Activities

Dartmoor's hills are tough enough to challenge the most experienced cyclist. However, there are plenty of routes to suit intermediate riders, too. One of our favourite recreational routes is the Dartmoor Way – a 95-mile circular trail that takes in some of the park's most interesting sights.

Travelling on two wheels? We have a secure lock-up facility for bicycles and a boiler room where we can dry your clothes. We also offer discounted rates for cycling groups – please ask for details.

Our landscape isn't all moors and tors. Dartmoor is also home to an impressive network of rivers, including some of the most beautiful in the UK. For seasoned fly fishers, it's a treasure trove – our fertile waters are famous for salmon, sea trout and more. And if you've always wanted to learn, you won't find a better spot than the White Hart Hotel. We're conveniently situated between the West Dart and Upper Teign rivers, considered among the best fly fishing stretches in the country.

The White Hart Hotel is one of only four agents on Dartmoor authorised to sell fly fishing licences on behalf of Dartmoor Fishery. We also offer packages, including a licence and a private fly fishing lesson. Please ask a member of staff if you're interested.

With views like ours, it's no wonder Dartmoor is a haven for golfers. You'll find several world-class courses within the National Park, including the historic Okehampton Golf Club and the renowned championship course at Bovey Castle.

Other favourites include Stover Golf Club, Tavistock Golf Club and Teign Valley Golf Club. If you're here to sharpen your swing, you won't be disappointed.

Wild swimming is not for the faint-hearted – but once you've taken the plunge, proponents say, you might wonder where it's been all your life. The good news is that Dartmoor hosts some of the UK's most scenic swimming spots, ranging from abandoned quarries to ancient waterfalls. The most popular is Spitchwick – a particularly beautiful stretch of the River Dart that's a mere 30-minute drive from our hotel.

Be sure to familiarise yourself with the RNLI's safety guidelines for open-water swimming before you set off. Wild swimming is an enormously rewarding hobby, but it can be very dangerous if you don't take the right precautions.

If you haven't tried clay pigeon shooting before, be warned – it's addictive. There's nothing quite like lining up a shot, pulling the trigger and watching your target explode into a million pieces. If that sounds like your idea of fun, head to Devon Clay Shooting in nearby Sigford. This trusted shooting range is fully insured and employs registered CPSA instructors, so you'll be learning from some of the best – and safest – shooters around.

Looking for the real thing? There are regular game shoots on the moor, including the Great Fulford Estate Shoot – just a few miles from the White Hart Hotel. And if you need somewhere to stay, remember that we're among the most dog-friendly hotels on Dartmoor. Your whole group can expect a pleasant stay – four-legged guests included.

Want to saddle up? Dartmoor is the perfect place for it, with its miles of open moorland and spectacular scenery. You'll find plenty of opportunities for horsey fun, ranging from pony rides for kids to established equestrian centres. We recommend Cholwell Riding Stables – a family-run riding school set in a gorgeous part of the moor between Okehampton and Tavistock.

The UK isn't known for its wine. But that's changing – and Devon and Cornwall are leading the charge. The nearby Swanaford winery, for instance, has won rave reviews for its 'deep and textured' sparkling wines. Visit its vineyard near Bridford and you can enjoy a 90-minute tasting tour, where you'll discover growing techniques and sample some of its best vintages.

Falconry is one of the world's oldest sports, originating in Mesopotamia some 4,000 years ago. Fast-forward to today and this ancient art is taking flight once more. If you'd like to try it, head to Dartmoor Hawking near Kingsbridge. Here, you can take part in a four-hour falconry experience, where you'll learn the ropes and get hands-on with real birds of prey. The centre also runs two-hour, kid-friendly sessions so all the family can get involved.