These rugged southern moorlands are home to castle ruins, glassy lakes, and wild ponies.
With windswept tors, river gorges, and vast open moorlands blazing with purple heather—Dartmoor’s wild landscapes were made for exploring. Miles of hiking, biking, climbing, and horseback riding trails lead to hilltop lookouts, crumbling ruins, and hidden waterfalls. Look out for herds of native Dartmoor ponies grazing the moors, enjoy fishing or kayaking along the lakes, or join in the local tradition of letterboxing to search Dartmoor for hidden treasures. For a change of pace, hop aboard for a ride on the South Devon steam railway or stop by one of the park’s villages for a traditional Devonshire cream tea. Camping is the natural way to holiday in this Devonshire landscape, and we’ve been up in the high moorland and down in river valleys to find the best places to stay. In Devon and Dartmoor, campsites vary with the landscape, from woodland sites to places with riverside pitches. Campsites tend to be around the edges of the national park, as the great swathes of land within its boundaries have little by way of infrastructure or population. This is especially true in the north of Dartmoor, one of only a few areas where wild camping is allowed. Hideaway Camping on the northern borders of Dartmoor is just one spot with camping to suit all tastes—check into a caravan, shepherd’s hut, or igloo, or pitch your tent under the trees.
Dartmoor wildlife is truly special—the most obvious are the free-roaming Dartmoor ponies. They’ve lived here since prehistoric times as such a symbol of the park that they are featured on the park logo. The way they graze out on the moor helps create special habitats for other plants, insects, birds, and animals too. During a Dartmoor camping holiday, you can look out for all sorts of fascinating wildlife from moorland birds to otters and (who would have guessed it) the world’s largest slug—the ash black, which can grow to up to 20 centimetres.
Much of Dartmoor is sparsely populated, but area market towns and villages offer historic sites, shops, and amenities worth the trip.
There’s lots to do when you’re camping in Dartmoor.
Summer is the high season in Dartmoor National Park, when crowds peak in July and August. Arrive early at popular attractions to avoid queues, and book activities in advance to avoid disappointment. Outdoor activities are possible year-round, but pack for all seasons—rain, fog, and high winds are common in the moorlands, and the weather can turn quickly, even in summer.