Dartmoor is one of the UK's 15 National Parks. Covering nearly 1,000 square kilometres it is an area of dramatic scenery, wild moorland, remote hill farms and tucked away villages. It is also home to herds of Disney-cute Dartmoor ponies. The River Dart rises high on the moor and spills into the sea at Dartmouth on the south coast of Devon. So as you can imagine, the best hotels in Dartmoor National Park are all set amidst spectacular scenery!

Image by milesl from pixabay

The moor is covered in rocky granite outcrops known as Tors. The granite from Dartmoor has been used locally to build houses, roads, enclosures for animals and large fortunes for 19th Century quarry owners. Visitors and locals use the Tors now as picnic spots, climbing challenges, shelter and even hiding places for secret letters.

Image by Robert Hughes from Pi

One of the most famous granite buildings on Dartmoor is Castle Drogo, the last castle built in England in the 1920s. Erected by a wealthy retail entrepreneur to improve his social standing and designed by the architect Edward Lutyens, unlike most other castles in England it has never been attacked or had to endure a seige. Outside it is an imposing medieval style fortress and inside a comfortable family home with all early 20th Century mod cons. There is a room of granite and steel and a Norman style library is among many historically themed rooms in this unique house.

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Buckland Abbey outside Yelverton (and just outside the the National Park itself) is also worth a visit. Originally built as a Cistertian monastery, it was later home to Sir Francis Drake. Now a museum it tells the story of Drake and also of Sir Richard Grenville, a fascinating English naval commander from the 16th century. With its lovely gardens and shop, it makes for a great day out, and is a top picnic spot!

Image by Graham Hobster from P

For those of a more outdoorsy bent, there is much to do in the Dartmoor National Park. There are walks galore, whether you just want a short amble or a more exertive day's hike. Similary there are more than 350km of paths and bridleways suitable for cyclists and horse-riding is a very popular activity. Fishing for brown trout, sea trout and salmon on the River Dart makes a great day out, and canoeing is possible here from October to March.

With lots to see and so much to do in this wonderful area, many of the best hotels in Dartmoor National Park are quickly snapped up, so we'd advise you plan ahead and book early.

The Best Hotels in Dartmoor National Park

For a Countryside Retreat

• Mitchelcroft is the perfect retreat, a three room B&B located within the Dartmoor National Park. Each of the rooms are different, but they all have a private deck overlooking the park, and offering a comfortable place to sit and contemplate the vast beauty. The breakfast room has floor to ceiling windows too, and the breakfasts they serve will set you up well for a day of exploring. The hosts will also rustle up packed lunches.

For Foodies

• For some laid back luxury or a special occasion, Gidleigh Park near Chagford has newly refurbished spacious, comfortable rooms, beautiful gardens, a lovely tennis court and a Michelin starred restaurant. A great spot for an indulgent country escape.

For families

• Palatial, with a Gothic edge, Bovey Castle is a country house hotel thoughtfully imagined to offer something luxurious for every contemporary family member: think Lego room service for the smalls, and bespoke spa treatments for the bigs - for starters! Originally built by the family who set up the newsagent chain WH Smith, Bovey Castle now has 60 rooms and suites, plus the vast spa complete with swimming pool, sauna and hot tubs; the grounds with its tennis courts, croquet lawns, stables, archery grounds, falconry and hawk displays, golf course, fishable river; and two restaurants. It’s lots of family fun for all.

For a chic stay

• Weeke Barton is a gorgeous small hotel with just five smart rooms on the north eastern edge of Dartmoor, surrounded by the Teign Valley. There's a snug bar, cosy lounge and dining room with wood burners and your four legged friend can come too!

For a B&B

• Burnville Farm is a sophisticated and elegant B&B on the Western edge of Dartmoor. In addition to the four luxurious rooms, there's a beautiful drawing room and evening meals on request.
• Kilbury Manor is a charming longhouse manor conversion, set on four acres along the River Dart, and just south of Dartmoor. Now run as a B&B, with four very pleasant rooms, plus a self-catering cottage, Kilbury Manor is a warm and welcoming place - the owner was a finalist in the AA’s Friendliest Landlady of the Year awards. Two of the rooms are in the main house and two are in the barn, and all have lovely views of the pretty gardens.

For a spa break

• Ilsington Country House is a luxurious escape where you can not only be pampered in the extensive spa, but also enjoy fabulous food (the restaurant has 2AA Rosettes), and bring the whole family (as well as the large indoor heated pool, there are a range of outdoor activities and board games etc to keep the youngsters happy).

For a tradtional feel

• Mill End Hotel is a great option if you're looking for a country escape with a classic feel. Open fires and cosy interiors offer a welcoming feel and the restaurant serves delicious seasonal cuisine.
• Prince Hall is another rural gem, right in the middle of the National Park. The nine rooms are done in a classic style and most are spacious with fantastic moorland views. There's an on site restaurant, and dogs are more than welcome!
• The Three Crowns in Chagford is a thatched inn that dates back in parts to the 13th century. The rooms are a successful blend of classic design accompanied by all the modern touches and accessories you'd expect from a luxury establishment.

Pubs with rooms

• The Rock Inn boasts traditionally styled en suite bedrooms with plenty of period features and some with dramatic four poster beds. The food's pretty good too - the retaurant has held 2 AA Rosettes since 2016.
• On the northern edges of Dartmoor, you'll find the Dartmoor Inn with its three cosy guest rooms which have been finished in a classic, sophisticated style.
• Situated in the centre of Chagford, The Globe Inn has seven individually styled rooms, plus a popular bar and restaurant downstairs.
• The pretty Elephant's Nest Inn just oozes period charm. There are three comfortable rooms, but the real draw here is the fantastic pub and restaurant where there's a regularly changing menu championing local produce.

Prefer an apartment or cottage?

• If you're travelling with family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a cottage or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to the international Exeter Airport which has connections across the UK and Europe. By train travel to either Exeter, Newton Abbot, Totnes, Ivybridge or Plymouth.
• The weather in the UK is woefully unpredictable however for the best chance at getting some sunny days travel in the summer months (June - August).
• If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Widen the net and check out all our hotels in Devon.
• Or feel free to call or email a friendly guru for advice.

The best hotels in Dartmoor National Park

 

Written by Sarah Empson

posted Friday, 19th January 2024