Dartmoor, southern Devon, England

Dartmoor National Park

Moor

Place photograph

9.0

Wildland

Half day, Full day, Weekend

Time

Check

Cost

Wild

Feel

HillsValleyRemote countrysideFarmlandWalkersPhotographersHistory loversWildlife lovers

Why it's Wildland

9.0

Granite tors rise above open moorland, valleys and rivers, with prehistoric stone rows and other traces of people who shaped this landscape long before it became a national park.

Dartmoor earns its place for the rare combination of open, rugged moorland, dramatic granite tors and a visible prehistoric landscape. It is not one neatly bounded attraction: choose a specific area and plan around its terrain, weather and access.

Wild · Big-sky · Atmospheric · Remote

Find your way

Open map

Dartmoor, southern Devon, England

Opening map…

Explore around here Get directions

Know this place a little better?

Add photos Add video Add a waypoint Improve information Report a change

The experience

Pick one area rather than trying to cover the whole park. A short visit can focus on a named tor; a half-day can combine a walk with a prehistoric site or village stop. For a longer day, build around a few well-chosen places and allow for Dartmoor’s changeable weather and varied terrain.

Things to do

Walk to a granite tor

Explore a tor such as Haytor or Hound Tor for the defining granite scenery and open views. Choose a route suited to conditions and check access before setting out.

Seek out prehistoric stone rows

Add a prehistoric monument to a moorland visit. Confirm the specific site, route and access locally; the supplied evidence does not establish a recommended route.

Look for moorland wildlife

Watch for Dartmoor ponies and birds across open moorland; sightings are not guaranteed.

Try stargazing on a clear night

Dartmoor is described as having dark skies suited to stargazing. Check weather and local access before travelling after dark.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 1–2 hours

A tor-and-moor quick escape

01
Choose a specific accessible tor or moorland starting point, such as Haytor, named by the official tourism source.
02
Walk to the granite landmark and take in the surrounding moorland views.
03
Check local route, parking and weather information before setting out; do not assume a particular circuit or facility.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of Dartmoor

01
Choose one area of the moor rather than attempting to cover the national park as a whole.
02
Combine a walk among granite tors with a prehistoric stone row or other Bronze Age site; confirm the locations and access before travelling.
03
Finish in a nearby village for a pub or tea room, checking current opening and travel details.

Full Wildland day · Full day

A full day across Dartmoor

01
Plan a small number of stops in one part of Dartmoor, allowing time for walking and changes in weather.
02
Include a tor or open-moorland walk and a prehistoric site; the supplied sources identify Haytor, Hound Tor and prehistoric stone rows as possibilities, but do not establish a practical sequence between them.
03
Use a village stop for food if suitable, and verify routes, parking, facilities and opening details before departure.

Verified history

The supplied official tourism source identifies prehistoric stone rows and Bronze Age sites across Dartmoor. The source row also describes Neolithic and Bronze Age remains, but the supplied evidence does not verify particular dates or individual monument histories.

Hidden details

Stone rows in the open landscape — Prehistoric stone rows are among the details to seek out beyond the better-known tors. Confirm the chosen monument and access before visiting; the supplied sources do not identify a specific route or site coordinates.

When to go

May · June · September · For walking, choose a time that leaves a generous daylight and weather margin. For stargazing, a clear, dark night is needed.

The source row recommends late spring or early autumn for milder weather and notes heather colour as a seasonal feature. Summer may be busier at popular sites; winter weather can be foggy and rainy.

Conditions can change quickly; fog and rain are noted as common in winter. Check the forecast and visibility, carry suitable clothing, and plan for the terrain.

Worth pairing with

Dartmoor village stop

Pair a moorland visit with a pub or tea room in a surrounding town or village; the supplied evidence does not identify a specific business, so check current options.

A prehistoric site

Add a stone row or Bronze Age site to a tor walk, after checking the exact location and access for the chosen site.

What to look for

01
Granite outcrops and tors
02
prehistoric stone rows and Bronze Age sites
03
open moorland wildlife, including Dartmoor ponies and birds.

The story

Prehistoric archaeology, including stone rows and Bronze Age sites

Best time to go

Late spring or early autumn, when conditions are often milder. Heather adds seasonal colour; winter can be atmospheric but brings more unpredictable weather.

Late spring or early autumn for milder conditions. For stargazing, choose a clear, dark night and check local conditions before travelling.

How long to spend

Half day, Full day, Weekend

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers · History lovers · Wildlife lovers · Stargazers

Practical information

Opening & access

A large national-park landscape with access points including visitor centres and designated car parks. Entry is described as free, but local access, facilities and conditions vary; check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Parking

Designated car parks are noted at popular sites; locations and facilities vary. Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Some popular-site car parks may have basic facilities; check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Pubs and tea rooms are noted in surrounding towns and villages. Check before visiting for current options.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dog-friendly access is indicated in the source row; check current local guidance and signage before visiting.

Check before visiting

Accessibility

Terrain and accessibility vary across the park; moorland routes may be challenging. Check the chosen route and access information before setting out.

Check before visiting

Cost

Free entry to the national park is stated by a supplied source; check charges for specific facilities or attractions.

Check before visiting

Water

Rivers are present. Swimming or paddling permission and safe access are not established by the supplied evidence; check locally and do not assume access.

Check before visiting