Seven spectacular spots in and around Dartmoor
With wild and wonderful open moorlands and deep winding river valleys, Dartmoor National Park is an exquisite destination with plenty to see and do. Spanning 368 square miles and home to just 34,000 people, it’s a place for exploration and appreciation of conservation.
With walks and cycle routes throughout the moorland, you will never be short of afternoon trails and picturesque picnic spots. Not only is Dartmoor a hub for wildlife and heritage but it is also surrounded by a number of top attractions that residents at our Chagford, Sparkwell and Tavistock sites are lucky enough to have on their doorstep.
To offer you a taster of life in and around Dartmoor, we have compiled seven of our favourite things to do and places to visit. Dartmoor and surrounding areas are ripe for exploration, so if you have your own snaps of your sightings, we would love to see them! Share them with us at sales@bluecedarhomes.co.uk and on Facebook.
Haytor
Find it: 24.4 miles from Sparkwell, 19.7 miles from Tavistock, 9.4 miles from Chagford
A treasured spot situated on the south eastern edge of Dartmoor, popular for its spectacular far-reaching views across Dartmoor and the south Devon coast. Haytor is a large granite tor, standing tall at 1,499ft and is a popular tourist attraction for many looking to cast their eyes over the remarkable vast moorland. So, if you are looking to see the moors in all its glory, we highly recommend visiting Haytor for its breath-taking views and wonderful wildlife.
Contact: https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/places/haytor
Dartmoor Zoo
Find it: Less than half a mile from Sparkwell, 16 miles from Tavistock, 36.7 miles from Chagford
The zoo that inspired the Hollywood film ‘We Bought a Zoo’ nestles in 33 acres of woodland on the edge of Sparkwell village with far-reaching views across Dartmoor. The conservation charity boasts a varied range of exotic and native animals, including the biggest variety of big cats in the south west. Free animal talks take place around the zoo every day, freshly prepared food is available in the on-site restaurant all year round.
Contact Dartmoor Zoo: www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk
Dartmoor Nature Tours
Find it: 6.7 miles from Sparkwell, 1 mile from Tavistock, 26 miles from Chagford
There is so much to discover within the 368 square miles of mysterious moorland. Residents at Kelly Gardens in Tavistock and Stannary Gardens in Chagford are lucky enough to have Dartmoor National Park on their doorstep, ready to delve into whenever they please. Dartmoor Nature Tours has been led by Phil Page since 1986. Phil is a qualified guide for the Dartmoor National Park Authority with over 20 years’ experience in landscape and nature conservation. Small groups are invited to embark on a relaxed, leisurely guided walk to learn about the wildlife that lives within the extensive moorland. The professional local guide provides a host of fascinating tours tailored to suit individual customer requirements from spring bird watching walks and meadow walks to discovering the wonders of the greater butterfly orchid.
Burrator Reservoir
Find it: 11 miles from Sparkwell, 8 miles from Tavistock, 17.8 miles from Chagford
Described as the jewel of Dartmoor, Burrator Reservoir captures the juxtaposition of the dramatic tors and relaxing stillness of the water, making for a unique day-out for nature enthusiasts and families. When visiting the reservoir, you can take in the history and wildlife while exploring the ample walks and discovering the ruins of abandoned farms. There are miles of paths and moorland to explore, including an easy access 1.5K wildlife trail, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Delve into the history a little bit more by visiting the on-site discovery centre where you can see displays, listen to spoken history and engage with an interactive screen which is suitable for all ages.
Plymouth
Find it: 9.4 miles from Sparkwell, 15 miles from Tavistock, 27.9 miles from Chagford
Plymouth is a bustling city situated on the south coast of Devon. The port city is well known for being ‘Britain’s Ocean City’ as it’s the location for Western Europe’s largest naval base and has a thriving commercial and ferry port, but did you know that Plymouth is home to the oldest gin distillery in England? Opened in 1793, the Plymouth Gin Distillery is now a hub for gin enthusiasts to tour and taste the distinctive Plymouth Gin, which is still made on site to this day. When visiting the city there is plenty to see and do from wandering around the lighthouse at Plymouth Hoe, discovering all things underwater at the National Marine Aquarium, dining by the waterside at the Barbican or shopping till you drop at Drakes Circus – just to name a few!
Contact: https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/
Buckland Abbey
Find it: 14 miles from Sparkwell, 6 miles from Tavistock, 21 miles from Chagford
Devon really is spoilt for choice of National Trust sites to visit and this ancient gem in the Tavy Valley landscape is definitely one to add to the list! Buckland Abbey is a place of true tranquillity, steeped in history. The Abbey itself is part museum and part house, surrounded by unspoiled meadows, orchards and woodlands with far-reaching views of the Tavy Valley. There are a number of trails to wander and even a Cider House with a secret ‘wild’ garden, perfect for a quiet five minutes.
Fitzworthy Equestrian Centre
Find it: 1.5 miles from Sparkwell, 16 miles from Tavistock, 35 miles from Chagford
From complete beginners to experienced riders, Fitzworthy Equestrian Centre caters for every level of riding ability in an idyllic setting. All instructors are fully qualified, and the school is British Horse Society approved, as well as being a BHS Pony Club Centre and BHS Riding and Road Safety Test Centre with regular training dates available throughout the year. Private tuition is offered on site or why not choose a gentle hack or longer pub ride for a memorable day out on horseback?
Contact Fitzworthy EC: www.fitzworthyequestrian.co.uk
Haytor
Find it: 24.4 miles from Sparkwell, 19.7 miles from Tavistock, 9.4 miles from Chagford
A treasured spot situated on the south eastern edge of Dartmoor, popular for its spectacular far-reaching views across Dartmoor and the south Devon coast. Haytor is a large granite tor, standing tall at 1,499ft and is a popular tourist attraction for many looking to cast their eyes over the remarkable vast moorland. So, if you are looking to see the moors in all its glory, we highly recommend visiting Haytor for its breath-taking views and wonderful wildlife.
Contact: https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/places/haytor
Dartmoor Zoo
Find it: Less than half a mile from Sparkwell, 16 miles from Tavistock, 36.7 miles from Chagford
The zoo that inspired the Hollywood film ‘We Bought a Zoo’ nestles in 33 acres of woodland on the edge of Sparkwell village with far-reaching views across Dartmoor. The conservation charity boasts a varied range of exotic and native animals, including the biggest variety of big cats in the south west. Free animal talks take place around the zoo every day, freshly prepared food is available in the on-site restaurant all year round.
Contact Dartmoor Zoo: www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk
Dartmoor Nature Tours
Find it: 6.7 miles from Sparkwell, 1 mile from Tavistock, 26 miles from Chagford
There is so much to discover within the 368 square miles of mysterious moorland. Residents at Kelly Gardens in Tavistock and Stannary Gardens in Chagford are lucky enough to have Dartmoor National Park on their doorstep, ready to delve into whenever they please. Dartmoor Nature Tours has been led by Phil Page since 1986. Phil is a qualified guide for the Dartmoor National Park Authority with over 20 years’ experience in landscape and nature conservation. Small groups are invited to embark on a relaxed, leisurely guided walk to learn about the wildlife that lives within the extensive moorland. The professional local guide provides a host of fascinating tours tailored to suit individual customer requirements from spring bird watching walks and meadow walks to discovering the wonders of the greater butterfly orchid.
Burrator Reservoir
Find it: 11 miles from Sparkwell, 8 miles from Tavistock, 17.8 miles from Chagford
Described as the jewel of Dartmoor, Burrator Reservoir captures the juxtaposition of the dramatic tors and relaxing stillness of the water, making for a unique day-out for nature enthusiasts and families. When visiting the reservoir, you can take in the history and wildlife while exploring the ample walks and discovering the ruins of abandoned farms. There are miles of paths and moorland to explore, including an easy access 1.5K wildlife trail, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Delve into the history a little bit more by visiting the on-site discovery centre where you can see displays, listen to spoken history and engage with an interactive screen which is suitable for all ages.
Plymouth
Find it: 9.4 miles from Sparkwell, 15 miles from Tavistock, 27.9 miles from Chagford
Plymouth is a bustling city situated on the south coast of Devon. The port city is well known for being ‘Britain’s Ocean City’ as it’s the location for Western Europe’s largest naval base and has a thriving commercial and ferry port, but did you know that Plymouth is home to the oldest gin distillery in England? Opened in 1793, the Plymouth Gin Distillery is now a hub for gin enthusiasts to tour and taste the distinctive Plymouth Gin, which is still made on site to this day. When visiting the city there is plenty to see and do from wandering around the lighthouse at Plymouth Hoe, discovering all things underwater at the National Marine Aquarium, dining by the waterside at the Barbican or shopping till you drop at Drakes Circus – just to name a few!
Contact: https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/
Buckland Abbey
Find it: 14 miles from Sparkwell, 6 miles from Tavistock, 21 miles from Chagford
Devon really is spoilt for choice of National Trust sites to visit and this ancient gem in the Tavy Valley landscape is definitely one to add to the list! Buckland Abbey is a place of true tranquillity, steeped in history. The Abbey itself is part museum and part house, surrounded by unspoiled meadows, orchards and woodlands with far-reaching views of the Tavy Valley. There are a number of trails to wander and even a Cider House with a secret ‘wild’ garden, perfect for a quiet five minutes.
Fitzworthy Equestrian Centre
Find it: 1.5 miles from Sparkwell, 16 miles from Tavistock, 35 miles from Chagford
From complete beginners to experienced riders, Fitzworthy Equestrian Centre caters for every level of riding ability in an idyllic setting. All instructors are fully qualified, and the school is British Horse Society approved, as well as being a BHS Pony Club Centre and BHS Riding and Road Safety Test Centre with regular training dates available throughout the year. Private tuition is offered on site or why not choose a gentle hack or longer pub ride for a memorable day out on horseback?
Contact Fitzworthy EC: www.fitzworthyequestrian.co.uk
If the extensive variety of attractions and abundance of nature to explore excites you, why not find out more about bespoke new properties available from Blue Cedar Homes near Dartmoor National Park?
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Blue Cedar Home Ltd is registered in England no. 6444180. Registered office: Eagle House, 1 Babbage Way, Exeter Science Park, Exeter, Devon, EX5 2FN
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For further peace of mind, all Blue Cedar Homes properties carry a 10 year NHBC 'Buildmark' warranty.
