Dartmoor visitor information

An introduction to Dartmoor

The "Forest of Dartmoor", which covers a large part of Devon in the West Country of southern England, actually refers to an old hunting ground rather than a wooded area. It is in between Exeter and Plymouth with Tavistock on its western edge. It is one of the best areas in the country for Bronze Age remains with burial stones and stone circles all over the moor. There are few major towns apart from Princetown and Tavistock but many villages throughout the park boasting attractive buildings and welcoming pubs.

Things to do in Dartmoor

The main attractions in Dartmoor is the moor itself for walking and hiking hills and kayaking in the white water rivers or horseriding across the vast moor. Castle Drogo is near the moor, the last castle built in England between 1910 and 1920. There also are many stone circles and building remains around the moor. Dartmoor Prison in Princetown has its own museum.

Getting to Dartmoor

By Car

Dartmoor is within easy reach of the M5 motorway, is bordered by the A30 and A38 dual-carriageways. The journey from London takes  over 4 hours.

By Air

There is an international airport at Exeter is situated under an hour from the centre of Dartmoor.

By Train

Dartmoor has good mainline train connections to Exeter, Newton Abbot, Ivybridge, Totnes and Plymouth. It also has its own railway which travels from Dartmoor to mid-Devon.

By Boat

There is a ferry terminal at Plymouth which is under an hour and a half from the National Park.

By Coach and Bus

National Express coaches run from London twice daily.  The bus stops are at walking distance from the main attractions and you can also travel round Dartmoor using the Haytor Hoppa on a Sunday.