Dartmoor is rich in its beauty, from its wildlife and greenery to historic churches. These towns and villages are regarded as some of Dartmoor’s most picturesque areas, featuring some of the moor’s best views and prettiest architecture.
Widecombe
Located in central Dartmoor, this village is one of the moor’s most notable civilisations. Widecombe is home to St. Pancras Church, a fourteenth-century Gothic building dubbed the ‘Cathedral of the Moor’ for its size compared to the size of the village. The Widecombe valley is a lush green landscape which provides wonderful views for the village.
Ashburton
Located on the south-east side of the moor, Ashburton is the national park’s largest town. The town centre features some wonderful antique shops and artisan bakeries, making it a must-visit destination when visiting the moor.
One of the town’s most prominent buildings is its parish church, St. Andrew’s Church, a beautiful fifteenth-century building which features intricate sculpture and stained glass windows. Featuring some beautiful greenery and bordering the River Dart, the views seen on the outskirts of the town are undeniably picturesque.
Chagford
Chagford is a quaint town on the north-east edge of the moor, often listed as one of Britain’s prettiest market towns. Surrounded by beautiful woodland areas with multitudes of wildlife and containing a vibrant array of local shops and galleries in its centre, Chagford’s unique beauty is representative of many of Dartmoor’s towns. Chagford is also located between Castle Drogo and Bovey Castle, two buildings that best display the area’s stunning architecture. It’s also home to Mill End Hotel in Chagford!
Bovey Tracey
A hub of culture right on the edge of the moor, Bovey Tracey features some beautiful architecture and is home to several grade I and II listed churches. This little town has a fascinating history and is known for its pottery, which can be seen in the Bovey Pottery Museum. Bovey Tracey is also home to Bovey Heath, an area of heathland which is home to some of the area’s diverse wildlife.
Lustleigh
Widely regarded as one of Devon’s prettiest villages, with some calling it one of the prettiest in the country, Lustleigh is Dartmoor’s picturesque village. Some of the highlights of the village are an art gallery and a tea room. The village is known for its traditional thatched buildings. Despite being a small village, Lustleigh boasts a quintessentially picturesque centre, as well as some of the most beautiful views in the area.
Image Credit: Lustleigh – Cross by Colin Smith
Tavistock
Located on the west edge of Dartmoor, this town is one of the gateways to the moor. The town features The Meadows in its centre, a park which contains a wonderful selection of wildlife. The Tavistock canal is a beautiful route which is home to various types of bird and makes for a peaceful and scenic walk along the water. Tavistock is home to the medieval ruins of Tavistock Abbey, which provide a picturesque historical destination.
Dartmoor is home to some remarkably picturesque locations, and these villages and towns are only a few of the many beautiful places it has to offer. If you’re visiting the area, these are some must-visit locations if you want to see some of Devon’s outstanding natural beauty.