Dartmoor National Park Authority

Planning your visit to Dartmoor

Dartmoor National Park is located in the south west of England in the county of Devon.  View a map of the location of Dartmoor.

Dartmoor isn't just wild in places, it's special too and is a wonderful place to visit all year round.  With nature reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, endangered birds, rare plants and thousands of archaeological sites, including burial chambers, stone circles and menhirs - more than anywhere else in North Western Europe - there is something of interest for everyone on Dartmoor.

Weather

The weather on Dartmoor can be unpredictable and often very different from the coastal areas of Devon. Metcheck.com provide a forecast of the weather at Yes Tor (external link, opens new window) on the north moor which is very useful for walkers.  

Dartmoor is situated in the south west peninsula of Britain, close to the sea. The prevailing winds in the area are westerly or south-westerly and bring warm moist air from the sea. Because of this it is generally warmer, wetter and windier here in the South West than in other parts of Britain.

Because much of Dartmoor rises high above the surrounding countryside the climate in the upland areas is different to the rest of Devon. The higher altitude and exposed nature of the landscape gives parts of Dartmoor more extreme climatic conditions. It is wetter, windier and colder. These upland areas of the moor are often the only part of Devon that receive snow in the winter. The weather has a direct effect on habitats and species found on the moor.

More information is available from the Climate and Weather Factsheet and about Climate Change.

Information Centres

Dartmoor National Park Authority manages a network of Information Centres and supports other local Tourist Information Centres, Community Information Points and Local Information Points throughout the Dartmoor area.  Dartmoor National Park Authority's Information staff, who are local people with a good knowledge of the moor, will always be pleased to help you.  Our High Moorland Visitor Centre is open throughout the year and is a good starting point for planning your visit.

What to See and Do around Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor has lots of attractions to enjoy including castles and historic houses, gardens, museums and heritage centres.  There are also forest walks, waterfalls, animal and wildlife parks, railways, arts and crafts centres and farmers' markets.  As well as places to visit you can enjoy a whole host of activities ranging from moorland walks, cycling, fishing and golf to swimming, outdoor pursuits and adventure.  The link below gives you access to an interactive map showing where you can find Dartmoor's many attractions and activities including Information Centres, car parks and public toilets.  Selecting the "i" button will display a list of map items together with their opening hours and useful contact details where available.  Additionally there is a printable PDF map. ( 846Kb) PDF Help

This system is provided for guidance only and whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, we can not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.  (For additional help using this system please refer to our GIS help page.)

Enjoying Dartmoor by bus and train

The Interactive Map button provides access to a map showing Dartmoor's bus and train network helping you to explore and discover Dartmoor without the car.  You can enjoy unlimited travel on an enhanced network on summer Sundays between late May and Mid September, by buying a Dartmoor & Tamar Valley Sunday Rover ticket for just £6.50 per adult and £16.00 for a family of up to two adults and three children (with free bus travel to Devonwide pass holders).  This system is provided for guidance only and whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, we can not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.  For further information on Dartmoor bus and train times call Traveline on 0871 200 2233.  (For additional help using this system please refer to our GIS help page.)

Accommodation

If you need to book accommodation within Dartmoor National Park, the Tourist Information Centres offer a 'book-a-bed-ahead' service, both locally and nationally. A free holiday and accommodation guide is also available from the Dartmoor Partnership Ltd (formerly the Dartmoor Tourist Association). Read more in the Accommodation section.

Whats On Guide - View a full list of Dartmoor Events and Guided Walks.

Maps,Guide Books and further information

Dartmoor National Park Authority have an Online Shop which sells books, clothing, trail guides, leaflets, maps, merchandise, stationery, videos and CDs. For further information about the range of products that are available visit our new Online Shop.

Access for People With Special Needs

Easy Going Dartmoor is an essential guide for visitors with special needs. This publication gives information about access to Dartmoor towns and villages, accessible toilets, easy going walks, suggested drives and guided walks and events. For accommodation visit www.dartmoor.co.uk (external site, opens new window)

Page updated 30 September 2009