Dartmoor
Despite being one of the wildest and most remote areas of Southern England, Dartmoor National Park, and its surrounding area, has much to attract and charm the day tripper and holidaymaker. The largest area of open country in the South, much of the landscape is moorland, which is home to the famous, semi-wild Dartmoor ponies, which have been living on the moors since the Middle Ages.
As a rare, and protected breed, Dartmoor Ponies are something of an attraction on the open moorland, but it’s not just the wild and roaming animals that attract visitors to this part of Devon. There is also the Buckfast Butterfly and Otter Santuary, the Minature Pony Centre at Wormhill Farm, North Bovey, and Pennywell Farm Activity Park and Falconry Centre at Buckfastleigh South. All these attractions house a variety of animals, and things to do during a family day out.
For something a bit more historical, why not visit Buckland Abbey, a National Trust property located in Yelverton, on the edge of Dartmoor. It was built in the 13th Century by Cistercian Monks, and also has links to explorer Sir Francis Drake. The interior rooms, gardens, and museum galleries are open throughout the year, and there’s also a seasonal events program. There’s also the Museum Of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton, which has been educating visitors on local history since 1982, and Okehampton Castle. This castle, or its remains, are located on the banks of the river Okement, and you can get special audio tours to guide you round the site. The National Trust also own property in Devon, and in the Dartmoor area they manage the estate and buildings of Castle Drogo. Walks are available through the arts and crafts inspired garden, and wood/moorland on the estate, along with tours and activities inside the castle.
Arts and Crafts are also a big part of Devon life, and you will find galleries/workshops dotted throughout the towns and villages in Dartmoor. One place worth a visit is Teign Valley Glass and The House Of Marbles. Here you can see the glass blowers in action, view collections of glassware, and visit their world famous museum. This museum houses traditional toys and craft, along with one of the largest collections of marbles in the world.
Saving the best until last, there is of course, the National Park itself to explore; one of the focal points of any visit to the Dartmoor area. The wild landscape contains nature reserves, sites of special scientific interest, burial chambers, stone circles, and many rare species of plants and birds. There are a variety of self guided, guided, and audio walks available throughout the year, and it’s also possible to explore the area by horse, bike, or even bus. The Haytor Hoppa (Service 271), and Transmoor Link, both provide scenic bus rides, and also give you access to lunches and afternoon tea, and guided walks, which may be free. One thing to bear in mind when you visit the National Park, is the presence of a Military Firing Range in the North. Access to this area is prohibited during firing days by the Ministry Of Defence. Information on the National Park, and help making the most of your visit, is available from The Highmoorland Visitor Centre in Yelverton, or via the annual Dartmoor Guide, which contains many articles about the National Park, details of local walks, and a full events program. With so much to see and do in the area, research is key, so why not have a look at what the Dartmoor area has to offer, and plan a visit there?
