Dartmoor is not only home to miles and miles of National Park and quaint villages to explore, but the area also has a wide variety of attractions to suit all interests! Here you can find some of the best Dartmoor attractions near Mill End Hotel in Chagford below.
2 miles from Mill End
Castle Drogo is an early 20th Century country house built in the style of a castle. Constructed between 1911 and 1930, Castle Drogo was the last castle to be built in England. The castle has striking views overlooking the Teign Gorge and is set within an estate and gardens that were carved into the landscape.
Now managed by the National Trust, the castle provides an interesting day out for those who love exploring historic properties and walks in stunning surroundings. Image Credit: WyrdLight.com
30 miles from Mill End
The inspiration for the novel and movie ‘We Bought a Zoo’, Dartmoor Zoo offers the chance to see an incredible assortment of exotic creatures, including lions, tigers, cheetahs and zebra, as well as some creatures from closer to home, including a hedgehog rehabilitation centre, otters and Scottish wildcats.
20 miles from Mill End
The Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary and Buckfast Butterfly Farm is a must-visit for wildlife lovers. Home to rescued and rehabilitated otters, you’ll be able to see British otters, Asian short-clawed otters and the large North American river otters while visiting the sanctuary. With feeding talks and tours throughout the day, you’ll be able to discover more about these fascinating creatures.
Here you’ll also find the Buckfast Butterfly Farm, a hothouse filled with living exotic butterflies and moths that fly around you as you stroll through the tropical pathways.
21 miles from Mill End (Postcode for your SatNav: TQ11 0DZ)
An immersive experience for heritage railway lovers, the South Devon Railway offers a 30-minute steam train ride along the beautiful Dart Valley from Buckfastleigh to Totnes. At Buckfastleigh Station, there is plenty to satisfy the railway enthusiast, including sidings, engine sheds, a model railway, a specialist shop and a charming “ride-on” miniature steam railway. You can also visit the Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary and Buckfast Butterfly Farm, which is right next door. Image Credit: Tony Hisgett
10 miles from Mill End
As well as being voted Devon’s Top Beauty Spot, Becky Falls was also chosen as one of the World Wildlife Fund’s Amazing Family Days Out, so you can be sure your visit is going to be fun as well as stunning.
Choose the Blue Trail for the Children’s Letterboxing activity, the Red Trail for a more challenging walk or to visit the Main Falls, or try the Purple Trail and Lower Falls for a real sense of Swallows and Amazons-style adventure! There’s something for all ages, so bring the whole family, including the dog! Image Credit: Nigel Cox / Dartmoor: Becky Falls / CC BY-SA 2.0
2.5 miles from Mill End
Stone Lane Gardens is a woodland and water garden on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. This RHS partner garden is famous for its National Collection of Birch and Alder trees. From June to October, there is also an annual sculpture exhibition. Dogs are welcome in the garden on leads.
5 miles from Mill End
Moretonhampstead Motor Museum is home to a collection of over 90 vintage vehicles, from Victorian horse-drawn carts to cars, as well as motorcycles and light commercial vehicles from pre-1920s to the 1990s. Run by two local motoring enthusiasts, the museum is housed in a newly refurbished bus depot in Moretonhampstead, Devon. The collection is complemented by motoring artefacts and automobilia, and the viewable restoration workshop makes it more than just a museum. Image Credit: Chris Allen under CC BY-SA 2.0
16 miles from Mill End
River Dart Country Park is set in 90 acres of parkland within Dartmoor National Park and is one of Devon’s best-loved family tourist attractions. The park has plenty of activities on offer, including adventure playgrounds, bike trails, a commando assault course and tree trail activities. Image Credit: Derek Harper under CC BY-SA 2.0
16 miles from Mill End
Discover the history of one of England’s most notorious prisons at the Dartmoor Prison Museum. Dating back to 1809, the prison has a rich history, and the museum offers displays on everything from previous prisoners to the uniforms and restraints used. You’ll find an interesting array of artefacts that offers an insight into past and present prison life. Image Credit: Neil Theasby under CC BY-SA 2.0
18 miles from Mill End
Buckfast Abbey forms part of an active Benedictine monastery at Buckfast in Devon. The current Abbey was founded in 1882 and is still home to monks today. As a visitor to Buckfast Abbey, you can explore the impressive church and Abbey gardens, as well as visit the restaurant, gift shop and bookshop.
Dartmoor is an amazing place to visit with the whole family – dogs included!
We’ve put together a few of our favourite things to do and places to go when the dogs are in tow!
READ: Things to do on Dartmoor With Dogs
With a rich and legendary history, Dartmoor is known for being one of the best places to visit in the UK for historical landmarks. If you plan to soak in some of Dartmoor’s history, there are plenty of sensational places to discover the past.
READ: Historical Places on Dartmoor to VisitOffering such a stunning and diverse landscape, it is no surprise that Dartmoor has been used as the filming location for many films and television shows.
If you’re visiting Dartmoor, it can be fun to explore these filming locations yourself.
READ: Dartmoor Filming LocationsThe striking moorland views are what makes Dartmoor so special, but there is much more to see and do throughout Dartmoor National Park. Whether you’re after enjoying a gentle stroll, a more exhilarating bike ride, a tasty bite in a cosy pub, or to learn more about the local history, there is certainly something for everyone on Dartmoor.
Her are some of the must-visit places to go on our doorstep of Dartmoor National Park, from walks in nature to historical attractions.
READ: Where to Go On Dartmoor National ParkMill End Hotel is the perfect base for exploring these Dartmoor attractions. After a busy day exploring the wildlife, heritage and adventures this area has to offer, there is nothing better than sinking into the comfort of our cosy beds at Mill End for a good night’s sleep.