While Dartmoor is a nature lover’s paradise, some people underestimate just how much history there is to discover. Many people have utilised this wonderful patch of land across the generations, and evidence of historic lives made on the Moor can still be seen today.
As Dartmoor has been conserved for many decades now, much of the area is untamed wilderness. However, particularly at the edges, you can find a spattering of gorgeous National Trust locations, from regal buildings to ancient woodlands.
If you’re staying at hotels in Chagford or Dartmoor, here are some of our favourite National Trust locations to add to your Dartmoor itinerary.
Lydford Gorge
Lydford Gorge is the deepest river gorge in the South-West. Lyd River supposedly got its name from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘hlyda’, meaning ‘loud’, which gives you an idea of what to expect.
Lydford Gorge’s 30m-high Whitelady Waterfall has attracted visitors since the Victorian era, but the temperate rainforest around it is also stunning to see and makes for amazing photos.
The area is best enjoyed hiking. There’s a lot of rugged ground to cover, so bring sturdy footwear. You can also enjoy the site’s tea rooms and second-hand bookshop.
Castle Drogo
Arguably the most impressive National Trust building on Dartmoor, Castle Drogo was the last castle built in England, commissioned and completed in the early 1900s. It’s also only a short, leisurely walk from Mill End Hotel.
The castle was designed to mirror the rugged terrain of Dartmoor, and it certainly provides an eye-catching feature to the dramatic hills overlooking Teign Gorge.
Castle Drogo includes the building itself, a chapel, and stunning gardens. Some rugged natural terrain is also on the outskirts of the estate.
Castle Drogo is also on one of Dartmoor’s most popular walking routes – alongside the next entry on this list – and can be incorporated into a day’s walking if you fancy a challenge.
Image: Castle Drogo by Colin Smith. CC BY-SA 2.0
Fingle Bridge
If you’re looking for more walking adventures in Dartmoor that are a stroll away from our hotel, you’ll want to make the hike towards Fingle Bridge. Serving as a pathway from Fingle Woods to Castle Drogo, it’s a wonderfully calm monument to the rugged, slightly mystical nature of Dartmoor itself.
Note that while this is a National Trust location, it is also just a bridge, albeit there are plenty of places in the local area for refreshments and a sit down if needed. Many people staying with us visit this bridge as part of walks around Teign Gorge, which offers plenty of routes for all levels of walking ability.
Image: Fingle Bridge by AJD. CC BY-SA 2.0
Finch Foundry
While Dartmoor is a picture of calm today, historically, it has been a hive of mining activity and production. Finch Foundry is one of the best living examples of Dartmoor’s productive past.
The last working water-powered forge in England, Finch Foundry once used the power of Dartmoor’s waterways to create over 400 tools per day. Nowadays, the location offers guided tours to help people understand its manufacturing past.
Alongside the forge and workshop, Finch Foundry also has a small garden and summer house to explore alongside a second-hand bookshop, meaning there’s something for everyone.
Image: Sticklepath: The Finch Foundry by Michael Garlick. CC BY-SA 2.0
Milfordleigh Wood
If you’re looking for National Trust locations off the tourist path, Milfordleigh Wood could be the perfect place to visit. This woodland is located on the outskirts of Chagford and is full of secrets to discover.
This tiny plantation feels like a place that time has forgotten. Rocks covered in moss line the paths beneath hanging tree branches and loose boulders dot the river flowing through.
It’s a simple enough walk for hikers (although the uneven ground might make it uncomfortable for some) and a great way to spend a lazy afternoon away from the crowds.
Image: Bridleway to Murchington by Derek Harper. CC BY-SA 2.0
Parke
A must-visit for any fans of National Trust Gardens. Parke is situated just outside Bovey Tracey and has everything you need for a wonderful day out.
The Parke estate was once home to a wealthy local family, and the amount of stuff on their lands suggests they may have been self-sufficient. Parke has a collection of gardens, from stunning floral gardens to fruit and vegetable patches. There are also grazing meadows for livestock and fish ponds in the nearby River Bovey.
Whether you want a relaxing day strolling through the gardens or want to explore the rugged forests surrounding the estate, a day at Parke has something for everyone.
Image: Parke House by Roger Cornfoot. CC BY-SA 2.0
Shaugh Bridge & Cadover Bridge
Another popular visit for walkers, Shaugh and Cadover Bridge are two landmarks in South-West Dartmoor that can be combined into a circular walk along the River Plym that usually takes around two-and-a-half hours to complete.
Shaugh Bridge is located in rugged woodland, surrounded by remains of centuries-old iron mines, brick kilns and more. Cadover Bridge, meanwhile, provides a great view of open moorland and rolling hills that provide scenic views across South Devon.
The walk is moderately challenging, but if you can, you’ll get a great sense of the rich natural history and variety that Dartmoor offers.
Image: Cadover Bridge and River Plym by Ruth Sharville. CC BY-SA 2.0
Hopefully, this list will inspire your next visit to Dartmoor! There’s so much more to discover, from beautiful cycling paths to quaint villages.
If you have a particular interest in Dartmoor’s historic buildings, our Mill End Hotel is a 15th-century mill house and retains the original mill’s features. Take a look at our rooms and discover why Mill End is the perfect base from which to discover Dartmoor.
Header image: Parke House by David Smith. CC BY-SA 2.0