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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 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.

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 and Lustleigh

Equidistant to the north and south are the villages of North Bovey and Lustleigh. Both retain an unspoilt beauty, buoyed by charming village greens and rows of thatched cottages. And like Chagford, they form the starting points 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.