With a rich heritage and a range of famous sights to see, Dartmoor is known for being a beautiful place to visit in the UK. If you plan to take a trip to this renowned area, there is certainly no shortage of adventures to be had.
What Makes Dartmoor Famous?
Dartmoor is famous for its wide vast spaces, beautiful views, a wide range of wildlife, diverse tors, Dartmoor prison, creepy myths and legends and Ten Tors!
We explore some popular elements of Dartmoor that make this stunning location prominent in the UK.
Tors and Rugged Granite Landscapes
Dartmoor is most famously known for its tors, dramatic granite outcrops that rise above the moorland and dominate the skyline. These formations were created millions of years ago by weathering and erosion, and they give Dartmoor its distinct wild character. Some of the most iconic tors include Haytor, which is popular with climbers and walkers, and Yes Tor and High Willhays, the highest points on Dartmoor and in southern England.
Guide to The Tors of Dartmoor
Dartmoor Ponies
Another enduring symbol of Dartmoor is the Dartmoor pony. These hardy, semi-wild ponies have roamed the moor for centuries and are an integral part of its ecology and identity. While they live freely, they are actually owned by local farmers and are rounded up during annual “drifts” for health checks and foal registration. Visitors often encounter these ponies grazing near roads or along walking routes.
Guide to Seeing Dartmoor Ponies
Ten Tors
Founded in 1960 by the British Army, this famous challenge brings 2,400 teenagers in teams of 6 together to take part in a hiking challenge over ten famous tors of Dartmoor. Over the years, Ten Tors has become increasingly famous, with entrants from New Zealand and Australia participating.
HM Dartmoor Prison
Near Princetown is HM Dartmoor Prison, built in 1809 to house French prisoners of war. Over time, it became a high-security facility for British convicts. The most well-known inmate to set foot in this prison was Frank Mitchell, also known as ‘The Mad Axeman’, who escaped in 1965. The Dartmoor Prison Museum, located nearby, offers insight into life behind bars. The museum attracts around 35,000 visitors every year from all over the world. Image Credit: andrewrabbott under CC BY-SA 4.0
Legends & Ghost Stories
Dartmoor has inspired countless legends and ghost stories, from haunted tors to mysterious hounds. It’s the setting for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous Sherlock Holmes story, The Hound of the Baskervilles, which was inspired by tales of ghostly black dogs and the bleak moorland atmosphere. Other local myths include the sinister Hairy Hands of Dartmoor, said to appear on remote roads to grab the steering wheels of unsuspecting drivers, and pixie folklore, with stories of mischievous spirits who lead travellers astray in the mist. These tales add an atmospheric and supernatural element to Dartmoor’s appeal.
Dartmoor Ghost Stories
Unique Wildlife and Flora
Despite its windswept appearance, Dartmoor supports a surprising diversity of wildlife and plants. Birdwatchers may spot meadow pipits, curlews, and buzzards, while rare species like the marsh fritillary butterfly and high brown fritillary find refuge here. Dartmoor is also a stronghold for otters, adders, and various bat species. In spring and summer, the moor comes alive with purple heather, yellow gorse, and wildflowers. Its wetlands and ancient woodlands provide important habitats, making it a nationally important area for conservation.
Film, TV and Literary Inspiration
Dartmoor’s moody, atmospheric landscape has long been a magnet for writers, filmmakers, and artists. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles is the most famous literary connection, but the moor has also inspired writers like Agatha Christie, Eden Phillpotts, and Michael Morpurgo. The landscape has been featured in films and television series, including War Horse, Sherlock and Doctor Who.
Dartmoor Filming LocationsUnique Villages
Dartmoor is dotted with quaint villages; places like Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Chagford, and Postbridge are known for their stone cottages, historic inns, and atmospheric churches. Many buildings are constructed from local granite, giving them a distinctive, enduring charm. Widecombe, in particular, is famous for its annual fair, celebrated in the folk song Widecombe Fair (“Uncle Tom Cobley and all”), which draws visitors from across Devon and beyond.
Prehistoric Sites
Dartmoor is home to one of the richest concentrations of prehistoric archaeology in the UK. The moor is dotted with stone circles, burial cairns, and stone rows, many dating back over 4,000 years. These remnants of Neolithic and Bronze Age life are often found in remote, windswept areas, adding to their mystery and allure. Sites like Grimspound, a well-preserved Bronze Age settlement, and Merrivale, with its impressive stone row and ceremonial remains, offer a window into Dartmoor’s ancient past.
Ancient & Archaeological Sites On Dartmoor
Wild Swimming
The moor’s clear rivers and waterfalls make Dartmoor a popular destination for wild swimming. The River Dart, Teign, and Okement flow through wooded valleys and over granite boulders, forming deep pools that are perfect for a summer dip. Popular swimming spots include Sharrah Pool, Spitchwick, and Fingle Bridge, though many are hidden away and require a bit of walking to reach.
Places to Go Wild Swimming on Dartmoor
Want to experience all the things that make Dartmoor famous for yourself? Why not stay at our hotel in Chagford? We offer fantastic experiences, allowing you to relax and unwind after exploring the moor.