Dartmoor transforms into a captivating wonderland during the winter months. While many might associate this region with summer hikes and sunny days, there’s a unique charm to visiting Dartmoor in the colder season.
The moorland’s tranquil atmosphere, frosty landscapes, and the cosy allure of its historic villages offer a distinctive experience that beckons visitors to explore. Winter in Dartmoor presents a wealth of activities and sights that promise to delight and inspire. Join us as we delve into the many reasons why Dartmoor is a must-visit destination this winter.
Stunning Winter Landscapes
Dartmoor transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months. The moorland, often dusted with a light frost or blanket of snow, offers breathtaking scenery that is a stark contrast to the lush greens of summer.
The crisp air enhances the beauty of the rolling hills, granite tors, and ancient woodlands, creating a perfect backdrop for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Peaceful and Tranquil Atmosphere
Winter is the ideal time to experience Dartmoor at its most serene. The summer crowds have dwindled, leaving the moors quieter and more peaceful. This tranquillity allows visitors to truly connect with nature, enjoying the sounds of the wind rustling through the heather and the distant calls of wildlife without interruption.
Enjoying a Cosy Sunday Lunch
There’s nothing quite like savouring a hearty Sunday roast after a brisk walk through Dartmoor’s wintry landscape. At the Mill End Hotel restaurant, you can indulge in a delicious roast made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
The cosy atmosphere of the restaurant, combined with the rich, comforting flavours of the roast, creates an unparalleled dining experience. Unlike the sweltering summer months, winter provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying this traditional meal, making it a delightful way to warm up and relax after exploring the countryside.
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Historic Sites and Cosy Villages
Dartmoor is home to many historic sites that take on a magical quality in winter. Ancient stone circles, medieval ruins, and prehistoric settlements are particularly striking against the winter landscape. Additionally, the quaint villages scattered around Dartmoor, with their cosy pubs and warm, welcoming atmosphere, provide perfect spots to relax and warm up after a day of exploring.
Exploring Wistman’s Wood
Wistman’s Wood, one of the UK’s oldest dwarf-oak forests, is at its most enchanting during the winter months of December, January, and February. The trees, stripped of their leaves, reveal the intricate and sculptural shapes of their gnarled, prehistoric trunks, which are covered in vibrant mosses and lichen.
This natural wonder takes on an almost otherworldly beauty, especially when shrouded in fog, creating a mystical atmosphere perfect for photography. The winter light and the eerie ambience of Wistman’s Wood make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers seeking unique and magical landscapes.
Perfect for Photography
The unique lighting conditions and dramatic weather changes in Dartmoor during winter create fantastic opportunities for photography. Whether it’s capturing the golden hour light on a frosty morning or the dramatic cloud formations over the moors, photographers will find endless inspiration.
Starry Winter Skies
Dartmoor’s status as a Dark Sky Reserve makes it an exceptional place for stargazing, especially in winter when the nights are longer and often clearer.
Dartmoor National Park is blessed with very little light pollution and is one of the top spots in the UK to go stargazing. The best time to go is late at night during a new moon. January is the best month to visit, as you’ll get a clear view of the Milky Way. Brace yourself for a chilly night, and make sure you bring your cosy blankets, flasks of hot chocolate, and woolly hats!
Festive Cheer and Seasonal Events
Winter brings a festive spirit to the region, with local towns and villages hosting various seasonal events and markets. From Festive fairs to Christmas craft workshops, there are plenty of opportunities to experience local culture and festivities.
Christmas at Castle Drogo
Experience the magic of Christmas at Castle Drogo this winter. The castle, beautifully adorned with traditional decorations, trees, garlands, and twinkling lights, exudes a festive glow that lifts the spirits. Each room is meticulously decorated to capture the essence of the holiday season, transforming the castle into a winter wonderland.
Visitors can enjoy the warm, welcoming ambience and the stunning holiday displays, which brighten even the darkest of Dartmoor days. A visit to Castle Drogo during the Christmas season is sure to fill you with festive cheer and create lasting memories of the holiday spirit.
Celebrate Christmas at Powderham Castle
Every year, this fortified Grade I listed manor house in Exminster transforms into a winter wonderland. The castle and grounds come alive with an impressive after-dark light walk. As you wander through Powderham Castle’s grand rooms, you’ll feel the festive spirit in the air.
Twinkling lights, festive floral arrangements, and showstopping Christmas trees adorn every corner.
On the castle grounds, you’ll discover a charming selection of small Christmas stalls offering various foods and beverages. This experience can be enjoyed throughout December and tickets can be booked through Powderham Castle’s website.
South Devon Steam Railway Round Trip
The South Devon Railway is one of Devon’s most beloved tourist attractions. Taking you on a 14-mile round trip by steam railway through serene, picturesque valleys from Buckfastleigh to Totnes Riverside, this mini adventure transports you back in time to what’s known as the golden era of travel.
During the festive season, the South Devon Steam Railway offers a magical Polar Express experience for families. This hour-long authentic journey lets you meet the conductor and his crew as the steam train “heads to the North Pole.” Santa and his elves climb aboard to greet passengers, while Santa’s dancing chefs serve their famous hot chocolate and cookies. Throughout the ride, Chris Van Allsburg’s classic “Polar Express” tale is narrated in its entirety.
Winter Game Shooting
Winter in Devon marks the prime season for game shooting, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to partake in this traditional country pursuit. Dartmoor’s diverse terrain and dedicated estate land make it an ideal location for organised game shooting, providing both challenging and rewarding experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a novice looking to try your hand at this classic activity, the winter season brings the perfect conditions for a successful outing.
Devon Clay Shooting
This time-honoured sport was originally developed to hone a huntsman’s shooting skills. Clay pigeon shooting, also known as target shooting, involves launching clay targets into the air to mimic birds in flight. The marksman then aims and attempts to shoot down the target. Target shooting is an accessible sport that offers plenty of excitement.
Devon Clay Shooting provides a full-day course open to both experienced and novice shooters. After a morning introduction, you’ll venture out to three of Devon’s various shooting estates to practise. You can choose how many cartridges to shoot based on your enthusiasm. This activity is suitable for individuals aged 14 and older. The day includes a light lunch at their farmhouse, followed by two more shooting drives in the afternoon.
Wintery Woodland Walks
Dartmoor is home to some of the most enchanting woodland winter walks, offering serene and picturesque trails that are perfect for exploring during the colder months. One of the standout locations is the Teign Gorge, where the River Teign winds its way through a stunning landscape of ancient woodlands and dramatic gorges.
In winter, the bare branches of the trees reveal the intricate beauty of the woodland, while the crisp air and occasional frost add a touch of magic to the scenery. You can easily walk through the Teign Gorge area from Mill End Hotel if you are staying with us.
Another great woodland walk in the wintertime is through Bovey Valley. Offering some of the most stunning views in Dartmoor, the Bovey Valley woodlands walk is the perfect place to go outdoors if it’s drizzly or quite misty.
Taking you from the lower end of the valley up through the woodlands to Lustleigh Cleave and then to Hunter’s Tor, this walk guides you through the woods alongside a flowing river that’ll offer some great winter views.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful stroll, the woodland trails of Dartmoor offer a captivating escape into nature’s winter wonderland.
If you’re planning to stay and try some of these recommended activities, Mill End Hotel provides a perfect countryside hideaway away from the hustle and bustle of big towns and cities. With our hotel and restaurant open throughout December, why not celebrate Christmas with us in the serene Dartmoor countryside this year?