A weekend in Dartmoor

Granite tors, wild ponies and ancient woodland

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Dartmoor is a wild, high moorland in Devon, dotted with granite tors, clapper bridges and Bronze Age stone rows. Ponies roam freely, and the landscape inspired tales such as The Hound of the Baskervilles.

It is great for walkers and photographers, and quiet by comparison with the coast.

Best forWalkers, Families, Dog owners, Wildlife lovers

Best time to goLate spring to early autumn. Mist and rain are common, so be prepared.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£420–£730, excluding travel

Getting thereExeter: About 30 to 40 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Dartmoor

Plan your weekend in Dartmoor

Top attractions in Dartmoor

Haytor

A famous granite tor with views, reached by a short walk.

Wistman's Wood

A tiny, twisted oak wood dripping with moss.

Postbridge Clapper Bridge

A medieval stone slab bridge across the East Dart.

Lydford Gorge

A wooded gorge with waterfalls, run by the National Trust.

Widecombe-in-the-Moor

A pretty village at the heart of the moor.

Best things to do in Dartmoor

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Kinder Scout walk

Kinder Scout is the highest point in the Peak District at 636 metres. Allow 5 to 6 hours.

Malham Cove and Gordale Scar walk

A circular walk from Malham village takes in Malham Cove, an 80-metre limestone cliff with a clints-and-grikes pavement on top, and Gordale Scar, a dramatic gorge with a waterfall. Allow 3 to 4 hours.

Hot tub lodge weekend

A lodge or cottage with a private hot tub is a popular way to enjoy a weekend away, whether you are with a partner, family or friends. Allow a weekend.

Best areas to stay in Dartmoor

Moretonhampstead

A busy village on the north-eastern edge.

Princetown

High on the moor, with a central visitor centre.

Ashburton or Bovey Tracey

Pretty edge-of-moor towns with cafes.

Best hotels in Dartmoor

These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.

Gidleigh Park

Bovey Castle

Compare places to stay in Dartmoor

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Dartmoor

Late spring to early autumn. Mist and rain are common, so be prepared.

Seasons that suit Dartmoor well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Dartmoor

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£130–£220
Food and drink, per day for two	£65–£100
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£420–£730

Higher-priced destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Dartmoor

From Exeter: About 30 to 40 minutes by car.
From Bristol: About 2 hours by car.
From London: About 3.5 hours by car, or 2.5 hours by train to Exeter.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Dartmoor

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Moretonhampstead.
Saturday: Start with Haytor, then Wistman's Wood. In the afternoon, head to Postbridge Clapper Bridge.
Sunday: Visit Lydford Gorge or Widecombe-in-the-Moor, then head home.

Packing list for Dartmoor

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

Fog can come in quickly. Carry a map and compass.
Some military firing ranges have restricted access. Check the signs.

Dartmoor weekend FAQs

Can I wild camp on Dartmoor?

Rules have changed in recent years and are limited, so check the latest official guidance before you go.

Is Dartmoor good for a weekend?

Yes. It is best with a car and a plan for one or two big walks.

More weekend ideas

ExmoorSomerset and Devon

Moorland, dramatic sea cliffs and a famous dark sky

Jurassic Coast (Lyme Regis)Dorset

A World Heritage coast of cliffs, fossils and natural arches

NewquayCornwall

Cornwall's surf capital, with long golden beaches

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from London · Best countryside weekend breaks in the UK · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK · Best family weekend breaks in the UK

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go.