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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

VisitBritain

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

Exmoor National Park Authority

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

Dartmoor National Park Authority

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

National Trust Images/James Dob

Exterior of Castle Drogo, looking up through the fir trees
Castle Drogo

Will you swing through the trees on the high ropes course, or head underground on a caving adventure?

Explore River Dart Country Park

Getty Images/Paul Mansfield Photography

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Lady sitting on rock as boy runs by
River Dart Country Park

Follow a wild walking trail to a thundering 30-metre (98ft) waterfall, in the deepest gorge of the South West.

Discover Lydford Gorge

National Trust /Mel Peters

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Pixie Glen new bridge, Lydford Gorge
Lydford Gorge

Climb a mighty cascade, enjoy afternoon tea in a lakeside cafe, and explore a lush fern garden…

Be inspired by Canonteign Falls

Shutterstock / Tom Meaker

Dartmoor and Exmoor

A stream flowing under a wooden footbridge at Canonteign Falls in Devon
Canonteign Falls

These wildlife tours are hosted by local experts, in a rugged Land Rover 110 Defender.

Book Exmoor Wildlife Safaris

Getty Images

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Windswept Pony, Exmoor National Park, Somerset, UK
Exmoor Wildlife Safaris

A treat for kids and grown-ups alike, with world-famous marble runs to play on – and much more.

Plan your trip to the House of Marbles Shop

Gareth Benyon of Eye Candy / House Of Marbles

Dartmoor and Exmoor

House of Marbles Shop
House of Marbles Shop

In winter, warm up around the open fire – while summer is the time for rosé on the patio.

Grab a table at The Dartmoor Inn

Lauren Bond / Blooming B Photography

Dartmoor and Exmoor

The Dartmoor Inn
The Dartmoor Inn

Discover the secrets of English wine, on a guided tour of this glorious family-run estate.

Explore Alder Vineyard

Alder Vineyard/Adam Birch

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Alder Vineyard
Alder Vineyard

On tours and tastings, discover how Devon’s single malt whisky is grown, made and matured.

Tour Dartmoor Whisky Distillery

Matt Austin

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Dartmoor Whisky
Dartmoor Whisky Distillery

From beautiful Efford House to St Mary’s Church, how many movie locations can you spot?

More about Sense and Sensibility filming locations

photo.eccles / Alamy Stock Photo

Dartmoor and Exmoor

An English Country home - Compton South Devon
Sense and Sensibility filming locations

Director Steven Spielberg emphatically praised Dartmoor’s ‘abundance of natural beauty’…

Visit War Horse filming locations

Alamy Stock Photo

Dartmoor and Exmoor

A Dartmoor Pony grazing on amongst bracken above the village of Meavy on South Dartmoor, Devon,UK.
War Horse filming locations

Full of artefacts and stories of life in the lock-up: from bloody riots and lethal weapons.

What’s on at Dartmoor Prison Museum

Samuel Hess / Alamy Stock Photo

Dartmoor and Exmoor

The exterior of Dartmoor Prison
Dartmoor Prison Museum

This gleaming collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and vans will whisk you back to motoring’s Golden Age.

Visit Moretonhampstead Motor Museum

Moretonhampstead Motor Museum

Coventry

Moretonhampstead Motor Museum
Moretonhampstead Motor Museum

Surfing + beach + live music = an incredible summer weekend, on the golden sands of Croyde Bay.

Get tickets for Goldcoast Oceanfest

Rob Tibbles/ Goldcoast Oceanfest

Dartmoor and Exmoor

 Goldcoast Oceanfest
Goldcoast Oceanfest

Calling all sleuths! This annual literature and culture fiesta celebrates the legacy of Agatha Christie.

Discover the International Agatha Christie Festival

Emily Appleton Event Photography

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Sea Swim, International Agatha Christie Festival
International Agatha Christie Festival

On November 5, the streets fill with fire – for a remarkable traditional parade and bonfire.

More about Ottery St Mary’s Flaming Tar Barrels

Getty Images

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Traditional Burning Of The Tar Barrels Takes Place In Devon Village
Ottery St Mary’s Flaming Tar Barrels

From rock gigs and pop tribute acts, to Hollywood movies and stand-up comedy shows.

Step inside Tavistock Wharf

Getty Images/Hup

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Crowd at music show
Tavistock Wharf

Classical choirs and award-winning orchestras perform alongside rock bands, soul singers and more.

What’s on at Dart Music Festival

Getty Images/EyeEm

Dartmoor and Exmoor

People Playing Guitar At Music Concert
Dart Music Festival

Maybe you’ll see the Milky Way on an after-dark tour, or explore the stars with a telescope?

Book Wild About Exmoor - Stargazing

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Stars and the Milky Way clearly visible in the night sky above Exmoor
Wild About Exmoor - Stargazing

The park’s most spectacular camping spots include Ugborough Moor, Bellever Forest and Otter Vale.

Try wild camping on Dartmoor

Alamy Stock Photo

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Wild camping on Dartmoor National Park- Devon -UK
Wild camping on Dartmoor

It is always a thrill to ride this cliffside funicular, with its breathtaking views of the North Devon coast.

Ride the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway in North Devon
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

From grey seals and puffins, to kittiwakes and black rabbits: this isle is a wildlife lover’s paradise.

Book seal spotting on Lundy Island

Shutterstock / Russell swain

Dartmoor and Exmoor

A diver and a seal underwater off the coast of the UK
Seal spotting on Lundy Island

Explore the apiaries, get hands-on with the bees, and taste some spectacular local honey.

More about Dartmoor Beekeeping

Chris Parkes

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Dartmoor Beekeeping
Dartmoor Beekeeping

With its twisted oak trees and moss-covered rocks, this ancient forest feels like an enchanted land.

Explore Wistman's Wood

Jack Barr / Alamy Stock Photo

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Bearded Woodsman Among the Twisted, Gnarly, Stunted Moss Covered Sessile Oak Trees (Quercus petraea) of Wistmans Wood. Dartmoor, Devon, UK.
Wistman's Wood

Maybe you’ll catch a stunning choral recital, or enjoy afternoon tea in the monastery-view restaurant?

Plan your trip to Buckfast Abbey

Buckfast Abbey

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Buckfast Abbey
Buckfast Abbey

From festive lights trails to ghost-hunting trips, this ancient house offers festivals and events galore.

Discover Dunster Castle and Watermill

National Trust Images/James Dobson

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Dunster Castle and Watermill
Dunster Castle and Watermill

Enjoy wildflower-strewn walking trails, picturesque picnic spots and a free English Heritage audio tour.

Get to know Okehampton Castle

Historic England/English Heritage

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Okehampton Castle
Okehampton Castle

A charming location for picnics and nature walks, with free entry available all-year-round.

Visit Lydford Castle and Saxon Town

Mike Lanning/English Heritage

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Lydford Castle and Saxon Town
Lydford Castle and Saxon Town

Most of the shops in this historic mall are independently owned, and champion locally-made products.

Discover The Victorian Arcade, Okehampton

Getty Images/Image Source

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Quirky vintage man photographing boyfriend trying on bowler hat in antiques emporium
The Victorian Arcade, Okehampton

For fresh food, unique crafts and pre-loved treasures, head to this bustling Victorian emporium.

More about Barnstaple Pannier Market

Getty Images/Allan Baxter

Dartmoor and Exmoor

An indoor view of stalls being setup at Barnstaple Pannier Market
Barnstaple Pannier Market

These long-distance hiking and cycling routes weave through enchanting woodlands, moors and farmland.

Step onto the Dartmoor Way

VisitBritain

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Silhouette of person hiking on large hill at sunset
Dartmoor Way

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

VisitBritain

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

Exmoor National Park Authority

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

Dartmoor National Park Authority

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

National Trust Images/James Dob

Exterior of Castle Drogo, looking up through the fir trees
Castle Drogo

Will you swing through the trees on the high ropes course, or head underground on a caving adventure?

Explore River Dart Country Park

Getty Images/Paul Mansfield Photography

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Lady sitting on rock as boy runs by
River Dart Country Park

Follow a wild walking trail to a thundering 30-metre (98ft) waterfall, in the deepest gorge of the South West.

Discover Lydford Gorge

National Trust /Mel Peters

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Pixie Glen new bridge, Lydford Gorge
Lydford Gorge

Climb a mighty cascade, enjoy afternoon tea in a lakeside cafe, and explore a lush fern garden…

Be inspired by Canonteign Falls

Shutterstock / Tom Meaker

Dartmoor and Exmoor

A stream flowing under a wooden footbridge at Canonteign Falls in Devon
Canonteign Falls

These wildlife tours are hosted by local experts, in a rugged Land Rover 110 Defender.

Book Exmoor Wildlife Safaris

Getty Images

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Windswept Pony, Exmoor National Park, Somerset, UK
Exmoor Wildlife Safaris

A treat for kids and grown-ups alike, with world-famous marble runs to play on – and much more.

Plan your trip to the House of Marbles Shop

Gareth Benyon of Eye Candy / House Of Marbles

Dartmoor and Exmoor

House of Marbles Shop
House of Marbles Shop

In winter, warm up around the open fire – while summer is the time for rosé on the patio.

Grab a table at The Dartmoor Inn

Lauren Bond / Blooming B Photography

Dartmoor and Exmoor

The Dartmoor Inn
The Dartmoor Inn

Discover the secrets of English wine, on a guided tour of this glorious family-run estate.

Explore Alder Vineyard

Alder Vineyard/Adam Birch

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Alder Vineyard
Alder Vineyard

On tours and tastings, discover how Devon’s single malt whisky is grown, made and matured.

Tour Dartmoor Whisky Distillery

Matt Austin

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Dartmoor Whisky
Dartmoor Whisky Distillery

From beautiful Efford House to St Mary’s Church, how many movie locations can you spot?

More about Sense and Sensibility filming locations

photo.eccles / Alamy Stock Photo

Dartmoor and Exmoor

An English Country home - Compton South Devon
Sense and Sensibility filming locations

Director Steven Spielberg emphatically praised Dartmoor’s ‘abundance of natural beauty’…

Visit War Horse filming locations

Alamy Stock Photo

Dartmoor and Exmoor

A Dartmoor Pony grazing on amongst bracken above the village of Meavy on South Dartmoor, Devon,UK.
War Horse filming locations

Full of artefacts and stories of life in the lock-up: from bloody riots and lethal weapons.

What’s on at Dartmoor Prison Museum

Samuel Hess / Alamy Stock Photo

Dartmoor and Exmoor

The exterior of Dartmoor Prison
Dartmoor Prison Museum

This gleaming collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and vans will whisk you back to motoring’s Golden Age.

Visit Moretonhampstead Motor Museum

Moretonhampstead Motor Museum

Coventry

Moretonhampstead Motor Museum
Moretonhampstead Motor Museum

Surfing + beach + live music = an incredible summer weekend, on the golden sands of Croyde Bay.

Get tickets for Goldcoast Oceanfest

Rob Tibbles/ Goldcoast Oceanfest

Dartmoor and Exmoor

 Goldcoast Oceanfest
Goldcoast Oceanfest

Calling all sleuths! This annual literature and culture fiesta celebrates the legacy of Agatha Christie.

Discover the International Agatha Christie Festival

Emily Appleton Event Photography

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Sea Swim, International Agatha Christie Festival
International Agatha Christie Festival

On November 5, the streets fill with fire – for a remarkable traditional parade and bonfire.

More about Ottery St Mary’s Flaming Tar Barrels

Getty Images

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Traditional Burning Of The Tar Barrels Takes Place In Devon Village
Ottery St Mary’s Flaming Tar Barrels

From rock gigs and pop tribute acts, to Hollywood movies and stand-up comedy shows.

Step inside Tavistock Wharf

Getty Images/Hup

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Crowd at music show
Tavistock Wharf

Classical choirs and award-winning orchestras perform alongside rock bands, soul singers and more.

What’s on at Dart Music Festival

Getty Images/EyeEm

Dartmoor and Exmoor

People Playing Guitar At Music Concert
Dart Music Festival

Maybe you’ll see the Milky Way on an after-dark tour, or explore the stars with a telescope?

Book Wild About Exmoor - Stargazing

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Stars and the Milky Way clearly visible in the night sky above Exmoor
Wild About Exmoor - Stargazing

The park’s most spectacular camping spots include Ugborough Moor, Bellever Forest and Otter Vale.

Try wild camping on Dartmoor

Alamy Stock Photo

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Wild camping on Dartmoor National Park- Devon -UK
Wild camping on Dartmoor

It is always a thrill to ride this cliffside funicular, with its breathtaking views of the North Devon coast.

Ride the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway in North Devon
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway

From grey seals and puffins, to kittiwakes and black rabbits: this isle is a wildlife lover’s paradise.

Book seal spotting on Lundy Island

Shutterstock / Russell swain

Dartmoor and Exmoor

A diver and a seal underwater off the coast of the UK
Seal spotting on Lundy Island

Explore the apiaries, get hands-on with the bees, and taste some spectacular local honey.

More about Dartmoor Beekeeping

Chris Parkes

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Dartmoor Beekeeping
Dartmoor Beekeeping

With its twisted oak trees and moss-covered rocks, this ancient forest feels like an enchanted land.

Explore Wistman's Wood

Jack Barr / Alamy Stock Photo

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Bearded Woodsman Among the Twisted, Gnarly, Stunted Moss Covered Sessile Oak Trees (Quercus petraea) of Wistmans Wood. Dartmoor, Devon, UK.
Wistman's Wood

Maybe you’ll catch a stunning choral recital, or enjoy afternoon tea in the monastery-view restaurant?

Plan your trip to Buckfast Abbey

Buckfast Abbey

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Buckfast Abbey
Buckfast Abbey

From festive lights trails to ghost-hunting trips, this ancient house offers festivals and events galore.

Discover Dunster Castle and Watermill

National Trust Images/James Dobson

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Dunster Castle and Watermill
Dunster Castle and Watermill

Enjoy wildflower-strewn walking trails, picturesque picnic spots and a free English Heritage audio tour.

Get to know Okehampton Castle

Historic England/English Heritage

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Okehampton Castle
Okehampton Castle

A charming location for picnics and nature walks, with free entry available all-year-round.

Visit Lydford Castle and Saxon Town

Mike Lanning/English Heritage

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Lydford Castle and Saxon Town
Lydford Castle and Saxon Town

Most of the shops in this historic mall are independently owned, and champion locally-made products.

Discover The Victorian Arcade, Okehampton

Getty Images/Image Source

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Quirky vintage man photographing boyfriend trying on bowler hat in antiques emporium
The Victorian Arcade, Okehampton

For fresh food, unique crafts and pre-loved treasures, head to this bustling Victorian emporium.

More about Barnstaple Pannier Market

Getty Images/Allan Baxter

Dartmoor and Exmoor

An indoor view of stalls being setup at Barnstaple Pannier Market
Barnstaple Pannier Market

These long-distance hiking and cycling routes weave through enchanting woodlands, moors and farmland.

Step onto the Dartmoor Way

VisitBritain

Dartmoor and Exmoor

Silhouette of person hiking on large hill at sunset
Dartmoor Way

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.