Explore the Best Things to See and Do Near Us: Your Guide to Unforgettable Local Experiences
Every town and village on Dartmoor has its own individual character which becomes apparent when you spend a few hours pottering around them. Explore our local guide to discover hidden gems, must-see attractions. We’ve also given you pointers to when the main local festivals, fetes and carnivals happen so you can plan your visit.
For more ideas of local places to eat and drink visit our dedicated page here
Moretonhampstead
Gateway to the high moor and known as “Moreton” by locals, Moretonhampstead is an ancient busy and picturesque town just 2 miles north of us, accessible off-road via the Wray Valley Trail. It has the bustling air of a busy and self-sufficient Dartmoor town.
Moretonhampstead
Moretonhampstead has a wide range of local business with a thriving arts and crafts community, many with open studios and workshops. Much of the town’s centre is designated as a conservation area, with many listed buildings of architectural and historic interest. There is an informative town trail, just ask us for a copy or purchase your own from the Tourist Information Centre.
The choice of eating places and hostelries is varied and the shops in town provide a comprehensive selection of goods.
Look out for
There is a busy calendar of events throughout the year (although a lot happens in August) including:
- Turning of the The Year (First Saturday in January)
- Moreton Music Day (6 July 2025) – An annual extravaganza of music of all genres performed by amateur and professional musicians from around Moretonhampstead and across the South West. It takes place over one day, (normally first Sunday in July) Midday to Midnight in the summer on three main and various smaller stages.
- Food Festival (normally first Saturday of Carnival week in August)
Artists and Makers
- Vessel Ceramics
- Ford Street Gallery
- Green Hill Arts & Heritage Centre
- Green Shoes
- Penny Simpson Ceramics
Attractions
Lustleigh
A picture postcard village just 2 miles down the Wray Valley Trail. Many of the buildings in the village are traditional cob and thatched. Parking is very limited in the village itself, so if you are able, we suggest walking or cycling there along the Wray Valley Trail.
Lustleigh
A traditional Devon village centered around the church. Its close to Lustleigh Cleave, a beautiful steep sided tree covered valley with wonderful walks and cycle rides.
- Old Dairy Village Shop and nearest Post Office (excellent ice cream)
- The Cleave Inn – traditional cob and thatched pub with beer garden
- Primrose Tea Room and garden
- 13-16th Century Church
- Stable House Art Gallery and Studio
- Community Orchard and May Queen Stone
- Lustleigh History Society and Archives
- Kelly Mine (free when volunteers are there on Wednesday and Sundays) – we’ve a great little video we made on their open day on our YouTube Channel. Watch it here.
Look out for
- Lustleigh May Day (First Saturday in May)
- Lustleigh Show (August Bank Holiday)
- Wassailling the Community Orchard (January)
Bovey Tracey
Bovey Tracey is a beautiful and welcoming market town where the winding streets and picturesque parks provide the perfect environment for relaxation.
Tip: Locals call it “Buvvy” – you’ll definitely sound like a tourist if you call it “Bohvey Tracey”.
Bovey Tracey
The town is home to many restaurants, bars, coffee shops and attractions.
- Dartmoor Whisky Distillery & Shop located in the old town hall at the top of the high street
- MAKE Southwest (formerly Devon Guild of Craftsmen) is an acclaimed exhibition space for contemporary craft and design as well as a leading charity for craft education.
- Bovey Paradiso community arts and entertainment centre in Bovey Tracey
- House of Marbles Museum, working glass works, shopping & restaurant – great for families and those of all ages as there is something for everyone. Ample free parking available and no entrance fees!
- Bovey Tracey Heritage Centre maintains an extensive collection of archive material, photographs and artefacts which tell the story of life in Bovey Tracey from medieval origins of the town through to the present day.
- Jolly Roger Showroom –largest supplier of resin and fibre-glass 3D life-size models, advertising figures and themed replica props in the UK. Located next to the Heritage Centre their showroom is free to look round and the horror room is fun for all ages. Outside there is a café and ice cream parlour
- Open Air Swimming Pool
- Parke Estate, National Trust on the edge of Bovey Tracey and extends for about a mile up the river valley. A wide variety of walks are available with lots of paths through woodland, pasture, along the river bank and along the Wray Valley Trail
- Huxbear Vineyard for sales and tours between Bovey Tracey and Chudleigh
Look out for
- Green Man Festival (about the last Saturday in April) – pagan procession with lots of Morris sides dancing all day
- Bovey Tracey Carnival – starts last weekend in July
- Food Festival – September
- Bovey Tracey Craft Festival – mid June
Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centres
Visit the National Park Visitor Centres at Postbridge, Princetown and Haytor to find out more about the moor. Get lots more ideas for things to do and see.
Explore the Archaeology
Explore the incredible archaeology. Did you know Dartmoor has the largest concentration of Bronze Age remains in the UK ?
Although some stone circles such as near Sittaford Tor and the cist (tomb) at Whitehorse Hill, are in remote locations on the High Moor, others are more accessible and offer a fascinating glimpse into our sophisticated ancestors.
Dartmoor Story
Dartmoor has not always been how you see it today. Explore some of the fascinating history of the Moor stretching back to the Bronze age through the Dartmoor Story
Don’t wait – plan your dream getaway today!