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Dartmoor towns and villages worth visiting

Half the fun of exploring Dartmoor is discovering the many picturesque towns and villages that dot the landscape. Each has a unique character – and all are easy to fall in love with. Stick a pin in a map, and you'll find somewhere worth visiting. Or follow our guide to the best Dartmoor towns, cities and villages to make sure you see the cream of the crop.

Moretonhampstead

We couldn't talk about Dartmoor towns without mentioning our own. Moretonhampstead is a treasure – the most secluded town on Dartmoor and the best small town in Devon, according to a recent poll.

It might just be Devon's most centrally located town, too, so it's great for exploring the wilds and wonders of our county. Or you can simply explore the charming streets and soak up the thriving local art scene. Either option is equally rewarding.

Moretonhampstead has a vibrant community, and along with this, plenty of annual festivals and celebrations to enjoy. From Moreton Music Day, to Carnival Week, and not to forget the Flag Festival!

In the Summer, the local outdoor swimming pool opens which is heated completely by solar power. Perfect for cooling off after a hot day walking, cycling or even climbing.

Of course, one of the best benefits of staying in Moretonhampstead is the variety of walks right on our doorstep. Why not try The Wray Valley Trail, a moderate difficulty walk starting from Court Street Car Park, just a few hundred feet from our hotel.

See More Walks

A grey stone prison with barred windows and chimneys stands behind suburban homes, set against a backdrop of green hills and dense trees.

Princetown

Sitting 1,400 feet above sea level in the middle of Dartmoor National Park, Princetown owes its existence to the vision of Thomas Tyrwhitt.

Lord Warden of the Stannaries, he had a vision to tame and cultivate the harsh moorland landscape and established Tor Royal Farm at the end of the 18th century. The small farming settlement Prince’s Town ultimately failed, but not to be beaten, he went on to build HM Prison Dartmoor in 1809, which is still in use today.

But that’s not all there is to this Dartmoor village. Princetown is also home to the Old Duchy Hotel, where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle started writing The Hound of the Baskervilles, the Princetown Brewery (the highest brewery in England) and the old railway line, now a great cycling and walking route.

To make the most of your time in this hilltop area, we recommend following the specially designed historic walking trail affectionately named the ‘Ball and Chain’ trail.

Postbridge

Postbridge is a small and quaint village known for having one of the best examples of a clapper bridge in the country. Believed to date back to Medieval times, the bridge has two central piers spanned by three large granite slabs (known as clappers) and was originally built to allow packhorses to cross the river.

But Postrbridge is also a great destination for adventure lovers, as there are a plethora of cycling and walking routes in nearby Bellever Forest, while more seasoned hikers can start their journey across the north moor here.

History lovers, meanwhile, will enjoy the architectural artefacts on display from the Whitehorse Hill excavation in the Visitor Centre or explore the archaeological remains in Bellever Forest, which includes roundhouses, stone rows and a burial cist.

A sunny street with hanging flower baskets and shop awnings on the left, and a partially ruined stone building covered with tarps on the right.

Bovey Tracey

Perched on the edge of the National Park, Bovey Tracey is a charming and historic town often referred to as the gateway to Dartmoor.

The village’s winding streets are packed with an eclectic mix of bars, cafes and independent shops, including delicatessens, butchers and fair trade stores making it a great destination for a spot of shopping.

Other highlights of the town include MAKE Southwest, an acclaimed exhibition space for contemporary craft and design, which also hosts workshops and courses throughout the year, and The House of Marbles, a family-friendly attraction celebrating the history of the humble marble.

A stone church tower rises above trees and cottages in a rural valley, surrounded by rolling green fields and hills under a cloudy sky.

Widecombe-in-the-Moor

Widecombe-in-the-Moor may be a relatively modest Dartmoor village, but that doesn’t stop it from being a big draw for visitors. The village oozes bucolic charm with its handsome church, traditional stone cottages and pubs The Old Inn and The Rugglestone Inn. There is also a popular café where you can enjoy a traditional Devon cream tea (cream first followed by the jam!) as well as a traditional monthly market selling local produce held on the fourth Saturday of the month.

But one of the biggest draws has to be Widecombe Fair held in September. A quintessential English country fair, expect traditional competitions like bail-tossing, tug-of-war and ferret racing as well as produce competitions, Dartmoor pony dressage, dog showing and classic cars.

But arguably the biggest event of the day is the famous Uncle Tom Cobley downhill, a race ‘not for the faint-hearted’ where competitors are taken to an unknown starting point at the top of Widecombe Hill and then must race to get to the fair field by taking the shortest route possible. This often involves crossing dense gorse and blackthorn bushes and running through bogs!

A white thatched-roof pub with picnic tables and parasols in a grassy garden, set against a blue sky with scattered clouds on a sunny day.

Lustleigh

Lustleigh is a picturesque village exuding timeless charm and beauty that sits between Bovey Tracey and Moretonhampstead, making it the ideal Dartmoor village to nip to during a stay at our hotel.

The village is surrounded by lush woodland and meandering streams, so offers a tranquil retreat into Devonshire countryside. You can meander through the village’s streets lined with quaint thatched cottages, explore Lustleigh Cleave, a wooded gorge boasting impressive walking trails and panoramic views, or discover more about the history of the area at Lustleigh Cleave Cove, an important archaeological site.

Chagford

Just down the road from our hotel, you'll find Chagford. A former stannary town, it remains lively and interesting to this day. It's well worth a visit simply to potter around the independent shops or follow one of its many wonderful walking routes.

Chagford is Moretonhampstead's nearest neighbour – and the two towns have fostered a friendly rivalry for many years. Why not explore both and make your own mind up?

North Bovey

To the south lies the village of North Bovey, which retains an unspoilt beauty, buoyed by a charming village green and rows of thatched cottages. Like Chagford, it forms the starting point for several beautiful countryside walks. Among our favourites is the walk from North Bovey to Whooping Rock – a famous boulder named for the distinctive sound it makes on windy days.

Large towns and cities

Exeter

If you're hankering for a taste of city life, there's always Exeter – Devon's county town and a hotbed of culture, food and living history. Among its most famous attractions are its 15th-century cathedral, its picturesque quayside and the shopping havens of Fore Street and Gandy Street. And if you're feeling brave, don't miss Exeter's Underground Passages – a set of dark, damp tunnels that originally housed Exeter's medieval plumbing. Spooky.

Tavistock

One of the largest Dartmoor towns, Tavistock is always bustling and boasts a great selection of shops, pubs and restaurants. It's also known as 'Devon's World Heritage Town', thanks to the unique and vital role it played in the county's mining industry. The mine-pocked landscape surrounding Tavistock is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In our book, visiting Tavistock is worth it for the drive alone. As you cross the moorland from Moretonhampstead in the east to Tavistock in the west, you'll pass some of Dartmoor's most soul-stirring scenery. It's legendarily beautiful.

Coastal Town

Fancy escaping to the coast? Head north to Ilfracombe, where you'll find a charming harbour peppered with colourful boats. The town is also notable for its many independent traders, eateries and art galleries.

Alternatively, drive south to discover Dartmouth and Salcombe – two resort towns set within the gorgeous surrounds of the South Devon National Landscape. Both are breathtakingly beautiful and are within easy driving distance of some of Devon's best beaches.