Top Things to do in Dartmoor National Park
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What to do and see in Dartmoor National Park, England: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Discover the best top things to do in Dartmoor National Park, United Kingdom including Shilstone Rocks, Moretonhampstead Motor Museum, Simmons Park, Ashburton Swimming Pool, Dartmeet River Junction, Museum of Dartmoor Life, Buckland Abbey, National Trust, Fernworthy Reservoir, Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary, The Garden House.
Restaurants in Dartmoor National Park
1. Shilstone Rocks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Oklahoma8888
I hadn't ridden for eighteen months and was worried about being rusty and unfit! Had a lovely ride - just the right pace. Thanks Winston And very goo Covid management too
2. Moretonhampstead Motor Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By HANENAX - Lydney, United Kingdom
Places like this need supporting as when they are gone they are gone. Only found this museum as we passed it on the way to our hotel. Owned and run by a genuinely nice man whose name is Frank and who owns all the exhibits. An amazing collection of old cars and motorbikes which both look and smell incredible. Took me back to simpler times that no longer exist. If you are in the area take time to visit this tardis. £7 entrance fee is worth it for what you are helping to preserve.
3. Simmons Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By kevyp14
Lots of open space; with plenty of play equipment. Lovely river walk past the water fountain and pools.
4. Ashburton Swimming Pool
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Ashburton Swimming Pool is a beautiful outdoor heated pool that is open from May until September. It is 21 x 9m is heated to about 27C. The pool appeals to children and adults alike with various sessions and membership options available. It is found in the heart of the historic South Devon town of Ashburton, nestled on the southern side of the vast Dartmoor National Park. There is a lovely field for picnics and games next to the pool and a small cafe run by volunteers for drinks and snacks. There are also a wide selection of cafes, pubs and deli's in the town itself. The nearest parking is the public car park in the centre of Ashburton, which is about 5 minutes walk away. The pool is run by volunteers from the community and is a charity.
5. Dartmeet River Junction
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By 786carolb - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Wednesday 19th August 2020, My husband and I drove down to Dartmeet. Dartmeet is a popular tourist spot; it lies about 4.5 miles east of Two Bridges. As the name suggests, Dartmeet is the meeting point of the two major tributaries of the River Dart: the East Dart and West Dart. The road bridge, built in 1792, spans the East Dart; just above it, at the side of the large car park is an earlier, possibly medieval, Clapper Bridge, now partially collapsed. The actual confluence of the two rivers is just downstream of the bridge. Due to the heavy rain which has swelled the rivers, the water was white water rapids, white and boiling and the sound of the water was a deafening roar, which was really amazing and I took some really wonderful photographs of the bridge, cascading water and my husband and I sitting on the rocks by the river. Dartmeet is at the centre of an important archaeological landscape mainly due to its prehistoric field systems, delineated by reaves, many of which can be found on Yartor Downs and are the best preserved examples in North West Europe.
6. Museum of Dartmoor Life
7. Buckland Abbey, National Trust
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 738 reviews
Enjoying a profound sense of calm and quiet, buried deep in a Devon valley, Buckland Abbey has been a home for hundreds of years. The Cistercian monks who founded this abbey in the later 13th Century led a life of religious contemplation and fruitful toil, working the land and tending their animals. Passed into private hands after Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries, Buckland Abbey underwent a major conversion to become the grand home of rich and famous seafarers, including Sir Francis Drake. For all that has changed over 750 years, Buckland is a place that has kept its air of peace and tranquility for modern day pilgrims to enjoy.
Reviewed By suej391
Very informative and interesting, full of history and certainly learnt more about Sir Francis Drake, the tithe barn well worth visiting, and most beautiful gardens, with good cafe it makes a very enjoyable day. Found the staff very helpful.
8. Fernworthy Reservoir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By CherylD1563 - Worthing, United Kingdom
Stumbled upon this by accident while driving around Dartmoor. Luckily had walking boots and drinks with us. We did the whole walk and took us just under 2 hours with a rest 3/4 of the way round. £2 for 2 hours in the car park (cash only). Would definitely go again when we are in Devon it was a beautiful walk.
9. Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,966 reviews
We are a small, friendly and very different visit for all the family. Run by a small dedicated team we aim to make your visit educational and fun. You can enjoy and learn about our tropical butterflies in the specially designed habitat of which you become part. You not only see the butterflies but feel the rainforest atmosphere that they enjoy as you see their amazing life cycle unfold.In the Otter Sanctuary there are three species of otter to see, our native British otter, the playful Asian short clawed otters and the large North American river otters who love to show off. Our keeper is on hand to explain all about the otters to visitors, some are here for breeding, some for retirement, some just for fun and some because they are unsuitable to be returned to the wild.Make sure to bring your camera.
Reviewed By DaveWebbSouthMolton - South Molton, United Kingdom
A cheap, value for money attraction. We have been several times and always found all the staff there informative and very helpful. We particularly like the fact that it is left to be natural which is very important for otters as it replicates their natural environment. well stocked shop with a good selection of goods on sale including some gorgeous canvas photographs of the otters there. The keepers passion for the animals there excels during the otter feeding times and its obviously a love and passion rathe than a job - well done to all of them there for providing what can only be described as a great visit attraction for less than a tenner each!
10. The Garden House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
The Garden House is a 10 acre series of garden rooms, each planted differently, for seasonal interest. Visitors love the planting styles, 16th century ruins, bright colours and far reaching views over wild flower meadows. Children can roam free and find hidden corners and explore trails and trees. It is a wonderful place for garden enthusiasts, walkers and family visits. The tea room in the main house is renowned for freshly made treats and light lunches. Plants sold onsite at our well stocked plant centre are often propagated from the garden so you will find interesting and unusual varieties that aren’t commonly available. Plus we have a delightful Old Potting Shed shop stocking crafts, books, locally made produce and gardening gifts.
Reviewed By RachelW788 - London, United Kingdom
A beautiful garden, surprisingly extensive with changing character as you move through the winding paths into walled garden, arboretum, woodland, wild meadow and more. Full of planting interest through the year. A wonderful place to go and get lost in.
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