Dartmoor is beautiful location for travellers with its rugged landscapes, ancient woodlands, and stone circles. Are you planning to hike, explore the villages, or visit specific landmarks? Read our UK road trips guide to learn more.
Why go to Dartmoor?
It’s famous for rocky tors, a foreboding prison and the story of the Hound of the Baskervilles, but the big National Park in the middle of Devon is simply the highest and least developed part of southern England. You can hide away in an area the size of 120,000 football pitches with barely a stranger to disturb you.
Dartmoor is known for its dramatic, open moorlands, with sweeping views that are perfect for hiking, photography, or just relaxing in nature.
You can explore gentle valleys or climb to the highest peaks like High Willhays. There are also opportunities for cycling, wild swimming, and even pony trekking.
The area is full of historical sites, including ancient stone circles like Grimspound and Bronze Age settlements.
If you love nature, history, and a little bit of mystery, then Dartmoor is the place for you!
What to do in Dartmoor?
Go for a walk and not see anyone else all day… or cycle, ride, hike, canoe or drive. Explore 400 square miles of heather-covered hills, ancient stone circles, pretty villages and sheltered valleys. Pack your boots: many of the best sights are a bracing walk from any road.
Here is a list of places to check out in Dartmoor, when out on your road trip:
- Grimspound
- Haytor
- Widecombe-in-the-Moor
- Tavistock
- Becky Falls
- Princetown
- Lydford Gorge
- The Tors
- The Dartmoor Way
- Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre
- Cadover Bridge
How to get there
Dartmoor is an easy spot to escape to because major roads skirt its borders but don’t cross it. Drive down the M5 towards Exeter, then head for the dark hills on the western horizon.
Here is the route from London to Dartmoor:
If you need short term insurance for your vehicle, our temporary car insurance product is perfect if you're looking for flexible cover.
Are you experiencing a car fault, warning, or mechanical problem on your road trip? Find a local mechanic with the RAC.

Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
- Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
- We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
You might also like

How to prepare for a road trip
Planning a road trip isn’t easy - even if you’re just staying in the UK. Read on for our top tips on how to prepare for a road trip, and what to pack.

New Forest, England – your UK road trip guide
In our latest UK road trip guide, we look at the journey to the New Forest in England. Here, we highlight some of the best places to go in the region.

The 5 best roads for a UK road trip
Why go abroad this summer when Britain offers driving heaven? We’ve selected five staycation locations with the driving enthusiast in mind.

The top 10 best road trips in the UK
The best road trips in the UK. From the North Coast 500 in Scotland to the Lake District and the Yorkshire Moors, try one of these top 10 roads in 2024.

Top 10 reasons for vehicle breakdowns on a European road trip
Millions of Brits drive to Europe every year, and sometimes they’ll be unlucky enough to suffer a breakdown. Read here about the most common causes.

The best road trips in Italy
Get ready for an Italian escape on the open road. Cruise dramatic coastlines, winding mountain passes or tranquil country roads – the choice is yours.

The best places to stop and visit on a European road trip
To help inspire you to take your road trip to the next level, here are some of our favourite European road trip destinations. Learn more with RAC Drive today.

The best road trips in Spain
One of the best ways to experience Spain is on four wheels. So, tear yourself away from the tapas and hit the open road.

The best road trips in France
Are you and the family looking at taking a road trip to France? Here at the RAC, we have profiled some of the country's most scenic roads. Enjoy your holiday!

The best road trips in Germany
Germany has many well-established driving routes that are perfect for exploring on an unforgettable road trip. We take a look at some of the best for drivers.
Popular in Travel
1
The best road trips in France
2
A complete guide to toll roads in France
3
Driving from the UK to France – the ultimate guide
4
Driving in Europe checklist | Advice and tips
5
A visual guide to French road signs and useful phrases for your road trip
6
European fuel prices – Petrol and diesel prices in Europe
7
German emissions sticker - what it is and where you need it
8
Speed limits in France: the ultimate guide
9
Motorways and tolls in Italy
10