England but has an undeniable quaint charm. The tor was also the site of an Iron Age fort with remains clearly visible on the route up.
Buckfast Abbey
Tucked away on the edge of Dartmoor, a working community of Benedictine monks call Buckfast Abbey home. With its long history and inspiring gardens, the Abbey is the perfect setting for a serene wander. The Sensory, Physic and Millenium Gardens are free to enter and are an essential visit for green-fingered travellers. In the summer months, The Lavender Gardens burst into life with over 50 varieties of this fragrant plant.
Buckfast Abbey was originally founded by King Canute in 1018 but fell to ruins when Henry VIII dissolved the Catholic monasteries. But that wasn’t the end of the story. Between 1906 and 1937, a group of French monks rebuilt the Abbey Church on its medieval foundations. Today, it is easily one of the best places to visit in Dartmoor.
Bellever Forest
While Dartmoor is best known for its rough and rugged landscapes, there are pockets of lush greenery and woodland. Bellever Forest is the perfect spot for woodland wander with waymarked routes suitable for every age and ability. Discover fascinating archaeological monuments, amazing wildlife moments and impressive views out over Bellever Tor. The meandering stream offers an idyllic picnic spot on a bright summer day.
If you’re looking for wildlife encounters, you’ve come to one of the best places to visit in Dartmoor. Goshawks, otters, hobbys and more call this area home but the most visible will be the famous Dartmoor ponies. They have an important role in the upkeep of the forest, helping to keep the vegetation down and creating diverse grasslands and ecosystems. The golden rule to remember is to never feed them yourself.
The Buckfast Butterflies and Otter Sanctuary
If you don’t spot any otters out in Bellever Forest, there’s always a sure sighting at Buckfast Butterflies and Otter Sanctuary. This unusual pairing makes for the ideal family day out with plenty to see and do. The small and friendly team make every visit special. Unlike the other places to visit in Dartmoor on this list, this is a paid attraction but is well worth every penny.
Kept in two separate areas, the Buckfast Butterflies part of the sanctuary is a haven for everyone’s favourite insects. A range of tropical butterflies flutter past in the dedicated rainforest atmosphere of the sanctuary where you can witness their entire life cycle. The Otter Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned or injured otters, helping them back into the wild. Visitors will see otters at different stages of this process.
What to wear when visiting Dartmoor
Dartmoor is infamous for inconsistent weather. If you’re planning to do any extended walking or cycling, it pays to dress appropriately and be prepared for all eventualities - even in the summer months.
When enjoying all the wonderful places to visit in Dartmoor, layers are always a good idea, especially ones that are easy to remove or add. Waterproof and especially windproof outer layers are also essential - yes, even in summer. Accompanying that, don’t go without some sturdy and supportive footwear. A quality pair of waterproof walking boots with ankle support will help you over Dartmoor’s uneven terrain.
Moving away from clothing, summertime means sun protection. The ever-present wind on the open moor can make it seem cooler so remember to lather on that sunscreen. If you are planning to complete any of the local walking routes, bring a map and compass (and know how to use them). GPS is great but unreliable and batteries tend to run out when you need them most.
Rest and relax at Leonard’s Cove Holiday Village
After a day out experiencing some of the best places to visit in Dartmoor, put your feet up and relax at Leonard’s Cove. Situated on the South Devon coast, you’ll find amazing sea views and high-quality accommodation. Whether you’re looking for self-catering cottages, park lodges or a camping pitch, we have everything you need. That’s what makes us one of the best holiday parks in Devon.
