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There’s a certain romance associated with Dartmoor in Devon. History, myth and legend combine with dramatic landscape. It’s easy to imagine ancient Briton’s roaming the land. It’s also reputedly home to pixies and definitely home to Dartmoor ponies that wander the park at will. One thing’s for sure, it’s 370 square miles of living history, natural wonder, archaeological significance and plenty of ye olde inns.

Starting off with present day pursuits, if enjoying the great outdoors is your idea of the perfect holiday then Dartmoor’s for you. It’s got National Park status so you’re guaranteed unfettered access to numerous cycle tracks, bridleways and footpaths. For more adventurous folk there’s opportunity to get to grips with real Dartmoor granite by booking onto one of the many rock climbing activities that operate in the area. Or there’s caving but be warned, it’s not for those that dislike cramped spaces. Or the dark… you have been warned! At the opposite end of the scale, and at the end of a hot summer day, take yourself over to Spitchwick Common and indulge in wild water swimming. A bathing space for generations (in both senses of the word), the water comes clean from the mountains into the river Dart. Bliss….

For those wanting to learn on their annual leave there are plenty of opportunities in the National Park with no less than ten areas of archaeological interest. Spinster’s Rock is worth a closer look. It’s known as a ‘dolmen’ which is the Celtic word for a burial chamber. And it’s supposed to have been erected by three women wool-spinners, who, having time on their hands before breakfast, decided to while away the time by artfully balancing three large stones in upright positions. Brings a whole new meaning to working out at the beginning of the day doesn’t it?

If the mention of breakfast has got your taste buds tingling then we’ll round off our whistle stop tour of Dartmoor by recommending one of the best pubs in the area, The Rugglestone Inn at Widecombe. With flagstone floors and open fires this pub is the perfect place for a pit stop and a pint. There are two rooms serving food and outside, over a small bridge, is a large sheltered garden with picnic tables. Order some lunch, a pint of Rugglestone Moor beer from the barrel and settle yourself down, dogs are welcome too, for a leisurely afternoon.

From the comfort of your Dartmoor holiday cottage, the national park is on your doorstep. We have a wonderful selection of homes to choose from, many are dog friendly, so start your Dartmoor adventure today!