There’s so much to do and enjoy on Dartmoor all throughout the winter months, when that nip in the air and chance of snow covering the tors and slopes on the open moorland, makes heading out for a family walk just that bit more exhilarating.
The joy of a bracing walk with the family or the dogs, followed by piling into a pub or cafe where a roaring log fire is burning, and tucking into frothy hot chocolate with marshmallows is an experience not to be missed!
Have you seen our Dartmoor Map?
We’ve created an easy-to-use map to clearly show not just roads, parking and historical sites but also cycling and walking routes across Dartmoor. You can even find the famous tors and myths & legends locations! Download or order by post.
5 great reasons to visit Dartmoor this Christmas season
1. Winter Walking
Winter walks on Dartmoor can be exhilarating! Make sure you bring suitable clothing and footwear, then pick a walk and get stomping. Try one of our Circular Walks.
2. Dartmoor Guided Walks
Dartmoor is full of surprises and unexpected hidden gems, but often you need to be with someone who knows the secrets, or you may well miss out! As the moor has so many diverse landscapes a knowledgeable guide can create a tailor-made itinerary for you so that you don’t miss the things you are most interested in. See – Guided Walks.
3. The Food
During your winter break you’ll enjoy eating delicious locally produced food in beautiful surroundings. There’s a rich choice of restaurants, cafes and tearooms on Dartmoor, offering locally produced meat, fish and vegetables and we hope you might get to enjoy at least some of them during your stay here! See – Restaurants on Dartmoor.
4. Cycling in the National Park
Cycling. It’s one of the first big achievements we have as children, it keeps you fit, gets you outdoors and sends endorphins rushing to the brain, which is a sure-fire route to happiness. Dartmoor is a great place to cycle with an extensive network of quiet lanes and designated cycle routes, together with over 350km of bridleways and byways. See – Cycling on Dartmoor.
5. Wild Ponies
There is no more iconic sight on Dartmoor than a herd of wild ponies grazing together, with majestic Dartmoor as their backdrop. They have been here a long time, hoof prints found on Dartmoor during an archaeological dig were found to be 3,500 yrs old! Written records of ponies on the moor go back as far as AD1012, and in the mid 1800s ponies were used to transport granite from the moorland quarries.
See – Dartmoor Ponies.
Towns on and around Dartmoor
Dartmoor’s towns are key to the area’s charm; you’ll find each one has its own character, sense of community and feel. Each one comes with its own fascinating history, be it a market town, mining, industry or agriculture.
Devon’s two cities, Plymouth and Exeter, are also relatively close to Dartmoor National Park, each with its own distinctive architecture, attractions and things to see and do.
Make time to visit the stannary town of Tavistock when you’re here, it’s a beautiful town, lots of independent shops and always so much going on!
Or Okehampton, one of the gateway towns to the moor and easily accessible via the Dartmoor Line railway from Exeter. Lots of great shopping and the superb Museum of Dartmoor Life.
Lying on the West Teign river, Bovey Tracey is named for the Saxon township of “Bofa” and the medieval landlord William de Tracey, who built the church in 1200 as penance for his part in the murder of Thomas Becket. It’s also close to famous Haytor Rocks!
Nestled between Dartmoor and the South Devon coastline, Totnes is a captivating market town with a colourful history dating back to 907 AD. Sitting on the banks of the River Dart, this unique and charming town has an international reputation for its lively and diverse community and relaxed atmosphere.
Special Offers
We all love a special offer when we’re looking to book a mini break away, a few here for you to look at …
Enjoy a magical Christmas with Boringdon Hall Hotel’s All-Inclusive Christmas breaks
Some fabulous last-minute availability in Sykes Cottages properties
Romantic lodges available at Bovey Castle for Christmas and New Year
Winter mini breaks at Two Bridges Hotel!
Take a short break in the heart of Dartmoor National Park this winter (excluding Christmas & New Year) at the Two Bridges Hotel from £85 per person, per night, including dinner and breakfast
Also check out our other Special Accommodation Offers pages
Christmas Markets and Events
There’s a LOT happening in December on and around Dartmoor, Festivals, Christmas Markets, Carol Services, Wreath Making Workshops, so keep an eye on our What’s On pages.
Getting to Dartmoor
To help you plan your journey we have lots of information on getting here by train, bus, or car.
Whatever you choose to do to enjoy your Christmas on Dartmoor, we hope you enjoy every minute … Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
