Dartmoor, England: the most remote place in southern England

26th Jan 2016

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:

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Are you experiencing a car fault, warning, or mechanical problem on your road trip? Find a local mechanic with the RAC.