A Scenic Dartmoor Road Trip

A Scenic Dartmoor Road Trip — Starting and Ending at Moorland View Cottage

Moorland View: The Perfect Starting Point

Set in the heart of Dartmoor National Park, North Bovey is one of Dartmoor’s prettiest and most unspoilt villages — and home to Moorland View Cottage. With no streetlights and barely any traffic, it’s a calm, restorative place to begin and end each day.

Enjoy a slow farmhouse breakfast back at the cottage, then set off knowing every stop on today’s route sits comfortably within reach.

1. Explore a Bronze Age Village at Grimspound

Your first stop is Grimspound, one of Dartmoor’s most atmospheric ancient sites. Dating back to around 1300 BC, this stone-walled settlement contains 24 Bronze Age hut circles enclosed by a granite perimeter wall.

Its haunting setting famously inspired Conan Doyle and appears in The Hound of the Baskervilles. Free to visit and open year-round, Grimspound is a powerful introduction to Dartmoor’s ancient landscape.

2. Visit an Ancient Oak Forest at Wistman’s Wood

Continue towards Two Bridges to visit Wistman's Wood, a rare remnant of Dartmoor’s original oak forest. Twisted dwarf oaks, thick with moss and lichen, rise from a boulder-strewn floor, creating a scene that feels almost mythical.

The gentle one-hour return walk is achievable for most visitors. Afterwards, pause for lunch or a cream tea nearby before continuing the loop.

3. Discover Dartmoor’s Dramatic Past at Princetown

In the centre of the moor lies Princetown, home to the formidable Dartmoor Prison Museum. Once housing some of Britain’s most notorious offenders, the museum offers a fascinating and unsettling insight into the prison’s past.

If the museum feels a little intense, Princetown itself is still worth a short wander, with its stark setting and sweeping moorland backdrop.

4. Stretch Your Legs Where the Rivers Meet at Dartmeet

Stretch your legs at Dartmeet, where the East and West Dart rivers meet beneath an 18th-century stone bridge. In warmer months, the shallow water is ideal for paddling; at any time of year, it’s one of the most scenic stopping points on the moor.

5. Wander One of Dartmoor’s Prettiest Villages: Buckland-in-the-Moor

Next, visit the tiny hamlet of Buckland-in-the-Moor, one of Devon’s most irresistibly pretty villages. Wander among its thatched cottages, step inside the ancient church, and walk above the village to find the Ten Commandments carved into exposed rock.

6. Browse Independent Shops and Delis in Ashburton

Known as the gateway to the moor, Ashburton is an elegant town whose prosperity was founded on cloth and tin. Today it’s a pleasure to explore, with antique shops, delis, cafés and well-regarded restaurants lining its slate-hung streets.

Ashburton is also the most convenient fuel stop on this route before heading back onto the open moor.

7. Visit the Iconic Moorland Village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor

One of Dartmoor’s most beautiful villages, Widecombe-in-the-Moor is a highlight of the drive. Its church, St Pancras, is crowned by a towering spire often called the Cathedral of the Moor. Inside, boards recount the dramatic storm of 1638, when lightning struck during a service and the Devil was blamed.

Pause for lunch at the Rugglestone Inn, with open fires and flagstone floors, or browse the National Trust shop in the square, known for woollen blankets and locally made homewares.

8. Walk to Breathtaking Views at Hound Tor

Before heading home, stop at Hound Tor, one of Dartmoor’s most accessible viewpoints. A short walk leads to sweeping views across the moor, with the remains of a medieval village lying just below the tor.

9. Return to Moorland View Cottage

As the light softens over the hills, return to Moorland View Cottage. Light the fire, sink into a deep bath, or wander down to The Ring of Bells for dinner and a drink.

This is the pleasure of staying somewhere perfectly placed: no long drives at the end of the day, just the feeling of having explored Dartmoor at its best — then coming back to somewhere quietly special.

Book Your Stay at Moorland View Cottage

Experience Dartmoor like this: unhurried, beautifully circular, and centred on one exceptional place to come home to.

AT A GLANCE

• Starting point: North Bovey (from Moorland View)

• Typical duration: Half day to full day (flexible)

• Best for: Scenic driving, gentle walks, photography, first-time Dartmoor visitors

• Best seasons: Spring to autumn (clear winter days can be stunning too)

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This scenic drive is just one of many carefully curated Dartmoor experiences we share with our guests. When you stay at Moorland View Cottage, you’ll also receive:

• Quiet road suggestions most visitors miss

• Best timings to avoid crowds

• Seasonal food and pub recommendations

• Walks matched to weather and energy levels

The best Dartmoor experiences aren’t in the guidebooks — they’re shared here!

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ROUTE

North Bovey → Grimspound → Wistman’s Wood → Princetown → Dartmeet → Buckland-in-the-Moor → Ashburton → Widecombe-in-the-Moor → Hound Tor → North Bovey

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

Dartmeet

• Why start this Dartmoor scenic drive from Moorland View Cottage?

  Starting in North Bovey means you’re immediately on some of Dartmoor’s quietest, most beautiful roads. There’s no need to cross busy sections of the moor first, and you avoid doubling back later in the day.

  Guests staying at Moorland View benefit from a natural circular route, shorter driving distances and the flexibility to dip in and out of stops depending on the weather. It’s an ideal “slow travel” Dartmoor experience — especially for a romantic break.

  Many guests tell us this is their favourite day of their stay.

• What do I need to know about driving on Dartmoor?

  There is one main road that runs across the centre of Dartmoor, with cuntless narrow, country lanes leading off it.

  Drive slowly and carefully. Sheep, ponies and cattle often wander onto Dartmoor roads, and many are injured or killed each year by speeding vehicles.

  On narrow lanes, the driver closest to a passing place usually reverses. If you’re not confident, it’s fine to wait — and always offer a friendly wave of thanks.

  Book your stay at Moorland View Cottage to experience Dartmoor like this: unhurried, beautifully circular, and centred on one exceptional place to come home to.

• Are there any petrol stations on Dartmoor?

  Petrol stations are few and far between on the moor. The most reliable fuel stop on this route is in Ashburton.

• Where is the best place to stop for lunch on this Dartmoor scenic drive?

  One of the most reliable and relaxed lunch stops on this route is in Widecombe-in-the-Moor. The village has a small selection of welcoming cafés clustered around the green, making it easy to park nearby and enjoy an unhurried break.

  Widecombe is especially good for light lunches, homemade cakes and coffee, and it’s a natural pause point before heading back across the moor. On quieter days, it’s a lovely spot to linger and soak up the village atmosphere before continuing the drive.

  We share timing tips with Moorland View guests to help you arrive before the busiest periods.

• Best time of year for a Dartmoor road trip

  Late spring through early autumn offers the best balance of long daylight hours and road conditions. Clear winter days can be magical, but always check weather and visibility before heading out.

  We provide seasonal advice to guests on arrival.

• Grimspound: what is it and is it worth stopping?

  Grimspound is one of Dartmoor’s most atmospheric prehistoric settlements — a Bronze Age village set high on the open moor. Stone hut circles sit within a protective wall, with sweeping views across the landscape.

  It’s a short, gentle walk from the parking area and an excellent early stop to stretch your legs. On quiet days, it feels wonderfully remote and timeless.

• Wistman’s Wood: how difficult is the walk?

  Wistman’s Wood is an ancient, moss-draped oak woodland that feels almost mythical. The walk is uneven and rocky but relatively short, making it accessible for most reasonably fit visitors wearing sturdy shoes.

  Mist, low light and twisted trees make this one of Dartmoor’s most photographed places — especially atmospheric in cooler months.

Grimspound

Wistman’s Wood

Ashburton

Widecombe in the Moor

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Dartmoor's Best Cream Teas

Just-baked scones, gooey clotted cream and lashings of strawberry jam - no holiday in Devon is complete without a traditional cream tea. We pick our favourite cream teas on Dartmoor.

Hotel Endsleigh, Tavistock

Our favourite Devon cream tea is at The Endsleigh, where supersized offerings are served in the sublime setting of an Elizabethan mansion house. Just-baked scones are served up with help-yourself quenelles of thick, clotted cream and gloopy strawberry jam, alongside fragrant loose-leaf tea in bone china cups. The wood-panelled drawing room has log fires and views of the Tamar Valley. Work up an appetite beforehand with a stroll around the stunning Grade-I listed gardens.

Bovey Castle

Huge stone fireplaces, soaring ceilings, ornate panelling, squishy sofas and terraces with epic views make Bovey Castle one of the grandest places on Dartmoor to eat cream tea. Book ahead.
North Bovey

Gidleigh Park, Chagford

For a Michelin-starred cream tea, look no further than Gidleigh Park, a grand Tudor-style country manor hotel, set in 107 acres of Dartmoor woodland outside Chagford. Work up an appetite with a walk around the beautiful grounds. 

Fingle Bridge Inn, Drewsteignton

Cream teas are best enjoyed after a long walk, making Fingle Bridge Inn, on one of Dartmoor’s prettiest hiking trails, is the perfect destination. It’s not the most gourmet cream tea you’ll ever taste but this inn’s stunning location on the banks of the River Teign makes up for it. Look out kingfishers and woodpeckers darting between shaded pools, and for trout, salmon and otters frolicking in deep, clear waters. Just by the inn is age-old Fingle bridge, which has recessed buttresses for packhorses to pass. The inn has a sunny terrace overlooking the river and an open fire for wintery days.

Birdcage, Chagford

This pretty and friendly little cafe on Chagford’s main square serves delicious cream teas at a fabulous price.

The Old Forge, Chagford

This tea room in a converted forge in Chagford village centre serves up fantastic scones, alongside other delicious cakes.

Gateway Tea Room, Moretonhampstead

This traditional tea-room in Moretonhampstead offers a nostalgic take on the traditional cream tea. Expect dollies, net curtains and mismatched bone china. Don’t let the old-fashioned feel put you off - these are some of the best scones this side of Dartmoor.

RELATED ARTICLES …

Dartmoor's Best Photo Locations

Leather Tor

The 10 Best Dartmoor Locations For Epic Landscape Photos

Dartmoor landscape photographer and social media sensation Will Lamerton is an expert on Dartmoor’s most Instagrammable destinations. Here, he reveals his favourite places on Dartmoor to take photographs.

Dartmoor - it has a fantastic diversity of landscapes, wildlife and rich history. With jagged rocky tors, forests, lakes and big views, this renowned corner of the UK has something to offer for everyone. With plenty of amazing hidden gems to choose from, read on to see my top 10 favourite landscapes on Dartmoor!

1. Black Tor

Black Tor

This granite outcrop, situated impressively on the edge of the West Okemont Valley is one of Dartmoor's best-kept gems. A visit to Black Tor at sunset is the most impressive time to make the hike, with glorious basking views of the valley lit up by the golden light - look out for Sourton Tor to the North, the slope of Yes Tor to the East and Branscombe Loaf to the West, an outcrop shrouded in stories of the Devil dating back to the Middle Ages.

The hike to Black Tor is fairly laid back - around 1.5 miles. Parking at the nearby Meldon Reservoir is your best bet and taking the well-marked footpath up Longstone Hill. After reaching the top of here, you'll be able to see two of the three granite outcrops that make up Black Tor with a rough trail leading to them. Make sure to wear suitable footwear as although there is a path, it can be boggy.

After your walk, if you get peckish, the small Dartmoor town of Okehampton is a short 5-minute drive from Meldon Reservoir with great options for refreshment.

2. Black-a-Tor Copse

Black-a-Tor Copse

Whilst you're visiting Black Tor, you may notice to the West, a small woodland in the valley below Corn Ridge with a river running through it. This place is called Black-a-Tor Copse, an incredible example of a high altitude Oak woodland. Like its famous cousin, Wistman's Wood, also situated on Dartmoor, Black-a-Tor Copse is made up of the same amazing twisted Oaks but this time, without the tourists. With a spread of Granite boulders lining the floor and rare lichens draping from the trees - this place is a pure fairytale.

Visiting any time of the year is special, mid-April to August you'll see moorland birds but it's most magical to visit in the morning mist, the trees standing tall and eerie in the still air. Just be sure you know how to navigate if you go there in those conditions.

Sourton Tors

3. Sourton Tors

Located right on the Northern border of Dartmoor, dramatically elevated above anything for miles, Sourton Tors really does have some views to show off. I love this place for how easy it is to get to, giving an amazing taste of what the national park is like but without having to yomp miles off of the beaten track. Pulling off of the A30, the main car park is to the left over a cattle grid a further 2-minute drive on the road towards Tavistock. From here, visitors will follow a short 30-minute trail to the top.

From the peak, you'll have fantastic panoramic views into North Devon and some of Dartmoor's highest and most spectacular tors to the South, including Black Tor!

The location itself is also of great interest, as you ascend the tor from the car park, you may notice some long, tall, grassy mounds that appear to be man-made. What you're looking at is the remains of 'Sourton Hill Ice Factory', a patch of land constructed in the late 1800s for the purpose of collecting naturally produced ice to help food storage in the local area. Also, keep an eye out for Dartmoor ponies on the ascent, these gentle creatures love grazing on the hillside and due to the location, are quite friendly around humans - just don't feed them!

Ger Tor

4. Ger Tor

Situated as a sharp peak on the edge of the fantastic Tavy Cleave Valley, Ger tor is a location for the more experienced hikers. There is no obvious path, so waterproofs and walking boots are advised as the journey can be boggy and tough terrain depending on the time of year. Don't let this put you off though, as long as you're prepared, the views from Ger Tor are out of this world. From the top, you can see right into the valley with a distinct feeling of remoteness as you look around. For me, Ger Tor is the visual definition of Dartmoor.

Getting there, despite the lack of trail, isn't too hard. There are multiple ways to the top, but the easiest would be starting in the Lanehead, a remote car park near Nattor Farm. From here, Ger Tor is around a 1km off-road hike crossing Mine Leat via a footbridge at the base of your first stop, Nat Tor - a place to pause and admire the view before moving on. To reach your destination continue following the contour of the ridgeline along Nattor Down with Ger Tor being next peak you'll come to.

Once you've finished your walk, the Fox and Hounds Pub not too far a drive from the car park is a great walkers establishment for good, reasonably priced food. There's even a campsite attached giving you a great place to stay if you want to explore some of the other surrounding moorlands.

Venford Falls

5. Venford Falls

The elusive Venford Falls, this place is somewhat of a local secret. Not marked on maps and without any paths going to it, this beautiful twin waterfall is well hidden. I'm not going to be the one to spill the mystery location of Venford Falls, but starting near the waterworks of Venford Reservoir is a good place to begin your search. These cascades are well worth finding, but a pair of walking boots and being prepared for moderately sharp inclines is necessary. The best time to visit would be in the Spring and Summer when the surrounding woodland is in full bloom and colours.

The moorland is fairly baron around here, but the fantastic wooded Dart Valley is very close and the town of Ashburton a short 15-minute journey by car which will have all of the amenities you need.

6. Leather Tor

Leather Tor

Sat a stone's throw from the beautiful Burrator reservoir, Leather Tor is a stunning and remote, yet easy to reach granite outcrop. If you follow a sat-nav, your car will be guided to a small car park right at the foot, this leaves the peak of Leather Tor only a 15-minute hike away. I love this place as there are so many gorgeous views around. 

From the top, look back towards where you parked your car and you'll see the glistening waters of Burrator reservoir, not far South, this looks fantastic in photos. Look to the West and there are some beautiful woodland areas immediately in the valley with some more classic Dartmoor tors in the distance and directly behind Leather Tor you'll find Sharpitor, another peak worth the short 1/2km walk to. Here you'll find lots of hut circles and ancient settlement areas back when Dartmoor was largely inhabited if history is your thing.

Leather Tor is great for families too, with the walk to the top a very short distance and Burrator, renowned for its cycle tracks, there's no better a place to go for some outdoor activity, nice views and plenty of spots for picnics.

7. Great Staple Tor

Great Staple Tor

This is one of Dartmoor's more 'poster' tors. Great Staple is situated 1km from the main road to Princetown from Tavistock and is well know for it's unique and instantly recognisable 'steeples' made up of layered granite. You might encounter some other visitors up there walk but the offroad journey without much of a path tends to keep visitors low. Don't let the lack of trail put you off though, this is a fairly easy place to get to with a steady incline to the chain of tors that flank the west side of the Walkham Valley with panoramic views from the top. This chain is an excellent place to explore on Sunday afternoon, with places such Roos Tor and Great Mis Tor easily reachable after you've finished photographing the steeples of Great Staple.

Carrying on with the theme of Sunday afternoon walks, you can finish your exploration of the Walkham Valley peaks by heading into Tavistock, a historic and often bustling market town for a well-earned bite to eat and only 10 minutes away from the car park at the beginning of the walk.

If towns aren't your thing, Princetown is a further 15 minutes down the road in the opposite direction to Tavistock and is well signposted. This remote village is well off of the main road and is steeped in history with old Tin Workings and Quarries just outside of the village, the famous prison and Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre here, you can also learn all about Dartmoor life through history.

Brat Tor

8. Brat Tor

An old favourite spot of mine. Brat Tor is an iconic hill on the A386 towards Tavistock coming from the North Moors. This outcrop is instantly recognisable thanks to the granite statue known as Widgery Cross at the very peak erected by William Widgery to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887. From the top, there are more panoramic views across the Eastern section of Dartmoor and towards Cornwall if you look off of the park. With Brat Tor standing abruptly higher than most of the terrain around, I highly recommend visiting at sunset as surrounding views light up golden and the air becomes more still - it really does give you an 'on top of the world' feeling.

If sunset isn't an option, setting off for an afternoon or day trip is beautiful too, this gives you time to explore and appreciate the surrounding places such as Hare Tor, Arms Tor, Doe Tor and as mentioned above, Ger Tor and the Tavy Cleave. All these places are within 1-hour walk or less to each to each other.

To get to Brat Tor is fairly easy, as you're driving down the A386 towards Tavistock, look for the Fox and Hounds pub at the side of the road, pull in here and you can park for free. Heading behind the pub you'll see a well-trodden gravel footpath that passes the campsite also at the pub and walks towards the moors - you can actually see Brat Tor from where you have parked.  This footpath leads directly to the peaks but doesn't stay gravel for long, so walking boots are still advised.

The only advisory for this place is aware Willsworthy Firing Range is very close to the tor and has many of the other surrounding tors stated above within its borders, so be aware if you want to explore them that they're not firing - you can find times online.

Brent Tor

9. Brent Tor Church

Officially known as the church of St Michael de Rupe, this fairy tale building is located 1100 feet on of Brent Tor. Founded in 1130, the church is fully working as one of the highest altitude places of worship in England and has been for almost 900 years.

This place is beautiful and worth a visit all year round, whether that be in basking sunset, winter frost or morning mist. Being just a short 10 minute walk from the car park, Brent Tor is a unique photo opportunity that is accessible to many, with masses of history behind it if that's what you love, big views and the ability to actually go inside this tiny church to explore for free, it's a must visit place on Dartmoor!

Nearby is the famous National Trust owned Lydford Gorge that has amazing walks and the White Lady Waterfall at its centre. The village of Lydford is also only a small drive from Brent Tor too which has a castle and a peaceful local pub opposite fittingly called 'The Castle Inn' which is a great place to stop for a quiet pint after a day exploring.

10. High Willhays

High Willhays

This place deserves a special mention at the end because it is the highest point on Dartmoor and the South of England below the Brecon Beacons making the statement, 'I was standing higher than anyone in the South of England' true for the most part! This, like Ger Tor, is a journey only advised if you're properly equipped as it is mostly off the beaten track and a steep climb.

You can get to High Willhays in multiple ways, however, to get the best out of this place I would highly recommend beginning on the Dartmoor Ringroad past Okehampton Army Camp. The walk is longer, around 4km as a round trip across rougher terrain, but if you're a keen adventurer and want to see some amazing views I highly recommend this route.

Passing the Army camp over a cattle grid, take the right road that's immediately after. Driving down here you'll see two tors that you're heading for, both peaks you'll be visiting on this route. As you drive, there are quite a few pull-ins that you're allowed to park in so stopping in one close to the tors is the perfect place to begin. From here, follow the chain of tors to your right, these will be West Mill Tor, Yes Tor and finally, High Willhays - all in that order and the next one visible from the previous. This is just a rough guide, so I advise you follow an OS map and ensure you check the weather before leaving!

Pick a clear day and you'll walking across Dartmoor's Highest Peaks with panoramic views across Devon and visiting High Willhays which the summit is high enough to be classed as a mountain!

Will Lamerton

Will Lamerton is a full-time landscape and lifestyle photographer based in Dartmoor National Park, Devon. With over 30,000 followers on Instagram, he's been sharing his imagery for over three years.

Working with brands internationally, Will has explored Dartmoor inside out and can offer first-hand knowledge and experience photographing this extraordinary corner of the UK.

Follow Will on Instagram: http://instagram.com/willlamerton (@willlamerton)

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20 Things to Do on Dartmoor This Winter

Dartmoor is stunning in the summer - but it’s even more magical under a dusting of glistening frost. From stargazing to spa days, Suzy Bennett highlights the best things to do on a winter break on Dartmoor.

Moorland View Cottage in winter

1. Curl up in front of a log fire in a thatched cottage

We defy you to find a cosier place for a winter break than Moorland View Cottage, a traditional thatched holiday cottage in the 13th century Dartmoor village of North Bovey, where prices in January are half of those in summer. The two-bedroom cottage has everything you need for romantic winter break, including a wood-burning stove, huge copper tub for long evening soaks, pop-up cinema, 14th century village pub for delicious Sunday roasts, epic Dartmoor walks on the doorstep and complimentary spa membership.

2. Visit an ancient dwarf oak forest

Wistmans’ Wood

December, January and February are the best times to visit Wistmans’ Wood, one of the UK’s oldest dwarf-oak forests and inspiration for the Lord of the Rings trilogy (The Ring’s illustrator, Alan Lee, lives in nearby Chagford). With the trees denuded of leaves, you’ll get to see the sculptural shapes of the gnarly, arthritic prehistoric trunks, furred with mosses and lichen. In fog, they make wonderfully mystical photographs. The easy one-hour walk starts from the Two Bridges Hotel, near Princetown. Combine with a cream tea at Two Bridges Hotel.
> More Dartmoor walks

3. Go stargazing

With crisp dark nights, January is the best time of year to view the night sky on Dartmoor, with the Milky Way often clearly visible. Grab a blanket, torch, picnic rug and bottle of wine and head to the top of Hound Tor, one of the most atmospheric and easily accessible spots to view the night sky.
> More things to do on Dartmoor

4. Have a Sunday roast in a cosy country pub

Let’s face it, a Sunday roast just isn’t the same in sweltering summer temperatures, and they taste best after a blustery country walk. Cosy up fireside at the The Ring of Bells, in North Bovey, where Dartmoor-bred lamb and beef, high-welfare chicken and the best Yorkshire puds you’ll ever taste are served up, fireside, in the cosy restaurant. Walk up Easdon Tor beforehand to work up an appetite. Or try the spectacular winter wonderland of Fingle Gorge, then head to the Chagford Inn or the Three Crowns.

> Best Devon pubs

> Devon’s best walks

5. Indulge in a cream tea

Devon is the home of the cream tea, and like roasts, best enjoyed in the depths of winter. The Endsleigh serves our favourite, with supersized offerings in a sublime setting. Just-baked scones are served up with huge, help-yourself quenelles of thick, clotted cream and gloopy strawberry jam, alongside fragrant loose-leaf tea in bone china cups. The wood-panelled drawing room has log fires and views of the Tamar Valley and there are Grade-I listed gardens which are beautiful, even in winter.  
> Dartmoor’s best cream teas

6. Go wild swimming

Devon’s sugar-white beaches are packed with families in summer, but gloriously empty in winter. Wait until October and you’ll still have warm seas, but have the beach to yourself. Mill Bay, a quick ferry ride across the water from Salcombe, tops our list, and we also love Bantham beach, Blackpool Sands and Thurlestone Sands. Choose your favourite from our guide to South Devon’s best beaches.

7. Try traditional artisanal Dartmoor skills

Stargazing at Hound Tor

The Dartmoor Artisan Trail is an arts and craft trail that gives visitors the chance to glimpse behind the workshop walls of the moor’s finest artisans, including blacksmiths, shoemakers and furniture restorers.  Many offer bespoke classes for couples and individuals in December and January, and as many work indoors, they make a perfect attraction for winter breaks.
> More things to do on Dartmoor

8. Walk in a winter wonderland

Dartmoor is blessed with epic walks, and one of our favourites in winter is to the tiny parish church of St Michel de Rupe, sitting atop Brent Tor. It’s one of the cutest churches you’ll ever see, and the views are spectacular. Around the Tor are Iron Age earthworks and the remnants of a hill fort.
> Devon’s best walks

9. Have a spa day

Set on a private sporting estate just up the river from North Bovey, Bovey Castle Hotel offers spa days from £30 per day, per person, with use of its pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room. It also offers use of its 18-hole championship golf course, indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, fly-fishing lake, croquet lawn and archery arena. The 20-minute walk along the river, across old stone bridges and through woodlands, is beautiful.

10. Take a cookery course

Housed in one of Ashburton’s many grand merchant's houses, Ashburton Cookery School runs short cookery classes in fish and seafood, bread, and "gastro pub" style food. One of the founders has been promoting organic food since the 1980s.

Have a spa treatment amidst the grandeur of Bovey Castle

11. Shoot clay pigeons

Winter is game shooting season in Devon, but if you’d rather have a go at shooting clays, Ashcombe Adventure Centre is the best centre in Devon, offering expert tuition for couples and small groups. 

12. Make your own gin

Plymouth Gin’s Master Distiller’s Tour includes a talk about the history of the distillery, the distillation process and botanicals used. There is an in-depth blind tasting of five gins and a distilling masterclass, where guests distil their own gin using their own combination of botanicals. Every guest is given a small bottle of their own handmade gin to take away as a momento of their experience. At the end of the experience, you’ll get to choose between a complimentary miniature of Plymouth Gin to take home or enjoy a Plymouth Gin and Tonic at the Refectory Bar.

13. Eat fish and chips by the sea

The Beach House, on Thurlestone Sands, is weather-beaten clapboard shack overlooking the dramatic sea arch of Thurlestone is right on the beach, making it a perfect destination for a wintery Devon coastal walk. Crab cakes, crispy squid and bacon sandwiches are served up on rustic wooden tables in an amiable atmosphere. Over on Dartmouth harbour, the Rockfish Grill, run by celebrity chef Mitch Tonks, serves some of the best fish and chips in Devon. The menu includes locally-landed scallops and oysters, along with classics such as jellied eels, cockles, cracked crab and potted shrimp. 
> More fantastic Devon restaurant and cafes

14. Walk the South West Coastal Path

Britain’s longest footpath traces the north and south coasts of Devon, offering easy access to wild and windswept cliffs, secluded sandy coves and tiny hamlets. The three-hour walk from Bolt Tail, near Hope Cove, to Bolt Head, near Salcombe, is the wildest and most romantic stretch, offering perfect beaches and jagged headlands. For a longer winter walk, start further up the coast at Bantham, and stop off fora delicious fish lunch at The Beach House, a wonderfully romantic clapboard restaurant directly on the beach at South Milton Sands.
> Devon’s best walks

Photo: Will Lamerton

15. Drink in an old pirate’s island haunt

The Pilchard Inn is a creaky, weather-beaten smugglers inn dating from 1336 oozing with swashbuckling history: ask about the pirates’ escape tunnel. Getting there is all part of the fun and makes an adventurous winter attraction. Perched on the tiny, tidal outcrop of Burgh Island, surrounded by sandy beaches and choppy seas, it’s cut off from the mainland twice a day, making it the ultimate romantic Devon place to visit. When the seas have parted, it’s a short walk across the spit. When the waters start coming in, a high-sided ‘sea tractor’ ferries passengers.
 > Best Devon pubs

16. Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant

Michelin starred Gidleigh Park is a grand Tudor-style country manor hotel, set in 107 acres of Dartmoor woodland outside Chagford. Creative menus are delivered with pin sharp accuracy, and there’s a 50-page wine list to choose from. Well worth the £100+ price tag. Work up an appetite with a walk around the Lord of the Rings-style grounds. 
> More fantastic Devon restaurant and cafes

Blacksmith Greg Abel, on The Dartmoor Artisan Trail (photo: Suzy Bennett)

17. Dine on a private island

Burgh Island Hotel is a vintage art deco pile perched atop a privately owned island just off the south Devon coast, and is much as it was when Winston Churchill, Noel Coward and Agatha Christie beat a path to its door in its 1930s heyday. Non-residents can book for black-tie evening meals and Sunday lunches. Booking essential. 
> More fantastic Devon restaurant and cafes

18. Shop for local pottery, crafts, home decor and antiques

The Devon Guild of Craftsmen, in Bovey Tracey, is the largest contemporary crafts centre in the South West, displaying beautiful contemporary pieces made by West Country craftsmen in an idyllic riverside setting. For antiques, Ashburton is an elegant town, where fine slate-hung frontages house a well-to-do selection of antique shops. Pretty Topsham has a lovely array of interiors shops and an extensive antiques market on the quayside.
> Devon’s best shopping

20. Visit a stately home

The National Trust property of Saltram House may look familiar: it was used as the Dashwoods’ pad in Ang Lee’s film of Sense and Sensibility. The grand Georgian façade has a Robert Adam interior with original Chippendale furniture, Wedgwood China and portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds. It gets busy in summer, don’t be surprised if you have it all to yourself in winter .
> More Devon attractions