Towns and Villages

Ashburton

An ancient stannary town which played a key role in the medieval tin mining industry. It’s packed with a range of independent shops, eateries, and antique emporiums. There is also a dedicated arts centre and famed cookery school, training the next generation of culinary stars.

Bovey Tracey

Perched on the edge of the National Park, close to Haytor, it’s a fantastic place to visit on your journey to Dartmoor. Bovey Tracey is home to the iconic House of Marbles and MAKE southwest, a craft shop and gallery housed at the historic Riverside Mill.

Buckfast

The home of Buckfast Abbey, an active Benedictine Monastery. Founded by the Saxons in the 11th century, you can still see the monks go about their daily lives. Visitors can wander the idyllic gardens, visit the Abbey itself, or even taste some famous Buckfast Tonic Wine.

Buckfastleigh

The big sister to Buckfast. Follow the Heritage Wool Trail and learn about the town’s involvement with the wool trade. Or jump onboard the South Devon Steam Railway to travel alongside the River Dart to Totnes.

Chagford

Nestled on the northeastern edge of Dartmoor, it is a picturesque market town steeped in history, charm, and natural beauty. At Chagford’s heart sits the distinctive octagonal Market House in the square, from which you’ll find an array of independent shops, art galleries, and places to eat.

Holne

A small moorland village. Visitors can stop off at the volunteer run community shop and enjoy a scone in the tearoom.

Lustleigh

A picture-perfect village with thatched cottages, a 16th century church, pub, tearoom, and village shop. Lustleigh Cleave is a marvellous place to explore and the village’s historic Mayday ceremony and annual show in August, which both attract people from far and wide.

Moretonhampstead

Dating back 1,000 years to Saxon times. Today, the town is a centre for local artists and craftspeople working in pottery and ceramics, furniture making, blacksmithing, textiles, and bronze sculptures. Follow the Wray Valley Trail which runs along the old railway line and links Moretonhampstead to Bovey Tracey.

Okehampton

Found on the main railway line, it is a great starting point for an expedition to some of Dartmoor’s highest points. The Fairtrade Town is home to Okehampton castle, one of the largest medieval castle ruins in Devon, rich in history and legend.

Princetown

The highest village on Dartmoor, standing at 1,400 feet above sea level. It is home to the famous, now closed, Dartmoor prison. The prison was originally created to house French Prisoners from the Napoleonic wars and Americans from the war of 1812. Explore the village’s former railway line, prison museum, and windswept moorland.

Sticklepath

Once an important staging post on the trade route heading West. Today, it offers peaceful walks beside the River Taw to more challenging expeditions on the open moorland. The Finch Foundry, the last working water powered forge in the country, offers a fascinating insight into blacksmithing and produced an array of metal tools for miners and farmers across Dartmoor.

Tavistock

Devon’s only UNESCO World Heritage Town. Situated on the western edge of Dartmoor, the lively market town was founded in 974 with the establishment of its Abbey. The town is filled with independent retailers and has an award-winning Pannier Market.

Widecombe-in-the-moor

Arguably one of the most picturesque villages on Dartmoor. Widecombe is linked with many Dartmoor legends and is most well-known for its annual fair in September where you will undoubtedly see Uncle Tom Cobley and all!