Devon - Dartmoor Attractions
In most people's minds, mention of Dartmoor conjures up images of wild ponies, the notorious prison at Princetown, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles". It covers by far the greater part of southwest Devon, an area rich in legend and redolent with history, where the barren hills with their granite outcrops (tors) display a rugged grandeur.
Drewsteignton - Castle Drogo
Situated about 2.5mi/4km east of Chagford is Britain's newest castle, constructed between 1911 and 1930 by Sir Edwin Lutyens for a wealthy tea merchant called Julius Drewe. Built of granite, the 200ft/60m-long Castle Drogo has a generally medieval air, while incorporating a mixture of Norman, Romanesque, Tudor and modern elements.
Lutyens, who designed the castle, was one of the most important architects in Britain at the turn of the century.
All values are in local currency
Lutyens, who designed the castle, was one of the most important architects in Britain at the turn of the century.
Hours
March 1 to March 9
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 |
March 15 to March 23
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | Closed | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
March 24 to April 20
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
April 21 to May 25
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | Closed | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
May 26 to June 1
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
June 2 to July 20
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | Closed | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
July 21 to August 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
September 1 to October 25
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | Closed | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
October 26 to November 2
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
November 29 to December 14
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 12:00 | 12:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 |
December 18 to December 22
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 12:00 | Closed | Closed | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Always opened on:
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
| Family | 17.72 |
| Adult | 7.09 |
| Group discounts | 6.60 |
| Grounds / gardens only around attraction | 4.54 |
| Child | 3.54 |
Garden opens at 10:30 am-5:30pm.
Last admission 30mins before closing.
Dogs allowed in carpark only.
Disabled
Partial facilities for persons with disabilities.
Guides
Guided tour available as optional extra.
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Lydford Gorge
South of Lydford, nature provides some spectacular scenery in the shape of the deep, 1.5 mi/2.5km-long Lydford Gorge and White Lady Waterfall, where the River Lyd plummets more than 90ft/27m. It was here in the 17th century that Roger Rowe's Gubbin gang wrought so much mischief, vividly described in Charles Kingsley's novel "Westward Ho" (1855).
Lydford Gorge
The Stables, Lydford Gorge
Dartmoor EX20 4BH
England
The Stables, Lydford Gorge
Dartmoor EX20 4BH
England
Hours
February 15 to March 14
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 15:30 | 15:30 | 15:30 |
March 15 to October 5
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
October 6 to November 2
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
November 3 to December 28
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 11:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 |
| Close | 15:30 | 15:30 | 15:30 |
Parking
Free
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Postbridge - Clapper Bridge
From Moretonhampstead the B3212 runs southwest to Postbridge (8mi/13km), where the best known of Dartmoor's clapper bridges spans the River Dart. It is now thought to have been built in the 13th century.
Ashburton, England
Ashburton (pop. 3550), on the southern edge of Dartmoor, flourished in the heyday of tin mining and the woolen trade. A number of interesting buildings survive, including some handsome 17th and 18th century houses and a 14th-15th century granite church with a very beautiful tower.
Ashburton is also noted for the scenery and the walking, canoeing and fishing opportunities.
Ashburton is also noted for the scenery and the walking, canoeing and fishing opportunities.
Axminster - Loughwood Meeting House
Loughwood Meeting House is a National Trust property in Axminster. It was built c.1653 by the Baptist congregation of Kilmington as a place to worship.
Loughwood Meeting House
Dalwood
Axminster EX13 7DU
England
Dalwood
Axminster EX13 7DU
England
Axminster - Shute Barton
Shute Barton is a non-fortified manor house that has survived since the Middle Ages. Its construction began in the late 16th century and was completed in the 18th century. Notable features of the property include battlemented turrets, late Gothic windows, and a Tudor gatehouse.
Shute Barton
Shute
Axminster EX13 7PT
England
Shute
Axminster EX13 7PT
England
Hours
April 5 to September 27
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | 14:00 | Closed | Closed | 14:00 | Closed |
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 |
October 1 to October 29
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | 14:00 | Closed | Closed | 14:00 | Closed |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Bennett's Cross
The granite Bennett's Cross on the B 3212 just before Postbridge is believed to be over 500 years old.
Buckland-in-the-Moor, England
More very picturesque cottages can be seen at Buckland-in-the-Moor, a short distance south of Widecombe-in-the-Moor.
The local church in Buckland-in-the-Moor is made of stone quarried at the moor, and a Norman baptismal font decorated with leaves and stars.
The local church in Buckland-in-the-Moor is made of stone quarried at the moor, and a Norman baptismal font decorated with leaves and stars.
Canonteign Falls and Lakeland
The falls at Canonteign Falls and Lakeland are the highest in England. The area surrounding the falls has nature trails to explore as well as wildfowl and miniature ponies to observe. There is also a play area and junior commando assault course for kids to enjoy.
All values are in local currency
Hours
March 17 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
| Family | 19.50 |
| Adult | 5.75 |
| Senior | 5.00 |
| Child | 4.50 |
| Disabled | 4.00 |
| Child 3 & under | FREE |
Facilities
Restaurant or food service
Chagford, England
Chagford, (pop. 1,250), is located 4mi/6.4km west of Moretonhampstead, on the headwaters of the River Teign close to several high granite tors, also boasts a granite church.
A focal point in Chagford is the Jubilee Hall, which hosts a number of events throughout the year.
A focal point in Chagford is the Jubilee Hall, which hosts a number of events throughout the year.
Chagford Riding Centre
The Chagford Riding Centre offers instruction in riding, jumping and stable management. Livery and cross-country courses are also located on site. The hacking takes place across the moor and forests of Dartmoor.
Dartmoor Wildlife Park
The Dartmoor Wildlife Park is situated on 30 acres of beautiful Devon countryside. The park contains over 150 species of animals including a comprehensive big cat collection. It also houses the Westcountry Falconry Centre and features falconry displays daily.
All values are in local currency
Hours
April 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
November 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
| Family | 29.00 |
| Adult | 8.95 |
| Pensioners (OAP) | 7.95 |
| Child 15 & under | 6.95 |
| Child 3 & under | FREE |
Disabled
Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Facilities
Restaurant or food service
Field of Moor Dreams
The Field of Moor Dreams is located in the heart of Dartmoor. There are over 150 animals, the famous Miniature Pony Stud, walks, adventure activities and a host of shops and restaurants. this is an excellent family destination with activities suitable to all ages.
All values are in local currency
Hours
April 1 to November 1
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 |
| Close | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 | 22:00 |
| Family | 20.00 |
| Adult | 6.00 |
| Child | 5.00 |
| Concession or reduced rate | 5.00 |
Honiton, England
The little town of Honiton is famous for its lace, a tradition that began in the Elizabethan era, as well as Honiton pottery. Nearby there is also an Iron Age hill fort called Blackbury Camp.
Honiton Tourist Office
Lace Walk Car Park
Honiton EX14 8LT
England
Lace Walk Car Park
Honiton EX14 8LT
England
Hound Tor Deserted Medieval Village
Hound Tor Deserted Medieval Village is the remains of three or four medieval farmsteads, first occupied during the Bronze Age and abandoned in the Middle Ages.
Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement
Merrivale Prehistoric Settlement is the remains of a Bronze-Age village, featuring two double rows of stones, each with a standing stone at the uphill end. There are also cists (burial chambers) and a stone circle at the site.
Ottery St Mary, England
North of Sidmouth the charming village of Ottery St Mary is home to a wonderful church. Ottery St Mary Church was built in 1280 and rebuilt in 1337.
Ottery has a couple of notable events - Guy Fawkes Night in November and Pixie Day in June.
Ottery has a couple of notable events - Guy Fawkes Night in November and Pixie Day in June.
Ottery St Mary Tourist Office
10b Broad Street
Ottery St Mary EX11 1BZ
England
10b Broad Street
Ottery St Mary EX11 1BZ
England
Princetown Prison
Princetown, the largest community on Dartmoor, is also the site of Britain's best known prison. Built in 1806 by French prisoners of war, it has served since 1850 as a penitentiary for 'lifers'. Details of the prison's history are available from the information office in Princetown Town Hall. St Michael's Church (completed 1813) was built by inmates of the prison. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote "The Hound of the Baskervilles" in what was then the Dutchy Hotel, now the Nature Conservancy Council's information center.
Two Bridges
Southwest of Postbridge by 7mi/11km, the two principal roads across Dartmoor meet at Two Bridges. From here a very pleasant walk goes to Wistman's Wood, an oak wood nature reserve extending for about 0.5mi/0.8km along the banks of the Dart.
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