Glamping in Dartmoor

Steeped in history and incredible landscapes, Dartmoor National Park is an ideal location for glamping. Set your base in the moorlands surrounded by rugged beauty and impressive wilderness. From lovely pods to chic tents and wooden cabins for you to choose from. But Devon offers many glamping options in Moretonhampstead, Christow, Ilsington, Brentor, Widecombe in the Moor and Hennock. Dartmoor is ideal for travellers looking for a connection to nature whilst being cosy.

Glamping offers pretty and private accommodation with cosy and comfortable interiors all year round. Enjoy timber cabins, sleeping four, fancy dens for two, comfortable tents for solo travellers and bigger accommodations for big groups up to 12 people. Enjoy a garden and decking with garden furniture. Get cosy in the living area and have some family time in the evenings, cook your meals in the well-equipped kitchens and read your favourite book in the lounge on a rainy day. Outside, enjoy a stroll with the little ones or walk your dog. There are miles of riverside woodland walks right on your doorstep!

Dartmoor has something for everyone and the outdoors are an incredible playground for those who love being in touch with nature and keeping active during the holidays. There are several ways to explore Devon and Dartmoor, whether riding a horse, on foot or cycling. There are lots of routes that range from short to long, with different levels of difficulty. Plan your day or choose a guided walk with experts from the area. Easy walks are usually up to 3 miles long. Moderate walks can vary in length, but they are typically between 5 and 10 miles. The more challenging and longer routes can be linear or circular with more than 12 miles. Check the guides and routes available.

Get on your bike and explore the several cycling routes around Dartmoor. You are looking at miles of quiet wilderness and lovely spots to stop and take a break or have a little picnic before heading to the next bridleway. There are over 218 miles (350km) of designated routes, bridleways and byways that cover a great extension of beautiful moorlands. From shorter to longer routes to choose from, here are some recommendations you can start with. Cycle along the Drake’s Trail for 13 miles, or Granite & Gears Princetown to Burrator for 12.5 miles. The Granite & Gears Princetown Railway Route allows you to choose from a short 6-mile route to a 19-mile one. Head out to Haldon Forest Park and choose from trails to suit all abilities or strengthen your cycling skills on the Skills Area and Pump Loop. If you are up for a challenge, The Dartmoor Way Cycle Route is a 95-mile circular route around Dartmoor National Park. You will cycle along enjoying the views and the pretty hamlets, towns and villages you will find along the way. For a less demanding itinerary, The Granite Way, is an easy to moderate route, mostly traffic free with great views of Dartmoor and the countryside. Gear up and explore Dartmoor on wheels!

Dartmoor rivers and reservoirs are well known for their fishing of wild salmon, brown trout and sea trout. Although most of the river fishing is privately owned, there are stretches of the East and West Dart rivers where you can fish after you buy a Duchy of Cornwall permit. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity by the river and have a good catch!

Experience life in Victorian times in a Victorian museum, explore old castles including Castle Drogo, see miniature ponies at the Miniature Ponies Centre, swim in the open air, go to the zoo, go to the marble museum and ride on a steam train of the South Devon Railway. Lose yourself in ancient churches and abbeys including Buckfast Abbey or wander around the ancient ruins of magnificent historical buildings. Have some fun at the fairground rides of Dingles Fairground Heritage Centre, test your skills and go ape at Haldon, and choose from the variety of activities in the outdoors of the fantastic National Park Visitor Centres. Every day will be an adventure!

Creativity, art and colours are everywhere in Dartmoor. This town not only attracts people who want to come on holiday but also art lovers. In the outskirts of Dartmoor there are galleries showcasing the fantastic works of photographers, and talented artists. Admire the incredible works of gifted craftsmen, knitters, felt workers, and jewellery makers. The outdoors is a great inspiration for all artists and there are several festivals, exhibitions, fairs and events where they exhibit their talent.

From granite crosses dotted across the moor to small waterfalls and lush green vegetation, rivers, a rugged landscape, valleys and remnants, stone rows and settlements. All the elements in nature that photography enthusiasts will enjoy. Capture perfect shots of the granite quarries at Haytor, Swell Tor and Foggintor or focus your lens to frame the cross at Windy Post or some of the abandoned farmhouses. Explore your surroundings and find incredible spots where you will take incredible pics! Be prepared for the weather though!

Go back to your childhood and learn more about those things you used to love as a kid. Visit the museums of games, glass, pottery and marbles. Buy some quality toys, games or gifts. Treat yourself with a unique item or choose a special present for a loved one. Watch the highly skilled glassmakers of Teign Valley Glass and get some of their pieces at the shop. Have some family fun at the Brass Rubbing Trail, marvel at the bespoke made Marble Runs and have a good laugh with the funfair mirrors. After all the excitement, get some lunch, breakfast or a nice cuppa at the café. And for a unique moment, have a dining experience in the heart of the Old Pottery site.

Whatever it is you like to do, in Dartmoor you are guaranteed a fabulous day out with family or friends. There are several National trust properties to soak up Devon’s history including Lydford Gorge and Finch Foundry. Take a pleasant stroll along the Garden House, or the RHS Garden Rosemoor. Visit the ponies at the Miniature Pony Centre, ride a horse or admire the animals at Dartmoor Zoo. The little ones will love the Tamar Trails! Thrill seekers will enjoy tree surfing or kayaking. As you can see, there is plenty to do. Get ready and visit Dartmoor!

Every 2nd and 4th Saturday each month Tavistock Farmers Market sells an array of fresh produce, local food, plants and drinks direct from the producer. Enjoy a taste of the South West of the country while you are in Dartmoor. To make your life even easier, most producers including Bere Brewery, Oakcroft Farm Produce, Evergreen Farm, and Dartmoor Conservation Meat among others offer home deliveries. If it rains or the blustery winds hit the region, do your shopping online at English Spirit, Ventons Devon Cyder or Bulstone Spring. On a normal day, you can reach the market either by bus or car. Indulge in Dartmoor scrumptious food!