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    Why we love Dartmoor and Exmoor

    Is this England’s wildest corner? With heather-strewn moors, tangled oak forests and looming peaks, Dartmoor and Exmoor can feel like the edge of the world. They’re a nature-spotter’s joy, grazed by wind-tousled ponies and statuesque red deer – and an adventurer’s paradise, a landscape to climb, hike, cycle, scramble and splash.

    Dartmoor and Exmoor are two separate national parks: the former is wholly in Devon, while the latter crosses the border into Somerset too. But they are easy to travel between, and both have their own charms: while Dartmoor’s deep valleys and granite peaks are inland, Exmoor has 37 miles (59km) of coast to explore, and was Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve – renowned for its dazzling stargazing.

    From cross-country pony treks to enchanted forest walks, here’s how to explore these untamed parks for yourself.

    Things to do in Dartmoor and Exmoor

    Meet or even adopt a rare-breed Exmoor Pony at this charity located in the Exmoor National Park.

    Find out more about the rare Exmoor ponies
    Awaiting image
    Exmoor Pony Centre

    Escape into the calm of more than 100 miles of British moorlands on this coast-to-coast walkers’ trail.

    Find out more about the Two Moors Way
    People walking on stone bridge across river in Dartmoor National Park
    Two Moors Way

    Take on an adventure or two including gorge scrambling and rock climbing and geocaching – or design your own at Dartmoor.

    Visit Adventure Okehampton to choose your own adventure
    A mother and her two sons exploring the Dark Sky Discovery Trail in Exmoor Park
    Adventure Okehampton

    Take in the sweeping views across Dartmoor and the south Devon coast at these majestic granite rocks dating back 280 million years.

    Find out more about the mysteries of Haytor
    Visitors on top of Haytor rocks
    National Park Visitor Centre, Haytor

    Visit the last castle to be built in Britain with the rugged Dartmoor tors that surround it.

    Find out more about this 20th Century castle
    Exterior of Castle Drogo, looking up through the fir trees
    Castle Drogo

    Meet or even adopt a rare-breed Exmoor Pony at this charity located in the Exmoor National Park.

    Find out more about the rare Exmoor ponies
    Awaiting image
    Exmoor Pony Centre

    Escape into the calm of more than 100 miles of British moorlands on this coast-to-coast walkers’ trail.

    Find out more about the Two Moors Way
    People walking on stone bridge across river in Dartmoor National Park
    Two Moors Way

    Take on an adventure or two including gorge scrambling and rock climbing and geocaching – or design your own at Dartmoor.

    Visit Adventure Okehampton to choose your own adventure
    A mother and her two sons exploring the Dark Sky Discovery Trail in Exmoor Park
    Adventure Okehampton

    Take in the sweeping views across Dartmoor and the south Devon coast at these majestic granite rocks dating back 280 million years.

    Find out more about the mysteries of Haytor
    Visitors on top of Haytor rocks
    National Park Visitor Centre, Haytor

    Visit the last castle to be built in Britain with the rugged Dartmoor tors that surround it.

    Find out more about this 20th Century castle
    Exterior of Castle Drogo, looking up through the fir trees
    Castle Drogo

    Places to stay in Dartmoor and Exmoor

    Farmstays and B&Bs

    Make yourself at home! For a local welcome, you can’t beat a family-run B&B, farm campsite or rural pub-hotel.

    Grand estates

    Some of the region’s finest mansions have been transformed into lavish hotels, with award-winning restaurants too.

    Unique rentals

    For a quirky stay, take your pick from cute thatched cottages, silver airstream caravans and vintage train carriages.

    Getting to Dartmoor and Exmoor

    Plymouth and Exeter are the region’s largest cities; depending on your destination in Exmoor or Dartmoor, the driving time ranges from 20 minutes to two (or more) hours. Trains connect Plymouth with Exeter (one hour), London (three hours) and Bristol (two hours 20 minutes), while Heathrow and Gatwick airports can be reached by road in three to four hours. Southampton Airport is a two- to three-hour drive away.

    Getting around

    While a hire car will give you the greatest freedom, it’s easy to explore Dartmoor and Exmoor by public transport. Dartmoor> is served by both trains and buses, including the hop-on-hop-off Dartmoor Explorer, while Exmoor has several bus routes. If you’re hiking long-distance, book a luggage transfer to carry your bags.

    By bus

    All aboard the Exmoor Coaster! This open-top bus runs all over the park and beyond, including Lynmouth and Minehead.

    By train

    The Dartmoor Line runs from Exeter to Okehampton – the jumping-off spot for hiking, cycling and other outdoor adventures.

    By bike

    On two wheels, Dartmoor and Exmoor are yours to discover. Hire a bike and hit the trails: there are routes for all abilities.

    Want to know more?

    For insider tips and the top places to visit, head to Dartmoor and Exmoor’s official websites.