101 places to go – Dartmoor
It’s not everyday that someone shows you a holiday video that makes you fall in love all over again with its subject, whilst reminding you how lucky you are to have it on your doorstep. Then again, not all holiday videos are like The War Horse, few documentarians are as skilled as Mr Steven Spielberg and not all locations are as spellbinding as Dartmoor.
Dartmoor offers nearly 400 square miles of stunning National Park moorland. After just one glance at its sweeping tors and rolling green pastures you realise that The War Horse couldn’t have been filmed anywhere else. But there’s far more to Dartmoor (possible tourist slogan?) than its iconic wild landscape might suggest. So if you want to get the measure of our new recommended destination then take a look at our suggestions for things to see and do in the region below.
• The South Devon Railway may not compete with a horseback exploration of Dartmoor, but what it loses in drama it more than makes up for in relaxing comfort. This seven mile former Great Western Railway branch line offers a wonderful selection of heritage steam trains and easy access to some of the region’s most popular attractions.
• Dartmoor’s terrain is just a boon for visitors and the film industry – it’s also a huge benefit for domestic winemakers. The Eastcott Vineyard offers a lovely selection of wines produced in an equally lovely location and, thanks to its tours, combines the two to make for a fantastic day out.
• Buckland Abbey offers 700 years of history with acres of beautiful grounds and gardens. Once a Cistercian abbey it then became the home of Sir Francis Drake before falling into the capable hands of the National Trust. It’s one of the region’s most popular historic attractions and is well worth a visit.
Do you have any suggestions for things to see and do in Dartmoor? Please leave a comment below! If you’re looking for somewhere to stay then take a look at our featured holiday cottages in Dartmoor.
