Plan your visit to Dartmoor National Park

Explore one of England's most famous landscapes

Once a high-altitude woodland, Dartmoor is now a dramatic moorland, with rolling hills topped with craggy tors. The rugged landscape features bogs and wetlands, towering waterfalls and a large number of neolithic monuments. There’s a lot to explore!

As well as its natural interest, Dartmoor is renowned for its ancient history and folklore. You may have heard the more famous stories set in this area, such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles and some of Agatha Christie's novels, but Lewtrenchard has its own part to play in Dartmoor’s heritage.

Sabine Baring-Gould, once Squarson of Lewtrenchard Manor, was inspired to write many books, both fiction and non-fiction, about the moors. One of his more important works, Songs of the West, is a record of popular folk songs from the region, including, amongst others, Widecombe Fair, which is still a popular annual event today.

This corner of the West Country is full of original attractions and activities to suit all ages. We’ve listed some of our favourites here, and we recommend reading through our Explore page for more ideas and inspiration for planning a visit to Dartmoor National Park.

Explore the tors by letterboxing 

Letterboxing in Dartmoor National Park is a unique outdoor activity that blends hiking with treasure hunting. Originating in the mid-19th century, it involves searching for hidden waterproof containers, or 'letterboxes', which contain a visitor's logbook and a rubber stamp. Participants follow clues, maps, or GPS coordinates to locate these boxes, stamping their personal logbooks as proof of discovery. Dartmoor, the birthplace of letterboxing, offers a rugged landscape perfect for exploration, attracting enthusiasts worldwide. Unlike geocaching, traditional letterboxing relies on cryptic clues and compass bearings, adding mystery to the search. Many hikers create and hide their own letterboxes, expanding the ever-growing network of hidden treasure to hunt for. Letterboxing is a cherished Dartmoor tradition that you don’t want to miss if you’re visiting Dartmoor National Park.

Experience horse riding on Dartmoor

Horse riding in Dartmoor National Park offers a unique way to explore its vast, rugged landscapes. With open moorland, wooded valleys, and ancient tracks, the park provides endless opportunities for riders of all levels. Numerous bridleways and permissive routes allow for breathtaking rides through heather-covered hills and along picturesque riverbanks. Local riding centers offer guided treks, lessons, and horse hire, making it easy for visitors to participate in this unique experience. Whether on a short ride or a multi-day trek, horse riding in Dartmoor is an unforgettable way to connect with nature and history.

Pull on your boots and walk the moors

Without a doubt, Dartmoor National Park is best known for its atmospheric walking routes. From woodland trails to open moorland, the varied landscape has a lot to offer for all ages and abilities. The weather on Dartmoor is notoriously unpredictable and we recommend preparing for all weathers before heading out on any hike. 

Make a splash in Dartmoor’s lakes and rivers

While Dartmoor National Park is better known for its rugged landscapes, it also offers a range of watersports in and around the park. Nearby reservoirs, lakes, and rivers provide opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and wild swimming. Popular spots include the River Dart, known for its exhilarating white-water sections, and Roadford Lake, which offers sailing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. With a mix of calm and challenging waters, Dartmoor and its surroundings cater to both beginners and experienced adventurers looking to enjoy the area’s natural beauty from the water. Don’t forget, Dartmoor is only an hour’s drive away from some of Devon’s most beautiful beaches – we’ve listed our favourites here. 

Discover Dartmoor’s Reservoirs

Surrounded by open moorland, Meldon Reservoir is a breathtaking lake that is 900 feet above sea level and teeming with native wildlife. It’s easily accessed from the Granite Way and Meldon Viaduct, which was built in 1874 and spans 165 metres over the remains of mineral mines. The views from the viaduct span across to Meldon Dam and reservoir to the south west. Another reservoir worth visiting is Burrator Reservoir near Yelverton. The tranquil water and surrounding mixed woodland contrasts with the open moor and the rugged Dartmoor tors beyond.

Rainy day activities on Dartmoor National Park

Come rain or shine, Dartmoor National Park has a lot to offer visitors. One quirky but fun rainy day activity on Dartmoor is Dartmoor Prison Museum. The museum vividly portrays more than 200 years of the prison’s turbulent history, ranging from its role as a Prisoner of War Depot for French and American prisoners of war, to its crime and punishment era through to today.

Sample the best food and drink from the region

Okehampton and its surrounding areas have dining options that cater to every taste, whether you're seeking a relaxed pub meal or a refined fine-dining experience. Our restaurant at Lewtrenchard Manor offers a taste of the region with our a la carte menu and tasting menu. For a memorable culinary experience, book our private dining option. If you’re looking for more recommendations of where to eat and drink near Oakhampton, take a look through our recommended list of pubs and restaurants.

Extend your trip with a luxurious stay

Our idyllic country manor house is the perfect place to rest tired feet and recharge from a day exploring the moors. Join us for dinner in our fine-dining restaurant, a post-hike drink in our cosy bar or stay the night in one of our exquisite bedrooms and enjoy a Full English Breakfast in the morning.