Top Things to do in Dartmoor National Park
What to do and see in Dartmoor National Park, England: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
Discover the best top things to do in Dartmoor National Park, United Kingdom including Moretonhampstead Motor Museum, Stannary Brewing Company, Three Hares Gallery, Dartmoor Whisky Distillery, Buckfast Abbey, Museum of Dartmoor Life, Buckland Abbey, National Trust, Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary, South Devon Railway.
Restaurants in Dartmoor National Park
1. Moretonhampstead Motor Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By HANENAX - Lydney, United Kingdom
Places like this need supporting as when they are gone they are gone. Only found this museum as we passed it on the way to our hotel. Owned and run by a genuinely nice man whose name is Frank and who owns all the exhibits. An amazing collection of old cars and motorbikes which both look and smell incredible. Took me back to simpler times that no longer exist. If you are in the area take time to visit this tardis. £7 entrance fee is worth it for what you are helping to preserve.
2. Stannary Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Stannary Brewing Company is a small craft brewery & Taproom close to the centre of Tavistock, only a 5 minute walk from the main carparks and the 'Meadows' park. Stannary Brewing Co. was born out of a love of big flavoured beers. Taking our inspiration from beer styles from all over the world we love to develop fresh and exciting full flavoured craft beers, all our beers are unfiltered & un-fined which means they are vegan friendly. The Stannary Taproom is open every Friday evening 5:30pm till 11pm throughout the year and our Beer & BBQ Bash takes place on the last Saturday in each month, see full details on Facebook or Twitter. Stannary Tap' serves 10 beers fresh from the keg every week plus a range of our bottled beers. We also sell a small range of ciders & wines, local gins and some cans and bottles from our favourite breweries from around the world. Drop in and chill out with a craft beer sometime!
Reviewed By Boardslider21 - Woolacombe, United Kingdom
The brewery is tucked away, as so many are in a corner of an industrial area, but can be reached on foot very easily with a pleasant walk through the park. It's best to double check opening hours before turning up though just in case. Bring a stout bag to take home your shopping from the bottle shop!
3. Three Hares Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
This beautiful gallery sits in the centre of the ancient Dartmoor town of Chagford. It exhibits the paintings of the internationally renowned artist Eleanor Ludgate. You can see her amazing wildlife paintings, Dartmoor and Provencal landscapes. We also have a large selection of sculptures, bronzes, ceramics, prints, gifts and greetings cards.
Reviewed By jeano145 - Sheffield, United Kingdom
Wonderul art work, the colours were beautiful. It was a delight to be able to compliment Eleanor on such talent and variety of style and subjects. I particularly loved the Avocet pictures. The story of the Three Hares Trail means we must return to Chagwell once again which will be something to look forward to in the future.
4. Dartmoor Whisky Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Please note: due to Covid-19, we are currently closed to visitors, apart from Saturday 1pm-2pm for tours. Pre-booking is eesential, you can book tickets on our website. WE ARE CRAFTING THE SOUTH WEST’S VERY FIRST SINGLE MALT WHISKY ON THE EDGE OF DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK Our beautiful ex-Cognac still was hand beaten in 1966 and has produced quality spirit for the likes of Hennessy, Martel and Remy Martin for most of its life. Saved from sitting dormant since its decommission in 1994, our still has been fully refurbished to restore it back to its former glory and is now producing smooth, sweet new make spirit made from Dartmoor barley. Inspired by the rugged land of Dartmoor on which we live and guided by our Master Distiller, Frank McHardy, our mission is to produce single malt whisky of unrivalled quality that encapsulates the true spirit of Dartmoor National Park.
Reviewed By Johnanddiane
Well worth a visit Simon is a great host very informative interesting talk all about the “history”of Dartmoor Whisky Distillery and the making of whisky. Please if your interested in local interest want to support them or just find out about whisky making go and enjoy an hour or so here. Do a little tasting and maybe purchase a bottle. Could do this trip on your own or as a couple group friends (not really for young children )
5. Buckfast Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,466 reviews
We are delighted to be partially re-opening from Monday, 26th April 2021 and fully re-opening from 17th May, (subject to Government guidelines.) Our Gift Shop will be open during our partial re-opening and our Grange Tea Rooms will be open for a takeaway service. Toilets will also be open. During this period, our opening times will be 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday and 11.30am to 4pm Sundays. The Abbey Church, Bookshop and Monastic Shop will remain closed during the partial re-opening time. We look forward to welcoming you and assure you that Covid safety measures are in place.
Reviewed By stormbringer55 - St. Albans, United Kingdom
What a lovely place . The air of tranquillity is amazing ,as is the Devon cream tea. Great visitor centre and good shops and a nice little Methodist chapel ,free parking and entry all go to make this a great place to visit . Just down the road from the steam railway another great place to visit.
6. Museum of Dartmoor Life
7. Buckland Abbey, National Trust
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 738 reviews
Enjoying a profound sense of calm and quiet, buried deep in a Devon valley, Buckland Abbey has been a home for hundreds of years. The Cistercian monks who founded this abbey in the later 13th Century led a life of religious contemplation and fruitful toil, working the land and tending their animals. Passed into private hands after Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries, Buckland Abbey underwent a major conversion to become the grand home of rich and famous seafarers, including Sir Francis Drake. For all that has changed over 750 years, Buckland is a place that has kept its air of peace and tranquility for modern day pilgrims to enjoy.
Reviewed By suej391
Very informative and interesting, full of history and certainly learnt more about Sir Francis Drake, the tithe barn well worth visiting, and most beautiful gardens, with good cafe it makes a very enjoyable day. Found the staff very helpful.
8. Devon Guild of Craftsmen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
A free admission contemporary crafts gallery with large shop in a beautiful riverside setting on the fringe of Dartmoor.
Reviewed By N4135PGjulianh
Visited this innovative art/crafts centre tucked inside a picturesque former mill. First you walk into the courtyard where a very welcoming man was operating the mobile coffee shop. Then you walk through into the shop which displays many beautifully designed pieces and objects produced by local artists and craftspeople. Beyond this are the galleries which are laid out traditionally with exhibits placed on plinths and against whitewashed walls, with artists’ summaries of their work and inspiration. The building is an exciting place to exhibit work and provides a great showcase for local talent. If you buy something from the shop the staff are very helpful and share your excitement with your purchase. They can also provide further information on the artists who exhibit at the centre, if you ask at the desk.
9. Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,966 reviews
We are a small, friendly and very different visit for all the family. Run by a small dedicated team we aim to make your visit educational and fun. You can enjoy and learn about our tropical butterflies in the specially designed habitat of which you become part. You not only see the butterflies but feel the rainforest atmosphere that they enjoy as you see their amazing life cycle unfold.In the Otter Sanctuary there are three species of otter to see, our native British otter, the playful Asian short clawed otters and the large North American river otters who love to show off. Our keeper is on hand to explain all about the otters to visitors, some are here for breeding, some for retirement, some just for fun and some because they are unsuitable to be returned to the wild.Make sure to bring your camera.
Reviewed By DaveWebbSouthMolton - South Molton, United Kingdom
A cheap, value for money attraction. We have been several times and always found all the staff there informative and very helpful. We particularly like the fact that it is left to be natural which is very important for otters as it replicates their natural environment. well stocked shop with a good selection of goods on sale including some gorgeous canvas photographs of the otters there. The keepers passion for the animals there excels during the otter feeding times and its obviously a love and passion rathe than a job - well done to all of them there for providing what can only be described as a great visit attraction for less than a tenner each!
10. South Devon Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,257 reviews
The South Devon Railway is one of the West Country’s best loved tourist attractions and is the longest established steam railway in the region. The former GWR branch line runs along the stunning valley of the Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes on a 14 mile round trip. The steam trains offer a wonderful all day, all weather attraction for families and people of all ages. The railway also has a fascinating museum, gardens, riverside walk, locomotive restoration workshops, a gift and model railway shop, refreshment rooms and more. Free car parking at Buckfastleigh, just off the A38, midway between Exeter and Plymouth; Totnes is a 500 yard walk from the main line station.
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