Dartmoor National Park also known as Dartmoor, located in Devon, England, is a vast expanse of moorland that’s far more rugged than you’d expect. It’s the largest non-coastal national park in England, and it’s both mysterious and magical. It’s not all dramatic cliffs, though: Dartmoor is also home to several quaint villages and small towns, many of which got their start as mining communities. Those mining towns (and Dartmoor’s rocky landscape) are why the area is still dotted with old mine shafts and underground caverns, some of which are open to the public.

Planning a road trip to Dartmoor National Park? Well, you’re in luck. There’s so much to see and do here; you’ll want to spend as long as you can.

Rent A Car

Dartmoor is a stunning natural area of rolling moorland, glacial lakes, and wooded valleys and is one of the best places in the UK for hiking and exploring the outdoors. But it is also a popular place to spend Easter weekend, so many visitors flock to the national park from April to May, parking there and getting around is difficult. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy Dartmoor National Park this Easter weekend, consider splurging on a rental car.

Take A Break in Dartmoor

As most Jurassic Coast Trail visitors know, this park sits right between the coast and the trail. And while it may seem like the far end of the trail, it’s only a 15-minute drive or bus ride away from the trail. And if you’re on a tight schedule, it’s the perfect place to stop for a quick break, which will keep you refreshed for the second half of your trek. Plus, this place has great options for lodging, shopping, and dining, so even if you plan to use Dartmoor as a spot to rest and replenish, you’ll still get to experience the wonders of the park.

See Dartmoor’s Wild Ponies

Take in the breathtaking sights of the wild ponies of Dartmoor National Park during your next road trip. The wild ponies of this park are treasured by locals and tourists alike, and it is home to approximately 300 ponies that have been running free on the moors for centuries. With scenic views and tranquil scenery, Dartmoor is an ideal area for hiking and other outdoor activities. Whether you plan on spending a few hours or a few days exploring the area, you will find plenty of reasons to consider a road trip to this park. Follow these helpful tips to make your Dartmoor National Park road trip a smashing success.

Visit Dartmoor’s Historic Monuments

Dartmoor National Park is home to numerous historic sites, ranging from Bronze Age hill forts to medieval castles; there are also sites from the Roman era and Dartmoor’s 700 cairns, stone circles, and rock art. These historical sites are worth a visit—the ones open to the public, that is. This park is big enough that you can easily spend a day exploring these sites—but if you’re limited on time, or you’d like to visit several historical places, consider renting a car (or a camper van) and driving from site to site.

Cycle the Tarka Trail

This park is famous for its rugged terrain and spectacular views, and the best time to visit is during the long, sunny days of summer. It is also home to many wonderful attractions, including the famous Dartmoor Prison and the spooky Tors, but the best way to explore the park is by bicycle.

See the Spectacular Granite Tors

While Dartmoor is famous for its granite tors (over 1,000 of which dot the landscape), the rivers and brooks surrounding the tors are just as beautiful. The River Dart, for example, cuts through the heart of Dartmoor, with dozens of bridges spanning its course. When you’re done exploring these colourful waterways, take a break at one of the many roadside tearooms dotting the moor. The Dartmoor Visitor Information Centre also sells hot drinks and scones that are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Visit the Dartmoor Zoological Gardens

The Dartmoor National Park is Devon’s largest and provides an opportunity for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The 13,000-acre park is home to moor ponies, Dartmoor ponies, cattle, ponies, and sheep and is also home to over 140 species of birds. The wildlife in the park is best seen during spring and summer when the animals are more active. If you’re looking for a thrilling day trip while exploring this park, be sure to visit the Dartmoor Zoological Gardens, which is home to animals such as wallabies, emus, llamas, and alpacas.

The drive across Dartmoor was breathtaking. The views were so spectacular that we stopped several times to take photos. In addition, we saw deer, a small herd of ponies, and even a family of ravens.