Welcome to Dartmoor
Explore the vast moorland of Dartmoor.
Well-known for its wild ponies, Dartmoor National Park is situated in Devon. This vast moorland is full of photogenic geographical features like forests, rivers, wetlands and tors - perfect for exploring. There's also great climbing, walking and cycling in the area.
YHA Hostels in Dartmoor
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Things to do in Dartmoor
Five free things to do in Dartmoor
Walking
The Castle Drogo to Fingle Gorge walk is one of the most popular walks in Dartmoor, offering spectacular riverside views and woodland trails.
Lustleigh
The quiet village, tucked away in a wooded area, is like something out of a fairy tale - thatched roofs and ancient monuments abound, making it a great destination for a day out.
Lydford Castle and Saxon Town
This medieval castle complex on the edge of Dartmoor is notorious for the harsh punishments meted out there in olden days. The earthworks of the original 11th-century building can still be seen.
High Moorland Visitor Centre
The visitor centre in Princetown is full of information and exhibitions about Dartmoor's history, culture and wildlife, including short films and artefacts.
Burrator Quarries
These disused quarries near a tranquil reservoir are a great place for a day out, and provide access to trout fishing for those with a permit.
The wild moorlands of Dartmoor
Dartmoor is famous for its wild, rugged landscape, thanks to its large concentrations of granite that form tors, or rock-outcropped hills. Many of Devon's rivers flow into Dartmoor and have also played their part in shaping the moors.
The area has a long history of settlement dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, as evidenced by the numerous cairns and standing stones that can be found throughout the park. Dartmoor itself seems to act as a lodestone for all kinds of myths and legends, and you'll hear more than a few tall tales in the local pubs!
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Climbing in Dartmoor
The Dewerstone, Haytor or Sheeps Tor offer some of the best climbing and bouldering opportunities Dartmoor has to offer. Visit the UK Climbing Dartmoor web page See UKC details of Dewerstone,&nb
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High Moorland Visitor Centre
Find out about Dartmoor and its history, culture and wildlife, and explore the gallery here which has regularly changing exhibitions.
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National Marine Aquarium
Journey through the oceans of the world from the local shoreline to the deep Atlantic. Visit the NMA website
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New Carlton Cinema
See all the latest films in real comfort! Based in the old market hall, with a licensed screen, leather settees and individual chairs. Visit the cinema website
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South Devon Steam Railway
South Devon Railway is a seven mile line running down the stunning River Dart valley. It runs between Buckfastleigh, the main station, and Totnes in the south west of the country. S
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The Miniature Pony Centre
Get really close to adorable miniature Shetland ponies and miniature Mediterranean donkeys.
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Walking and Rambling in Dartmoor
If you're planning on staying at YHA Dartmoor, why not download a free map and get out exploring?All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the area
View some of our popular Dartmoor blog posts
A haven on Dartmoor
There’s a strong sense of the past at YHA Dartmoor, which is very much in character with its surroundings. Nestled in a dip reached by two small roads, surrounded by forest and moorland...
The lay of the land
How do the UK’s National Parks stay looking as they do? We spotlight three examples...
Memorable rail routes in the UK
England and Wales are both packed with memorable rail routes – lines that connect city, coast and countryside to often spectacular effect. Some are short rides that trundle through shapely landscapes...