A Tour of Dartmoor

Dartmoor, Devon

DAY1

DISTANCE FROM O’CONNORS CAMPERS:

10 MILES / 20 MINUTES

Castle Drogo and Fingle Bridge can’t be missed. The National Trust property, Castle Drogo was the last castle built in England. Set in acres of stunning moorland scenery, this is a fascinating place to visit for everyone. Beautiful house and gardens with a great café. Fingle Bridge is located slightly further on, in the depths of the dramatic wooded gorge.

There is a great riverside pub here called the Fingle Bridge Inn (odd opening times so always wise to call first 01647 281287). You can reach Fingle Bridge on foot from Castle Drogo if you are keen to avoid the drive! The circular walk takes around 2.5 hours and is moderately challenging! Our children love this walk.

STAY AT: Woodland Springs Touring Park (Couples)

Located in a secluded and quiet hamlet which is set within the boundaries of the beautiful Dartmoor National Park. It is exclusively for adults who are looking for peace, quiet and tranquillity. About 10 minutes from Okehampton. During high season, they bake fresh bread to order so you can guarantee a yummy breakfast in your van. Great pub in Drewsteignton called the Drewe Arms or try Chagford for a great selection of pubs and eateries. Open all year round.

STAY AT: Dartmoor View Touring Park (Families)

Set in an accessible location with a Dartmoor backdrop, this site has great facilities for families including a play area, outdoor pool and small football pitch. Open March to October.

Chagford is just a few miles away from either location. This lovely small Dartmoor town has a fine selection of cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops. Just a little further, Moretonhampstead has a tiny Motor Museum which will delight car enthusiasts. Families will love the Miniature Pony Centre, located closer to Princetown: a scenic farm park with a great café and lots to do for little ones. Older children might enjoy the Dartmoor Prison Museum, at Princetown, situated right next door to the current day prison. The Visitor Centre there is full of fascinating information about Dartmoor, past and present, well worth a look.

DAY2

DISTANCE FROM WHIDDON DOWN / VENTON AREA:

36 MILES / 45 MINUTES

DESTINATION - RIVER DART COUNTRY PARK, ASHBURTON

En route from your first campsite, stop at the award-winning Home Farm Café near Bovey Tracey, at the National Trust property, Parke (dog friendly) for a mid-morning cuppa or even lunch. You can take a walk in the walled garden or along the river, then on to Hay Tor for a spot of rock climbing and kite flying. Proper Dartmoor wind makes this a great spot to launch your kite!

STAY AT: RIVER DART COUNTRY PARK

Just the best place to go with active kids. This fantastic campsite has great clean facilities, a beautiful setting with acres of challenging and unusual woodland and water play equipment to keep the kids entertained. Those camping in the Country Park have free access to the facilities including a good café bar. Take bikes for the kids & wetsuits too are useful for all the river activities! As you can imagine this site can get busy during the school holidays. Open April to end September.

The endless range of activities on offer at this site will keep families entertained for hours. Those staying for more than one night might like to venture off-site to visit Pennywell Farm Park at Rattery. This one will keep small children busy all day. Those travelling as a couple might prefer to visit The Shops at Dartington a really lovely little boutique shopping village with fine eateries, then on to historic Dartmouth for some gorgeous river views ans a bit more retail therapy!

DAY3

DISTANCE FROM ASHBURTON TO TAVISTOCK:

18 MILES / 45 MINUTES

Heading for Tavistock, visiting Dartmeet on the way

If you are visiting during peak season, it’s a good idea to reach Dartmeet early to grab a parking spot. This is a beautiful, scenic riverside location with a great café. Ideal for dog walking and jumping from stone-to-stone along the big granite boulders in the river.

You’ll find a good selection of campsites at Tavistock, so something to suit everyone!

STAY AT: HARFORD BRIDGE HOLIDAY PARK

10% off all Bookings here when you trundle up in an O’Connors Campervan! Ensure you book over the phone to secure your discount.

This award winning, beautiful, family-run caravan park is set in Dartmoor National Park with delightful views of Cox Tor. The River Tavy forms a boundary offering riverside camping and other level spacious pitches. Previous customers have recommended the bottom field for camping which is right next to the river. This site can be found to the west of Okehampton (about 25 minutes away).

Open mid-March to mid-November. The Elephant’s Nest at Horndon, Mary Tavy is worth a visit. Great food and gorgeous garden. The Peter Tavy Inn is also about 20 minutes’ walk from the campsite & serves good local food & real ale.

STAY AT: WOODOVIS PARK

This small & gorgeous holiday park has a beautiful setting and an on-site bakery! There is a new heated swimming pool, sauna and children’s play area with organised activities such as archery and circus skills! They welcome dogs and it is close to a good family pub: The Copper Penny! Awarded Gold in the Visit Devon Tourism Awards it is open Easter to the end of October.

STAY AT: LANGSTONE MANOR HOLIDAY PARK

A peaceful campsite with Dartmoor views. Immaculate facilities and lovely children’s play area. On site, Langstone Bar is useful for evening meals. Jane has kindly offered 10% reduction on pitch fees to O’Connors Campervans. Open mid-March until mid-November.

Horse-riding is a great way to get a different view of Dartmoor. Cholwell Riding Stables offer a range of options for all ages and abilities. www.cholwellridingstables.co.uk t: 01822 810526 Those looking for an alternative day out might enjoy nearby Lydford Gorge, Morwellham Quay, Buckland Abbey or even shopping in bustling Tavistock itself.

It’s just a 30 minute drive back to O’Connors Campers workshop on your final morning. Don’t want to go home yet? Hire some bikes from Devon Cycle Hire at Sourton (just 10 minutes’ drive from O’Connors). Cycle the Granite Way, stopping for lunch at The Bearslake Inn or The Castle Inn at Lydford.