England's youngest castle, designed by Lutyens and built of Dartmoor granite with all the mod-cons of the 1920's. At 300 metres high, it catches the wildest of Dartmoor's weather. Try a spot of croquet on the croquet lawn or amble through the garden and miles of walks in the Teign Gorge.
Home to a Roman Catholic community of Benedictine Monks, Buckfast Abbey is a living monastery that is open to visitors. You can pick up some Buckfast Tonic Wine or handmade gifts in the Monastic Produce shop.
Two very different species living happily in one sanctuary. See butterflies emerging in tropical surroundings at the butterfly farm and gain an insight into the secret underwater life of otters as you watch them from specially constructed glass enclosures. Visit the shop for otter and butterfly gifts. There are also facilities for treating any sick or injured otters that are brought to the sanctuary.
Perhaps better known as 'Ben's Zoo' from the BBC TV series which followed British columnist Benjamin Mee and his family's journey to rehabilitate and successfully re-open what had been a small, fading zoo. Dartmoor Zoological Park is now home to over 200 animals, from tiny stick insects to Ben the Brown Bear and Soloman the Lion. Set in 30 acres of beautiful parkland, with picnic areas, a shop, and a restaurant with fabulous views across the South Hams.
An outstanding building dating back 700 years, formerly the home of Sir Francis Drake and reputed to be haunted by him to this day.
Dartmoor is littered with mysterious standing stones, hut circles and old burial chambers believed to have been constructed up to 5,000 years ago. The stones at Merrivale are probably Dartmoor's most easily accessible, and include the longest double stone row in Europe, a stone circle, menhirs (standing stones) and a kistvaen (burial tomb).
This 18th century industrial-centre-turned-arts-centre has a theatre, concert hall, cinema, art gallery and waterside coffee shop and bar.
The castle was built in 1195 AD at a cost of around £35. Further alterations were made during the 13th Century. It was used as a prison and a court of law during the Middle Ages and even in its present condition modern day visitors can still get a sense of its intimidating past!
Twenty-seven granite slabs form this ancient Bronze Age stone circle, which occupies a clearing about half a mile west of Fernworthy reservoir. Nearby are three stone rows and a couple of stone cairns.
Start your exploration of Dartmoor here; run by national park staff, there are interactive displays on the moorland's wildlife and history, information on guided walks, an art gallery with regularly changing exhibitions and a shop selling local maps and books for the outdoor enthusiast.
'With 39 places to visit in Dartmoor, start planning your holiday or day out using the Classic Guide's independently reviewed places to go in Dartmoor.'
13 June 2025
England's youngest castle, designed by Lutyens and built of Dartmoor granite with all the mod-cons of the 1920's. At 300 metres high, it catches the wildest of Dartmoor's weather. Try a spot of croquet on the croquet lawn or amble through the garden and miles of walks in the Teign Gorge.
21 June 2022
Home to a Roman Catholic community of Benedictine Monks, Buckfast Abbey is a living monastery that is open to visitors. You can pick up some Buckfast Tonic Wine or handmade gifts in the Monastic Produce shop.
7 January 2014
Two very different species living happily in one sanctuary. See butterflies emerging in tropical surroundings at the butterfly farm and gain an insight into the secret underwater life of otters as you watch them from specially constructed glass enclosures. Visit the shop for otter and butterfly gifts. There are also facilities for treating any sick or injured otters that are brought to the sanctuary.
12 October 2013
Perhaps better known as 'Ben's Zoo' from the BBC TV series which followed British columnist Benjamin Mee and his family's journey to rehabilitate and successfully re-open what had been a small, fading zoo. Dartmoor Zoological Park is now home to over 200 animals, from tiny stick insects to Ben the Brown Bear and Soloman the Lion. Set in 30 acres of beautiful parkland, with picnic areas, a shop, and a restaurant with fabulous views across the South Hams.
30 May 2012
An outstanding building dating back 700 years, formerly the home of Sir Francis Drake and reputed to be haunted by him to this day.
4 April 2012
Dartmoor is littered with mysterious standing stones, hut circles and old burial chambers believed to have been constructed up to 5,000 years ago. The stones at Merrivale are probably Dartmoor's most easily accessible, and include the longest double stone row in Europe, a stone circle, menhirs (standing stones) and a kistvaen (burial tomb).
29 December 2011
This 18th century industrial-centre-turned-arts-centre has a theatre, concert hall, cinema, art gallery and waterside coffee shop and bar.
2 September 2011
The castle was built in 1195 AD at a cost of around £35. Further alterations were made during the 13th Century. It was used as a prison and a court of law during the Middle Ages and even in its present condition modern day visitors can still get a sense of its intimidating past!
11 November 2009
Twenty-seven granite slabs form this ancient Bronze Age stone circle, which occupies a clearing about half a mile west of Fernworthy reservoir. Nearby are three stone rows and a couple of stone cairns.
30 March 2009
Start your exploration of Dartmoor here; run by national park staff, there are interactive displays on the moorland's wildlife and history, information on guided walks, an art gallery with regularly changing exhibitions and a shop selling local maps and books for the outdoor enthusiast.