Residence to rugged unspoiled surroundings and wild ponies grazing on the native heather, you don’t have to be a long-distance hiker to go to Dartmoor with children – so throughout our brief keep in Exeter, I used to be decided to slot in a minimum of a day in and round Dartmoor to see a couple of of the highlights.
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Our AirBNB within the metropolis was solely round half an hour’s drive from the perimeters of Dartmoor nevertheless it’s simply as simple to succeed in for those who’re staying on the south coast round Teignmouth and Shaldon, as we did final yr, or additional alongside the Devon coast.
And even when, like us, you solely have a day or so to discover – and your children (like mine) aren’t followers of lengthy treks, there are some nice simple walks and enjoyable Dartmoor sights to find. My daughter was so gained over, she’s determined to stay right here when she grows up…
On my day exploring Dartmoor with children, we blended some driving, strolling to a few tors and visiting two sights, however I’m additionally together with a few of the different choices that I’ve tried and liked over time.
Driving throughout Dartmoor with children
Our first cease of the day was Buckland Abbey, on the perimeters of Dartmoor, so the driving route I created was half practicality and half exploration – and partly for my husband’s amusement!
It’s also possible to nip around the A38 and the A30 for those who’re in need of time and don’t thoughts a much less picturesque route, in addition to sticking to the ‘important’ B roads throughout the moor to keep away from the one lane tracks.
We headed in to Dartmoor from the north previous Chagford and over in the direction of Lettaford, Postbridge and Two Bridges – alongside the best way, after twisting by way of tree tunnels, the street rises above the moorland with some wonderful views.
In August, the purple heather and yellow gorse have been in bloom, brightening the greens and gold of the moorland – and as you cruise alongside maintaining a watch out for the animals dwelling on Dartmoor, it’s good to absorb a few of the surroundings.
There are sheep galore, some strolling nonchalantly throughout the street, others leaping unexpectedly from ferns, in addition to cows: a number of shaggy horned specimens inflicting a minor roadblock at one level.
We manoeuvered very rigorously round them (these horns are huge!) though the cows appeared to simply accept this as their rightful due.
However one of the best animal recognizing on Dartmoor with children is the wild ponies: half a dozen, together with a mom and foal, trotting in the direction of us, the mom kicking out at an unwary fellow member of the herd who received too near her child.
One other bore a healed hoof mark, so we have been simply as respectfully cautious of those lovely creatures.
Add in a wild rabbit hopping into the hedgerow and a squirrel streaking up a tree and my daughter was in heaven.
From right here, our route took us in the direction of Princetown, dwelling to HMP Dartmoor – a looming, brooding presence on the horizon – in addition to Dartmoor Jail Museum, then onwards to Yelverton and Buckland Abbey.
On our return to Exeter, for an additional of one of the best Dartmoor driving routes, we took a unique route through Tavistock in the direction of Dartmeet, Widecombe within the Moor and Haytor Vale to Bovey Tracey – stopping alongside the best way.
You possibly can additionally detour to incorporate a number of different Dartmoor sights, to not point out stopping for some simple walks on Dartmoor with children.
Strolling on Dartmoor with children
Whether or not you fancy a brief stroll to get a style of the moors with youthful children or a full-blown hike, you’ll discover a string of choices for family-friendly walks on Dartmoor.
Should you’re trying so as to add extra of a problem to the day, attempt letterboxing on Dartmoor. The forerunner to geocaching, it’s a mixture of treasure searching and puzzle fixing (plus some orienteering) with over 100 letterboxes to trace down.
With older children, you could possibly re-tell a few of Dartmoor’s legends and ghost tales as you stroll – there’s purpose Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was impressed to put in writing the Hound of the Baskervilles right here.
For extra Dartmoor walks with children, Go to Dartmoor has strategies or take a look at the Dartmoor Walks for all of the household guidebook, in addition to Devon: 40 Coast and Nation walks.
Saddle Tor and Hay Tor
One of many best walks to attempt is round Saddle Tor and Hay Tor – each are only a few minutes drive aside, or a brief stroll, and there’s parking close by too.
A tor, by the way, is the title for a bunch of free-standing rocks on high of a hill – some are nearly like big cairns, others may be simply scrambled up, the largest have to be climbed.
We began off at Saddle Tor, the place there have been extra wild ponies roaming round beneath the rocks and a straightforward climb for an eight-year-old (and a 40-something-year-old…) to get to the highest to benefit from the views.
We may look out throughout to Hay Tor as nicely, silhouetted towards the cloudy white sky.
My daughter had had a lot enjoyable bouncing on the springy grass, scrambling and clambering (in addition to shouting ‘I’m the King of the world’ from the highest, which I persuaded her was totally important) that we went straight over to deal with that subsequent.
Hay Tor itself was a bit busier – on a cloudy day, there have been nonetheless queues to rise up the rocks, so be ready to go early or share it with extra individuals if the solar shines – and a few components are steeper, with steel rungs and rings pushed into the rock that can assist you rise up.
As we waited, the mist immediately descended and the highest of the tor vanished within the cloud, so we determined to chop our climb brief – however even for those who’ve received toddlers or a extremely tight schedule, you’ll be able to’t go to Dartmoor with children with out making an attempt a minimum of a simple stroll.
Houndtor and Bonehill Rocks are additionally close by as extra choices to climb and look out throughout the moors.
Go to Lydford Gorge, close to Tavistock
Head past Tavistock in the direction of Lyford within the west and you may discover Lydford Gorge – the deepest gorge within the south west.
In addition to the spectacular 30m waterfall often known as the White Woman, there’s an hour-long strolling path to see it.
The river and wildlife are lovely whether or not you’re visiting with spring flowers in bloom or autumn leaves on the bushes and completely different trails lead you previous a few of the highlights, together with the effervescent Satan’s Cauldron. Not buggy-friendly, though you’ll be able to borrow carriers and there are tearooms at this Nationwide Belief web site.
Wistman’s Wooden
For one of many extra uncommon walks on Dartmoor with children, there’s additionally the eerie Wistman’s Wooden, whose gnarled, twisted, otherworldly bushes remind me a little bit of Puzzlewood within the Forest of Dean.
You’ll be able to comply with a path from the Two Bridges lodge: enable a few hours to comply with the five-mile circuit.
Tamar Trails
Select from seven walks at Tamar Trails close to Tavistock – the Mineral Railway Path is the simplest and flat sufficient to do with a pushchair, whereas there are others which can take you near the outdated mines of this a part of Devon.
Makes possibility for those who’re visiting the realm for Lydford Gorge (scroll up for particulars) or an alternate for those who’re trying to discover a brand new a part of the realm.
Canonteign Falls
As one other different to Lydford Gorge, Canonteign Falls within the north-east of Dartmoor, near Exeter, is the very best waterfall in Devon.
With 90 acres of grounds, woodland and lakes to discover, there’s a climb to succeed in the highest of the artifical waterfall, however nonetheless doable with children (as my good friend Claire, blogger at Tinbox Traveller, found when she first climbed it with one daughter in a child provider).
Hold a watch out for the fairies and a dinosaur alongside the best way too.
River Dart Nation Park
You’ll discover actions for all ages at River Dart Nation Park , together with a toddler playground, in addition to zip wires, a wood fort, a ropes and impediment course, bike path and journey playground.
And that’s all earlier than you take into account the nation park incorporates 90 acres of parkland to discover, all inside Dartmoor Nationwide Park.
Hembury Woods, close to Buckfastleigh
Wandering previous the traditional oaks of Hembury Woods close to Buckfastleigh is one other beautiful choice to attempt for those who’re visiting Dartmoor with children.
The Nationwide Belief property of Parke is close by, the place the grounds and woodland are open to discover as nicely.
Take a look at the Devon with Children Fb group for some nice recommendations on extra concepts of Dartmoor walks and place to go to in Devon too
Biking on Dartmoor with children
Should you’d favor to cycle somewhat than stroll, there are bike trails galore in addition to bridleways and different bike routes – you’ll be able to’t cycle on the moor itself, except it’s a part of a route or designated bridleway.
One possibility which is ideal with children is the Granite Means. An outdated railway line, it’s flat and largely traffic-free, and runs between Okehampton and Lydford. Or Go to Dartmoor has recommendations on different cycle routes within the space.
Should you don’t have your individual wheels, take a look at Devon Cycle Rent on the sting of the Granite Means, which specialises in bike rent for households together with little one seats and tagalongs. Prebooking bikes is beneficial – and you too can organize for e-bikes (with a toddler seat) if you wish to take it simple.
Household sights on Dartmoor
We bookmarked our day round Dartmoor with children with two of the realm’s household sights – starting at Buckland Abbey and ending at Home of Marbles in Bovey Tracey, however that’s solely two of the choices whenever you’re exploring the Dartmoor space.
Buckland Abbey, Yelverton
This beautiful Nationwide Belief web site dates again over 750 years. Because the title suggests, it was as soon as an abbey, the final of the Cistercian abbeys to be inbuilt England and Wales – it’s simple to think about them farming this lush stretch of countryside, though many buildings are lengthy gone because the Dissolution.
The home then handed into non-public arms, together with Sir Francis Drake – my daughter explored the reproduction of the Golden Hind in Brixham once we visited some years in the past, in addition to our evening voyage sleepover on the opposite reproduction, the Golden Hinde in London, so was intrigued to see his dwelling.
Closed throughout our go to, there’s lots to find inside – it’s actually half museum, in addition to half home. It’s also possible to discover the medieval Nice Barn, which has hardly modified over the centuries because it was constructed, and even see a Rembrandt self-portrait throughout your go to.
The gardens themselves have been beautiful – there are sometimes trails for youths, together with one throughout our go to the place you needed to spot indicators exhibiting a few of the vegetation and produce which the monks would have grown.
In addition to honey – with hives nonetheless dotted round – and apples from the orchard (plus an enormous cider press within the Nice Barn), there have been a couple of extra uncommon ones to seek out too.
Not simply poppy and mandrake, however a barnacle tree – in medieval occasions, individuals believed the tree grew barnacles which geese then hatched out of – and vegetable lamb of tartary, one other plant which supposedly grew sheep.
I did surprise if these monks had been hitting the medicinal herbs a bit arduous.
In addition to the completely different gardens, some full of wildflowers, others with fruit bushes, you’ll be able to take one of many woodland walks – because the drizzle had began up once more, we caught to the shortest yellow path to get a style.
The Home of Marbles, Bovey Tracey
The Home of Marbles is all the time one among my high picks for a free time out in Devon with children – in addition to being a terrific possibility for a wet day in Devon.
A mixture of museum, exercise and store, it’s very simple to whereas away an hour or so exploring. Within the little museum telling the historical past of marbles, there are additionally the primary of the marble runs you’ll encounter.
Alongside the best way, you’ll be able to spot different conventional youngsters’s toys, info on how marbles are made and a marble making machine, which is believed to have churned out round 15 million marbles!
Shifting on, you’ll be able to see glassblowers demonstrating their abilities, with a few of the creations on show, from vases and paperweights to glasses and glass animals. It’s tough to withstand choosing up a memento – be warned for those who’re searching for an affordable time out!
A much less pricy memento are the marbles, with the most affordable ones costing round 10p (and even a few of the greatest, very satisfying to carry, are round a pound). Do head upstairs within the store too for the large marble run as nicely.
There’s additionally a small pottery museum: Devon has its personal pottery historical past, with a few of the items made on this space on show.
The Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary, Buckfastleigh
The beautiful Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary is an ideal time out for youths who love animals, particularly for those who’re visiting Devon with youthful children.
Three species of otter stay right here, together with native British ones, playful Asian brief clawed and show-off North American river otters – you’ll have one of the best likelihood of seeing all of them at feeding occasions, at 11.30am, 2pm and 4pm.
You’ll be able to even guide particular child-friendly otter encounters for those who’d wish to get a bit nearer.
A specifically designed habitat homes the tropical butterflies, with dozens of various species exhibiting off their brightly colored wings – though do keep in mind that for those who go to in winter, solely a uncommon few are prone to be fluttering round.
Totnes Uncommon Breeds Farm
One other fabulous attraction in Devon with children, you’ll be able to cuddle a guinea pig or clean the feathers of an Eagle Owl as you discover the Totnes Uncommon Breeds farm.
Set close to the South Devon Steam Railway, it’s one other good time out with toddlers, with the possibility to spy an entire collection of cattle, in addition to the gorgeous owls.
There have been beforehand usually joint tickets accessible to the farm, and the butterflies and otters on the Buckfastleigh sanctuary however these are presently unavailable. Do test instructions on the web site earlier than visiting too, as sat navs typically ship you to the mistaken tackle.
Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh
There’s extra to find at Pennywell Farm than simply the animals – with a unique exercise going down each half-hour, you could possibly get pleasure from something from watching pig racing to tractor rides.
Simply pay attention for the bell each half-hour as one thing new begins, with every part on the day by day timetable included in your ticket.
However the farm can be dwelling to over 150 animals, together with the miniature pigs (save a while for a cuddle), miniature donkeys, alpacas, hedgehogs, loads of different farmyard favourites and a number of small fluffy creatures too.
Add in play areas, a bouncy fort, a small railway and cafe, and it’s a terrific Devon time out with children – plus Dartmoor Nationwide Park is on the doorstep too.
South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh to Totnes
With seven miles of railway working alongside the River Dart valley, the South Devon Railway takes you between Buckfastleigh and Totnes so you’ll be able to benefit from the Devon countryside with none effort as your steam practice puffs and chuffs alongside.
There are sometimes particular themed occasions, together with Thomas the Tank Engine days and Christmas Santa specials
Though you’ll be able to’t presently purchase mixed tickets to the Totnes Uncommon Breeds Farm and the Butterfly Farm and Otter Sanctuary in Buckfastleigh, it’s simple to go to them at both finish of your practice experience to make a full enjoyable time out.
Dartmoor Zoo
And for some somewhat larger animals, there’s additionally Dartmoor Zoo: 33 acres of parkland that’s dwelling to endangered animals and recognized notably for its huge cats.
You’ll additionally discover apes, birds and reptiles among the many inhabitants, made well-known by the real-life story behind We Purchased a Zoo, with day by day talks and a few beautiful gardens to discover too.
Citadel Drogo
On the north facet of Dartmoor, you too can discover the final fort to be inbuilt England – Citadel Drogo has lately undergone a serious renovation challenge by the Nationwide Belief, and you may tour the home now all of the scaffolding has come down.
There’s a lot to do within the grounds as nicely. Uncover the miniature play home within the gardens, comply with spotter trails and stroll to the Teign Gorge.
The place to remain round Dartmoor with children
We stayed at an AirBNB in Exeter for our journey, which made a terrific base to discover town, Dartmoor and the coast however there are many locations to remain exterior town as nicely.
You’ll be able to take a look at extra self-catering cottages in Devon, together with choices close to Exeter, or family-friendly lodges in Exeter, in addition to discovering extra concepts of family-friendly lodging in Devon in my final information for households.
*First revealed 2020, final up to date 2024*
PIN FOR LATER: VISITING DARTMOOR WITH KIDS
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