Discover the best places to stay in South Devon and Dartmoor with our comprehensive guide to the region’s finest accommodations. From quaint countryside cottages nestled amidst Dartmoor’s beautiful natural landscapes, to upmarket coastal inns sheltered in serene bays, there are options to cater to the preferences of every traveller.
The following places to stay are extracted from Slow Travel: South Devon & Dartmoor. They have been selected for their good location and because they embrace the Slow mindset, either in terms of their overall feel or because they embody a ‘green’ approach.
Our pick of the best places to stay in South Devon and Dartmoor
The Exe & Teign estuaries
Hotels
The Ness
Shaldon, TQ14 0HP, 01626 873480
Built in 1810 as a summer home for the Clifford family, The Ness is a beautiful Grade II-listed inn set on the edge of Shaldon that is thought to have been a smugglers’ haunt. From the veranda and terrace there are commanding views over the Teign Estuary. The nine en-suite bedrooms are nautically themed; some rooms can be made into family rooms. It’s only a short stroll down to the beach, cafés and restaurants of Shaldon and the little ferry that will take you across the water to Teignmouth.
B&Bs
Lammas Park House
3 Priory Road, Dawlish, EX7 9JF, 01626 888064
Lammas Park House is a three-storey Georgian B&B offering splendid sea views from all its rooms. There are three large en-suite bedrooms and, on the top floor, a suite that has a double bedroom, a twin room and a small sitting room. The extensive choice of cooked breakfasts includes a vegan option. Only a five-minute walk from Dawlish Beach and the railway station, giving access to resorts all along the coast. Good value and friendly hosts.
Self-catering
Brunel Holiday Park
Beach Road, Dawlish Warren, EX7 0NF, 01626 888527
Near Brunel’s old Atmospheric Railway line and perfect for rail buffs! If you want to be green and use public transport, Brunel Holiday Park is a good place to stay. The train from Exeter will bring you straight to your carriage and a bus stop, cycle hire and walking trails are all close by. The five spacious railway carriages from the 1950s and 60s have been lovingly fitted out; each sleeps six in three bedrooms and has a fully fitted kitchen and underfloor heating. The carriages are walking distance from the beach, pubs and shops.
Yannon Towers
The Yannons, Teignmouth, TQ14 9UE, 07805119442
Built in 1851, Yannon Towers is Grade II-listed. The original mansion was converted into three dwellings in 2009 and one is now available to rent. It is a unique chance to stay in a castle, with a stone spiral staircase leading up to the tower bedroom with its four-poster bed. In total there are five bedrooms (sleeping ten), so lots of space for a family or friends get-together. Spectacular views over Teignmouth and the sea, and only a short walk to the town centre and sea front.
Glamping
Rocombe Valley Retreat
Springfields Farm, Stokeinteignhead, TQ12 4QL, 0756 3996496
Rocombe Valley Retreat is an excellent spot for a Slow holiday. Tucked away down a narrow lane in a sheltered valley, this is a perfect quiet retreat, surrounded by woodland and fields, away from any light pollution. You can choose from a safari tent (sleeps six), three yurts ( sleeping four to five) or a shepherd’s hut (sleeps two). Each unit is screened by trees and has a fire pit and a private wood-fired hot tub, filled from the site’s own spring. There is a communal kitchen and dining area with cooker, fridge and cob pizza oven. Wildlife abounds: there are buzzards and owls in the surrounding trees, kingfishers around the natural spring ponds and badgers and foxes can sometimes be spotted after sunset. If you decide to venture further afield, the 800-year-old Church House Inn is only a 15-minute walk away.
The English Riviera: Torbay
Hotels
The Cary Arms & Spa
Babbacombe, TQ1 3LX, 01803 327110
This upmarket seaside inn has the prime spot in sheltered Babbacombe Bay. Choose from a range of accommodation options: a traditional 19th-century cottage, a sea-facing en-suite bedroom or a chic beach hut which sits at the water’s edge adjoining the inn. A nautical theme runs throughout. The restaurant specialises in local fish and meat; the Brixham fish and chips comes highly recommended. For those who really want to relax, The Cary Arms also has a spa with treatments and a hydrotherapy pool. Dogs are welcome.
Orestone Manor
Maidencombe, TQ1 4SX, 01803 897511
An independent family-run manor house beautifully set above Maidencombe Beach. Orestone Manor is a calm oasis with stunning sea views, a perfect spot to relax away from the busy beaches, yet close enough to explore the delights of the English Riviera. There are 14 luxury rooms, all individually furnished; some have a four-poster bed, terrace or a hot tub. The award-winning restaurant enjoys views over the garden to the sea.
Redcliffe Hotel
Marine Drive, Paignton, TQ3 2NL, 01803 526397
Large, elegant and historic, with a superb seafront location, Redcliffe Hotel was built in 1856 by Colonel Robert Smith. The design is influenced by his time in India, with turrets, arches and crenellations. Set in three acres of grounds with a 400m water frontage, there is an indoor and outdoor pool, gym, sauna, ballroom and putting green. The mansion has 70 en-suite rooms and, considering its central location, it is good value. Author Dick Francis stayed here every year for almost 60 years.
B&Bs
Albaston Boutique B&B
27 St Marychurch Road, Torquay, TQ1 3JF, 01803 212100
Winner of several tourism and hospitality awards, this classy and comfortable B&B, in an elegant Victorian house with nine stylish, individually designed bedrooms, has so many innovative extras, from charging points for electric vehicles in the driveway to 20-odd varieties of gin in a cosy bar featuring old movie memorabilia and a jukebox. Kevin and Julie are delightful hosts, working non-stop to give their guests (minimum age 14) a memorable stay and constantly adding new improvements and helpful touches. And their breakfasts (which can be taken out on the terrace on fine days) are truly superb, served by Kevin with justifiable pride and including many homemade treats. Albaston Boutique B&B is close to Torquay’s International Language Schools and a downhill walk to the town centre.
The Haytor Hotel
Meadfoot Road, Torquay, TQ1 2JP, 01803 294708
This peaceful B&B is on a leafy hill about 500m up from the town centre, with ample off-road parking. The elegant villa dates from 1835 and retains many original features alongside more modern comforts. The Haytor Hotel’s twelve bedrooms include a wheelchair-accessible suite; the attractive garden has chairs for lazing on sunny days; and for the energetic there are maps of nearby walks. Breakfasts are excellent and there’s a bar and guests’ lounge.
Heathcliff House
16 Newton Road, Torquay, TQ2 5BZ, 01803 211580
The gracious Victorian villa housing this adults-only B&B was once Torre Vicarage; Agatha Christie often took afternoon tea here with the vicar, the Reverend Harry Petty, to whom she also turned for advice when writing Murder at the Vicarage. With plenty of off-road parking, Heathcliff House is also well placed for buses and within walking distance of the beach. Owners Alex and Stacey took over in 2022 and are friendly and welcoming hosts. The eight bedrooms are tastefully decorated and comfortable, and there is a bar/lounge that guests are welcome to use.
The 25 Boutique B&B
Torquay, TQ2 5LB, 01803 297517
The 25 Boutique B&B is a quirky escape with plenty of surprises. The five individually designed rooms – Frank, a gold winged zebra, is above the bed in the Torre room – are all fitted out with coffee machines and mood lighting. Andy and Julian are first-class hosts and serve a hearty breakfast. Only a ten-minute walk to explore the seafront and town. This is adult-only accommodation.
Self-catering
Faithful
Marina Brixham, TQ5 9BW
If you want to be close to the sea and lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of the waves, this is the place for you. Faithful is a beautifully converted 58ft fishing boat, permanently moored in Brixham harbour. Sleeping two with a king-sized bed and roof window above, perfect for star-gazing from your bed; there is also a small single cabin. There is a galley kitchen and a large saloon with a dining table, WC on board and a shower block on shore. In the daytime, enjoy the panoramic views across the harbour and the curious seals that will entertain you. The boat is accessed by steps and a ladder, so not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.
Long Barrow
Moles Lane, North Whilborough, TQ3 1SB, 01803 472930
A beautifully renovated, 200-year-old windmill tower set in its own five-acre field, just four miles from Torbay beaches. Special features include a curved kitchen and living room and a top-floor lookout with views over Dartmoor. Sleeping two or a family of four, this is a peaceful place to enjoy the wildlife of Dartmoor – buzzards , badgers, foxes and ponies. If you prefer not to cook, the Bickley Mill Inn is only a mile away.
Glamping
Brownscombe
Marldon, TQ3 1TA, 01803 872532
Set amid rolling farmland, Brownscombe is a family-run luxury glamping site that has several accommodation options: a tiny tin tabernacle for two; a roundhouse with a four-poster bed and ‘boat bed’ for the children; or safari tents that sleep four. All options have their own kitchen and bathroom. Although it is no longer a farm, pigs, sheep, ducks and chickens roam freely around the site. The Larder shop stocks basics and a small restaurant serves pizzas. It is a good place to relax and immerse yourself in nature, enjoy star-gazing from your hot tub or explore the den at the bottom of the meadow.
Totnes & the River Dart
Hotels & pubs
Anzac Street Bistro
Anzac Street, Dartmouth, TQ6 9DL, 01803 835515
Anzac Street Bistro houses three large Georgian double rooms in the centre of town. A good location for exploring Dartmouth. Live music on Friday nights.
Cott Inn
Cott Lane, Dartington, TQ9 6HE, 01803 863777
One of the oldest (1320) and most beautiful thatched inns in the county – perhaps the country – Cott Inn is the place to go for a special treat. They have five rooms and a picturesque garden for alfresco dining. In summer there is a wood-fired oven in the garden kitchen. Live music Wed & Sun.
Dart Marina
Sandquay Road, Dartmouth, TQ6 9PH, 01803 832580
A luxury hotel and spa, Dart Marina is the only hotel in Dartmouth with a riverside location. All the very comfortable rooms have water views; most have a balcony, which is ideal for relaxing and watching the boats and ferry go by. The hotel is pricey, but for peace, luxury and location it would be hard to beat, and they do have an excellent restaurant. Dog-friendly.
The Sea Trout Inn
Staverton, TQ9 6PA, 01803 895395
The Sea Trout Inn is a traditional South Devon inn dating back to 15th century. Ten comfortable en-suite rooms and classic pub food. Good value.
B&Bs
Dartington Hall
Totnes, TQ9 6EL, 01803 847147
Dartington Hall is proud of its 50 bedrooms, in all shapes and sizes, in the east and west wings around a beautiful medieval courtyard. Some overlook the courtyard, some the gardens. For meals, there’s the White Hart Bar and Restaurant, just across the courtyard; and the 1,200-acre estate and Grade II-listed gardens offer plenty of scope for peaceful strolling. As the Dartington website says: ‘We’re not a hotel or a country house, we’re an inspiring destination.’ Profits from your stay will support the charitable work of the Dartington Hall Trust.
Kilbury Manor
Colston Road, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0LN, 01364 644079
Three comfortable en-suite bedrooms and a self-catering cottage, Apple Loft, set in four acres of gardens and meadows. In peaceful countryside between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, this 17th-century Devon longhouse is a clean, cosy, peaceful and friendly place, with lots of thoughtful touches. There are good walks nearby, and safe on-site parking.
Self-catering
Ashley’s Shack
Habertonford, between Totnes & Dartmouth
Set in three acres overlooking a lake, this cosy cabin is in an ideal location to immerse yourself in nature. Ashley’s Shack sleeps two, with a wood-burning stove and a galley kitchen. A quiet spot with lovely walks.
Duck Cottage
Tuckenhay
A waterside cottage for two with tranquil river views. Duck Cottage is a great spot for bird watching – kingfishers, sandpipers and red shanks are a few of the visitors you might spot. For more information, check out our guide to birdwatching in Devon. Two pubs, The Maltsters Arms and The Watermans Arms, are only a five-minute walk away from the cottage.
Kingswear Castle
Kingswear Castle is surely the most dramatic self-catering place in Devon. You can watch the stars – or ships – from the battlements and even raise or lower the Union Flag. Sleeps four.
Sandridge Boathouse
Stoke Gabriel
Sandridge Boathouse is right on the River Dart. Getting there involves a half-mile field-and-woodland walk. Sleeps four. You must travel light to stay here. When you arrive with your luggage you can be transported by 4×4 to the top of 71 steps leading down to the boathouse. Once at the house you have all comforts.
Tuckenhay Mill
Tuckenhay, 01803 732624
Tuckenhay Mill is a historic paper mill that once produced handmade paper for artists and banknotes. The mill and the surrounding buildings have been sympathetically converted into an assortment of self-catering cottages sleeping from two to 11. Set in 20 acres of woodland and meadows. Indoor pools, spa, sports hall, tennis courts and gym.
Camping & glamping
Dartington Hall
Totnes
A campsite set among the rolling hills and ancient woodland on the Dartington Estate, with views of Haytor. Hot showers and communal cooking facilities. For more comfort, upgrade to a cosy wooden camping pod with heating for those cold evenings. Or rent a fisherman’s cabin on the edge of the river with a wood burner and basic kitchen and the chance to go for an early morning dip.
Dittisham Hideaway
Dittisham, TQ6 0JB, 01803 925034
Close to the River Dart and Dartmouth, Dittisham Hideaway has everything – four treehouses, five shepherd’s lodges and a 1956 restored American Airstream caravan. All beautifully fitted out and many facilities outside – chess, table football, double hammock and wood-fired spa bath. Good local walks and not far from South Devon beaches.
Hemsford Yurt Camp
Hemsford House, Littlehempston, TQ9 6NE, 01803 762774
Four Mongolian yurts and a shepherd’s hut, in peaceful surroundings. Communal kitchen, hot shower and toilets in adjacent stable block. Camp has its own solar power supply.
South Hams and Devon’s far south
Hotels
Burgh Island Hotel
Bigbury-on-Sea, TQ7 4BG, 01548 810514
Burgh Island Hotel is a luxury Art Deco hotel on its own island, surrounded by sandy beaches. Choice of double rooms, suites, an artist’s studio or Agatha Christie’s beach house. Fine dining in the Grand Ballroom or traditional pub food in the island’s Pilchard Inn. The hotel facilities include a croquet lawn, tennis court, mermaid pool and spa. This is a very special place to stay.
Gara Rock Hotel
East Portlemouth, TQ8 8FA, 0333 370 0555
Located down narrow lanes with passing places, the Gara Rock Hotel has stunning views across the English Channel. A selection of accommodation options: rooms and suites with balconies and sea views; or self-catering apartments with fully equipped kitchens and one, two or three bedrooms. There is an excellent restaurant on site with an outdoor terrace. Two swimming pools, a 12 seater cinema and lots of spectacular coastal walks.
Plantation House
Ermington, PL21 9NS, 01548 831100
Plantation House is a restored Georgian rectory set in extensive grounds overlooking the River Erme. Eight comfortable bedrooms where you’ll find fresh flowers from the garden, a bowl of fruit and even some homemade cake. Extensive breakfast and dinner menus; the food is sourced locally, including from their own kitchen garden. Sharon, a qualified holistic massage therapist, offers a massage in your own room. This is the perfect place to relax after a day’s activities on Dartmoor.
B&Bs
Cricket Inn
Beesands, TQ7 2EN, 01548 580215
Cricket Inn is a comfortable accommodation option situated in the small coastal village of Beesands, a great location for walking and exploring the coast. You can choose from seven double bedrooms, five with coastal views. The award-winning restaurant and bar cook locally caught fish; their signature dish is seafood pancakes. The bar has indoor andoutdoor seating, perfect for a drink at the end of a day’s walking.
Victoria Inn
Salcombe, TQ8 8BU, 01548 842604
Victoria Inn is located in the centre of Salcombe close to the Kingsbridge Estuary. A traditional pub with comfortable double and twin rooms and a cosy bar that serves good food, including Sunday roasts, and a wide selection of wines and ales. Walkers and dogs are both welcome in the bar but no dogs in the restaurant. There is a garden at the rear. Good value considering its location.
Self-catering
Bowcombe Boathouse
Kingsbridge, TQ7 1LA, 0154 8559221
A waterside retreat, Bowcombe Boathouse has lots of charm and character Sleeping two, there is a well-equipped kitchen and a sitting/dining room with large windows and doors opening out on to a balcony that overlooks the Kingsbridge Estuary. A kayak is available if you want to paddle to Kingsbridge, where you will find plenty of restaurants and cafés, or it’s a ten-minute walk.
Maberly House
Kingsbridge, TQ7 2LH
Maberly House is an elegant Georgian structure, that sleeps 12 in seven bedrooms, and also has a large garden with an orchard, a croquet lawn and a sunny private terrace, as well as a spacious family kitchen with heated floorboards and farmhouse table. Close to some lovely South Devon beaches, this is a good location for a family holiday.
The Signal Box
Loddiswell, TQ7 4DE, 01548 550664
Adjacent to the now-closed Loddiswell Railway Station, this former signal box was on the route of the Great Western Railway’s Primrose Line. An unusual upside down layout with an open plan living space on the first floor and two bedrooms and a shower room on the ground floor. The two floors are connected via a spiral staircase. Situated near the River Avon, there are lovely views over woodland and the private garden, where there is secure bike storage. It also features a lounge/kitchen overlooking the river, log-burner, Wi-Fi and TV. A good location for walking and cycling. Dogs welcome.
Glamping
Brackenhill Glamping
Ugborough, PL21 0HQ, 07739 473 977
Brackenhill Glamping consists of two very comfortable safari tents in a 1.5-acre field on the edge of the village of Ugborough, only five minutes’ drive from Dartmoor National Park. One tent sleeps five in two bedrooms, the second has three double bedrooms; both have leather sofas, woodburning stoves, a fridge and hob and en-suite bathroom. Outside the tents are hot tubs and fire pits. A shallow stream, mud kitchen and willow den should keep the children happy. Two pubs, The Anchor and The Ship, are in walking distance.
Plymouth & the Tamar Valley
Hotels
Boringdon Hall
Plympton, PL7 4DP, 01752 344455
An award-winning Elizabethan manor house, Boringdon Hall is located six miles outside Plymouth and eight miles from Dartmoor. Luxurious studios and rooms with many period features; wood panelling, mullion windows and the coat of arms of King James I over the large fireplace in the Great Hall. Relax in one of the window seats, soak up the history of this building and read about the famous people, including Sir Walter Raleigh, who stayed here. Two restaurants and a spa with a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, gym and beauty salon.
B&Bs
Barnabas House
Harrowbeer Lane, Yelverton, PL20 6DY, 01822 853268
Very comfortable Edwardian B&B with six attractive and well-equipped rooms with their own bathrooms and even a silent fridge to keep your milk in. The house is a few minutes’ level walk from Yelverton’s amenities (pub, cafés, post office, butcher, delicatessen and bus stops), but a stone’s throw from open countryside, with good walks and cycle trails: National Cycling Network route 27, Drake’s Trail, the Dartmoor Way and the West Devon Way. With safe off-road parking, secure storage for your bike and a drying area for muddy boots and wet clothes, it’s an excellent hub for exploring the surrounding area.
Tamar Belle
Bere Ferrers Station, PL20 7LT, 07813 360066
Live like royalty in these luxuriously converted heritage railway carriages, which are heated and so are available year-round. There are two sleeping carriages, which can be connected for families, a comfortable lounge and a restaurant car, where meals are served. Each carriage at Tamar Belle has an en-suite bathroom and a seating area with TV. The station’s Heritage Centre houses old trains, a signal box and a wagon turntable, so lots to explore. Bere Ferrers is one of the most peaceful villages in Devon, so for a quiet walking or cycling base this can hardly be bettered.
Self-catering
1 Elliot Terrace – Lady Astor
Plymouth, PL1 2QL
On the seafront, with views over The Hoe and Plymouth Sound, this elegant first-floor apartment is ideal for a couple wanting privacy and comfort in the centre of Plymouth. Beautifully furnished, the dining/sitting room has large sash dual-aspect windows. There is a well-equipped kitchen, a double bedroom and a bathroom with a shower. The balcony is ideal for pre-dinner drinks while watching the world go by. The apartment is close to restaurants, museums and ferries.
Crownhill Fort
Crownhill Fort Road, Plymouth, PL6 5BX
Built in the 1860s to defend Portsmouth’s naval base from the French, Crownhill Fort opens to the public for tours and other events. Accommodation is in the Officers’ Quarters, which sleep eight in three bedrooms. There is a large living room and a well-equipped kitchen. Set in 12 acres of grounds, you can explore the tunnels, parade ground and cannons and walk the ramparts for great views over Plymouth and the sea. Its commanding position on the northern outskirts of Plymouth is convenient for trips into the city or days out on Dartmoor.
Glamping
Starbed Hideaways
Cider House, Buckland Abbey, Yelverton, PL20 6EZ, 01822 259062
At Starbed Hideaways, two luxury shepherd’s huts – Halcyon and Aurora – are set in the National Trust estate at Buckland Abbey. Surrounded by woodland, each hut is actually two huts joined together, making lots of space for a king-sized bed, rolltop bath, wood-burning stove and a galley kitchen with gas hob, oven and fridge. The curved glass ceiling above the bed is great for star-gazing. If you don’t want to cook, there is a pre-order menu and meals are delivered to your door. Cars are parked a ten-minute walk away – luggage is transferred in a Supercat. There is also a pub, Drake Manor Inn, a mile away. It is a good location for walking and you get a complimentary pass to visit Buckland Abbey.
The eastern fringe of Dartmoor
B&Bs
Bulleigh Barton Manor
Ipplepen, TQ12 5UA, 01803 873411
Bulleigh Barton Manor dates back to Tudor times and is set in four acres of grounds. A peaceful location with lots of space to wander and perhaps visit the alpacas and chickens. There are two comfortable en-suite rooms and a garden suite with a private entrance, living room and kitchen. Breakfast is served in the Tudor dining room. The owners are dog lovers and for a small extra charge they are happy to accept well-behaved dogs. A good location for visits to Dartmoor and the coast.
The Cridford Inn
Trusham, TQ13 0NR, 01626 853694
Previously a nunnery and farm, this Devon longhouse dates back to 825 AD. A quintessential traditional inn with cob walls, The Cridford Inn is home to a thatched roof and inglenook fireplaces. You can either stay in one of the four cosy en-suite bedrooms or rent the family cottage opposite the inn. After a day out exploring the area, relax with a drink in front of a roaring fire and choose from the extensive pub menu. This is a good location for walking, only half a mile from the entrance to Dartmoor National Park. There are seven local walks described on the inn’s website, complete with maps and downloadable GPX files.
NoBody Inn
Doddiscombsleigh, EX6 7PS, 01647 252394
Tucked away down winding country lanes, yet only seven miles from Exeter, the NoBody Inn is a traditional ‘olde worlde’ pub. With blackened oak beams, low ceilings and farm tools hanging on the walls, it feels as though not much has changed over the years. There are five comfortable bedrooms, four with king-sized beds and en suite bathrooms, and one double room with a private bathroom. Friendly staff, good food and a wide selection of wines and whiskies.
Self-catering
Old Church House Inn
Torbryan, TQ12 5UR
For something completely different, how about renting a 13th-century pub with 11 en-suite bedrooms, sleeping up to 24. Ideal for family gatherings or large groups of friends. Until recently the Old Church House Inn was run as a pub with rooms but now you can rent the whole building; they will even stock the bar if you request. There are many tales associated with the property, including underground tunnels to the old Abbey, and a monk in a black hooded robe who is said to haunt the bar. For evening entertainment, there is a snooker table, dartboard and even a pub garden. Check out our guide to the best churches in South Devon and Dartmoor for more information.
Over Lemon River
Little Sigford Farm, Ashburton
A skilfully converted mill house in the grounds of Sigford Farm, Over Lemon River is located three miles from Ashburton. This luxury retreat for two is surrounded by open countryside on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. There’s an open-plan living space with a wood-burning stove, and a ground floor bedroom and bathroom next door. Outside, relax in the hot tub, which is perfect for star gazing. Lots of local walking opportunities. Well-behaved dogs welcome.
Camping
Hennock Hideaways
Byelanes, Hennock, TQ13 9QD, 01626 832362
A campsite just for tents with spectacular views across the Teign Valley. If you don’t have a tent, you can rent one of their two large bell tents complete with bedding and towels. An honesty shop is open 24/7 with a microwave, freezer and communal fridge plus a charging point for your phone. There are two family-sized hot shower cabins, a tea shed for washing up and shed toilets. Hennock Hideaways website gives suggestions for walks, wild swimming and horseriding. The Palk Arms is only a two-minute walk away if you don’t want to cook.
The northwestern fringe of Dartmoor
Hotels
Bearslake Inn
Sourton, EX20 4HQ, 01837 861334
A traditional thatched country inn dating back to the 13th century. Six spacious en-suite rooms, four of which are dog-friendly and open out on to the large garden, which is hidden at the back of the inn, with a stream running through it and outdoor tables. Bearslake Inn is a good base for walking and cycling; The Granite Way is only 500yds away. The restaurant is very popular so it is advisable to book ahead; the food is all locally sourced, and there is a children’s menu.
Lewtrenchard Manor
Lewdown, near Okehampton, EX20 4PN, 01566 464079
A gracious Jacobean manor, dripping with history, in extensive grounds. Its 13 luxury bedrooms combine authentic period charm with modern comforts. This is a grand house, with oak panelling, ornate plasterwork, stained glass and ancestors gazing down from the walls in their heavy gilt frames, but still it’s relaxed and friendly. In the gardens, beyond the palm trees and colourful flowerbeds, is little St Peter’s Church. Lewtrenchard Manor has an excellent restaurant for lunch, afternoon tea (including cream teas) and dinner. It’s top-class cuisine; the chef works closely with local producers, and vegetables mostly come from the hotel’s own walled garden.
The Oxenham Arms
South Zeal, EX20 2JT, 01837 840244
A beautifully restored former 12th-century monastery, only five minutes’ drive off the A30. Everybody has stayed here – Sir Francis Drake, Lord Nelson, Charles Dickens, King Charles III and David Bowie. There are seven en-suite rooms; five have four-poster beds and all feature antique furniture and hand-stitched fabrics. The Oxenham Arms restaurant uses freshly sourced local produce and is open for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, or you can just enjoy a drink in the 1477 bar.
B&Bs
The Dartmoor Inn
Lydford, EX20 4AY, 01822 820221
The Dartmoor Inn is a hotel and restaurant rather than a pub. Three very comfortable double rooms each have different features, including exposed beams, and a good shower over the bath. The inn has an excellent restaurant repeatedly recommended to us by locals. It is conveniently located for walking the Lydford Gorge and is on the bus route to Okehampton and Tavistock.
The Tors Inn
Belstone, EX20 1QZ, 01837 840689
The Tors Inn is a traditional pub on the edge of the small village of Belstone, set 1000ft above sea level with great views across Dartmoor. There are two en-suite bedrooms; one is a family room, the other a double or twin. The bar serves a good range of local drinks, including Dartmoor ales and Devon ciders. In the summer you can take lunch and drinks outside; The Shed is an outside kitchen serving delicious burgers.
Self-catering
Cobweb Hall
Sourton, EX20 4HN
Located on the edge of Dartmoor, this unique, quirky property is well placed for exploring the area. The stained glass and Gothic windows, a pretty courtyard garden and a fully fitted-out kitchen make this a characterful two-bedroom cottage; both bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms. The Highwayman Inn opposite has the same owners; a meal or drink at the inn is a not-to-be-missed experience.
Foxtor and Haretor Barns
Lydford, EX20 4BW
These semi-detached barns are situated on Wastor Farm, two miles from Lydford. Surrounded by open moorland, the first-floor living areas enjoy views across Dartmoor. Each barn sleeps four in two bedrooms; there is an interconnecting door so that both properties can be used by larger parties. Both barns have been skilfully converted, with oak floors, exposed beams and well-equipped kitchens. There is a small garden outside each property and a further separate garden across the driveway, with picnic benches and barbecue.
Glamping
Fallows Leap
Ash Park Farm, Sticklepath, EX20 2NG
Just two minutes’ walk down a tiny lane from Sticklepath, you reach Ash Park Farm. Set across the lane from the main farm is Fallows Leap, hidden away in its own private field. In this sophisticated shepherd’s hut there is a double bedroom and small kitchen; adjacent is a bathroom in its own hut and a larger, undercover, outdoor kitchen. You can explore the 20 acres of rewilded fields and woodland in your own Ranger all-terrain vehicle to find your private hideaway, with its fire pit and double hammock. The River Taw may even tempt you in for a refreshing dip. This is a private retreat for two people. Sticklepath has a pub and small shop.
Honeyside Down
Okehampton, EX20 1EH
Tucked away below Okehampton Station is the wild, wooded and surprisingly private garden of Honeyside Down. The Birdbox, Humble Bee and Nutshell all sleep two and each is unique. Rustic furniture, chunky log stairs, a cedarwood hot tub and an outdoor stone bath all add to Honeyside’s quirkiness. The views through the woodland are to the park and river below. With its landings and foldback doorways and a bed that appears suspended from the ceiling, Humble Bee was featured in George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces on Channel 4. Each hideaway has a small balcony and outside seating. Honeyside is only a few minutes’ walk from Okehampton’s cafes, shops and railway station, yet you are immersed in woodland, surrounded by nature.
Dartmoor National Park
Hotels & B&Bs
The Bedford Hotel
Tavistock, PL19 8BB, 01822 613221
The Bedford Hotel is a comfortable option located in the centre of Tavistock with plenty of parking.
Bovey Castle
North Bovey, TQ13 8RE
Within the grand historical manor of Bovey Castle, you can relax in one of the classically furnished rooms and suites. If you want to self-cater, there are 22 lodges set among the 275-acre estate, each sleeping up to six adults. Within the grounds you will find a golf course, swimming pool and even birds-of-prey displays.
Gidleigh Park
Near Chagford, TQ13 8HH, 01647 432367
Set in 107 acres on the northern bank of the River Teign, this Tudor-style country house is an elegant and enchanting place to stay. The restaurant has won many awards; there is even a dress code for dining in the evening. Outside there is a putting course, tennis court and croquet lawn. As one Times reviewer wrote: ‘Even if Gidleigh Park only offered afternoon tea it would still be a special destination… moss-covered trees and a river cascading over rocks. This is sprites and fairies stuff. I thought it the prettiest grounds of any hotel in the country.’
Ilsington Country House Hotel
Ilsington (near Bovey Tracey), TQ13 9RR, 01364 661452
Islington Country House Hotel, a place of calm where one can truly relax, perfectly sums up ‘slow Devon’. The surroundings are peaceful, the hotel refined without being overly fussy, and with its award-winning new spa, a stay here is a very good way to unwind from the stresses of modern day life.
Lydgate House Hotel
Postbridge, PL20 6TJ, 01822 880209
An intimate and very reasonably priced country-house hotel in the heart of Dartmoor, on the Two Moors Way, with six en-suite rooms named after different birds. Lydgate House Hotel is a great location for walking on Dartmoor.
Mill End Hotel
Chagford, TQ13 8JW, 01647 432282
A dog-friendly country-house hotel with 21 bedrooms. Mill End Hotel is an excellent location for walking, with cosy log fires to return to. The restaurant is popular with guests and locals, serving fresh, local seasonal dishes. Good value.
The Rock Inn
Haytor, TQ13 9XP, 01364 661305
The Rock Inn is an 18th-century traditional coaching inn in the middle of Dartmoor. There are nine en-suite rooms and a cosy bar with log fires. It has been run by the same family for many years.
Two Bridges Hotel
Two Bridges, PL20 6SW, 01822 892300
The Two Bridges Hotel is a large accommodation on the River Dart, surrounded by Dartmoor countryside. Among the 32 rooms, some of which have four-poster beds, are accessible ones on the ground floor. Dog-friendly. Sister hotel to the Bedford in Tavistock.
Self-catering
Brimble Cottage
Widecombe in the Moor
A converted stone barn at Dockwell Farm, Brimble Cottage is part of a 400-year-old longhouse. This working farm is alive with animals including Dartmoor ponies that roam freely. Sleeping seven, the cottage is clean, well-equipped and dog-friendly. The Two Moors Way long-distance footpath passes the front door. From the cottage you can walk straight on to the surrounding open moorland.
The Chapel and Sanders
Lettaford, North Bovey
In the old settlement of Lettaford, the Landmark Trust rents out two quite unique properties grouped around the green; the access road breaks up into tracks as you climb up onto the moor. The Chapel is a tiny converted chapel, where you live and sleep (maximum two) in one room, although the bathroom is separate. Charming and different. Sanders (sleeps five) is a traditional longhouse dating back to 1500. Although it has been modernised, the original character and features have been preserved. With a big fireplace, a generous well-equipped kitchen, timber beams and thick stone walls, it is easy to feel you are stepping back in time. Dartmoor ponies wander freely around the settlement and you can walk out of the front door straight on to the moor.
Camping and glamping
Brimpts Farm
Dartmeet, PL20 6SG
Brimpts Farm offers rustic camping pods, sleeping four, with shared facilities and camping fields set in a lovely Dartmoor setting.
Dartmoor Hill Farm Glamping
Princetown, PL20 0SL, 01822 890189
Dartmoor Hill Farm Glamping is in a good location in the middle of Dartmoor. There are shepherd’s huts with underfloor heating, a small kitchen and bathroom, or six-metre-diameter bell tents with a double bed and two singles, and an adjacent facilities pod with toilet, shower and kitchen. The Prince of Wales Inn, the original home of Jail Ale, is just down the road and has a bunkhouse.
Langstone Manor Holiday Park
Moortown, Tavistock, PL19 9JZ, 01822 613371
Self-catering options at Langstone Manor Holiday Park include cottages, an apartment, holiday homes, and little wooden ‘pods’ for two or four people. Camping areas are either wooded, in an open field with moorland views, or in a more sheltered walled garden. It’s spotless, and very committed to ‘green’ tourism. Open Mar–Oct/Nov.
More information
For more information, see our guide to South Devon and Dartmoor:
