Dartmoor National Park

Stretching across 368 square miles of vast and dramatic moorland, Dartmoor National Park contains the largest and wildest area of open countryside in the south of England. The area was designated as a National Park in 1951 but the history of the park extends back almost 300 million years ago, with humankind has shaping the landscape over the last 10,000 years.  

Dartmoor is known for many things; the staggering tors, neolithic encampments, Sherlock Holmes, wild ponies, the prison which housed Frank Mitchell, the notorious ‘Mad Axeman’ and many a tale of ghosts and ghouls.  With such an extensive area you could spend days or even weeks exploring each of these in depth and still find more to be discovered.  

Dotted across the moorland are many quintessentially British villages and towns. On the southwestern edge of Dartmoor you could visit Yelverton or Princetown, whilst Chagford and Okehampton are two market towns situated in north Dartmoor. Each of these places have a wealth of history to explore alongside many independent shops, hotels and eateries. If you fancy a quiet village getaway we’d highly recommend Postbridge, Drewingstone or Lydford. These villages surrounded by stunning countryside but conveniently situated with easy access to other parts of the moors.  

Dartmoor’s history is vast. The area is home to many ancient settlements built during the Iron and Bronze Age. Some of these remains can still be seen today; Fernworthy Stone Circle, Merrivale and Nice Stone Circles are perfect examples of this. Stepping foot in these areas evoke such a visceral feeling that no one can really explain, it allows us to feel connected to the past, or like we’re part of something much bigger. The aura is truly unique. This feeling never really goes away when exploring the epic moorland.  

Folklore and myths are a huge part of Dartmoor’s history. Tales of the Devil, ghosts, witches and pixies have been passed down from generations hundreds of years ago. Okehampton Castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Howard and large horse-drawn carriage made of bones, driven by a headless coachman. Meanwhile, the legend of the Hairy Hands is set in Postbridge. It’s said that the Hairy Hands are a pair of disembodied hands that appear suddenly, grab at the steering wheel of a moving car or the handlebars of a motorcycle, and then force the victim off the road.  

There’s so much more about Dartmoor to be explored but of course the best way to do so is to visit this unadulterated and unspoilt landscape. The many miles of footpaths and cycle routes on offer to those wishing to trek the moorland; it’s truly an adventurer's paradise. Dartmoor has 450 miles of public rights of way, the equivalent of walking from Land’s End in Cornwall to Cumbria!  

The area is perfect for family getaway, romantic couples breaks or those looking for an active holiday, Dartmoor truly has something for everyone to enjoy.  For more information about Dartmoor, head to the Visit Dartmoor website.