In the latest of Devon Life’s series of features supporting the work of Visit Devon, we turn our attention to the activities and adventure available on Dartmoor

Great British Life: Youngsters will love exploring DartmoorYoungsters will love exploring Dartmoor (Image: Archant)

Days off are precious – so spend them somewhere special! For a perfect day out or easy quick escape from the daily grind, look no further than Dartmoor. A short hour’s drive and you’ll feel like you are a million miles away; there’s no need to travel far when you’ve got Dartmoor on your doorstep.

A great escape…

…for the family

There’s few places better placed for a family getaway than Dartmoor. 368 square miles of the largest and wildest open country in southern England is waiting for you to explore. Base yourself at the family friendly lsington Hotel and simply explore!

There’s plenty to do that’s free - kite flying, scrambling up Haytor, treasure trails and searching for the Dartmoor ponies. Then there’s the exceptional attractions that are guaranteed to keep the kids entertained, yet are still fun for the adults.

Pennywell Farm offers hands-on animal activities, ranging from bottle-feeding lambs and baby goats, ferret racing to reindeers, puppet shows, singalongs as well as hedgehogs to meet as well as being home to the world famous miniature pigs.

Becky Falls Woodland Park is another great idea for a perfect family day out. This world-renowned Dartmoor landmark has something for all the family to enjoy, a spectacular landscape and fantastic, value-packed day out.

The House of Marbles has been manufacturing traditional games, puzzles, toys, marbles and glassware for many years. Visitors can wander around the old pottery buildings, enjoy the museums of glass, games and marbles, browse in the gift shop, or be entertained by a wonderful collection of marble runs and the giant floating marble amongst their other amusements.

....for the romantics

Indulge yourselves with dinner at one of the finest restaurants in the country. Boasting two Michelin stars Gidleigh Park offers an innovative, modern European cuisine and one of the most extensive wine lists in the country.

Boringdon Hall offers historical grandeur. Or, if something a little less grand is your taste, then the Mill End, Two, Bridges and Prince Hall country house hotels all successfully combine luxury and informality in comfortable settings.

…for adventure

Adventure Okehampton specialises in outdoor activities for all you daredevils wanting a thrill. With over 18 different activities ranging from canoeing to raft building and high ropes to archery- not forgetting Adventure Okehampton’s incredible 50m free abseil The Great Oke - there’s something for all ages! If you think you have what it takes, get down there for an ultimate active experience!

Tree surfers in Tavistock provides an adrenaline-pumping, heart-thumping bird’s eye experience. Test your limits on rope bridges, zip wires and tree jumps. Don’t just get close to nature, be part of it. The ropes course is a three-hour experience of ropes challenges, swings and zip lines high up in the trees.

Roadford Lake near Okehampton, is an AALA and RYA approved training centre for dinghy sailing, windsurfing and kayaking and with fully qualified training instructors we can suit all needs from beginners to the more experienced.

…for the boys

Golfers have access to some of the best courses in the South West – Bovey Castle’s championship course will challenge the best. Recreational golfers will enjoy the 18- and nine-hole courses at Wrangaton Golf Course, the Manor House and Ashbury hotels.

Some people dream of adventure! Adventure 360 makes it happen – rock climbing, bushcraft and survival and navigation will create stories to be told over a pint for years to come.

If fishing is your forte then Week Farm is the ideal fishing trip away with three coarse fishing lakes on offer for all. The Arundell Arms Hotel at Lifton is one of the world’s best know fly fishing venues with professional instruction or simply miles of great fishing.

Alternatively fish for your dinner in the trout lakes on Dartmoor run by South West Lakes Trust.

Beer more your thing? Dartmoor has some well established and amazing pubs serving local beers like the award-winning Jail Ale, Dartmoor IPA and Legend.

The Who’d Have Thought It Inn at Yelverton, the Royal Oak in Meavy and the Ring of Bells in North Bovey all specialise in serving local brews and exceptional pub food.

...for the girls

Immerse yourself in the luxurious décor and outstanding service at Bovey Castle. With fantastic facilities such as an indoor and outdoor pool, health fitness and beauty facilities, spa bath and sauna; it’s the perfect girly getaway for individual or group experiences. With a vast array of activities available and a fantastic food and wine list to indulge your taste buds with, Bovey Castle is a dream destination.

Or fancy glamping? Woodovis Park is a small and friendly five-star park! Offering a spa, therapy sauna, an indoor heated swimming pool, a children’s games room and play area as well as a nature trail and other outdoor activities, Woodovis Park is the ideal place for that glamping experience, whether it be for families, couples or groups. Its location is great for those wishing to explore the Moor or nearby Tavistock with its boutique shops, top quality patisseries and perfect places to lunch.

…for something different?

If you fancy something different – take a nature trail with Dartmoor Nature, or explore Dartmoor’s myths and legends with one of our experienced Dartmoor guides. Follow that up with a trip to the key War Horse filming locations or the mysterious Three Hares Trails – Ludgate Gallery in Chagford will tell you more.

Of course, you could treat yourself to an unforgettable experience at the relaunched Glazebrook House Hotel. Completely refurbished with designer features and exquisitely decorated rooms; each with their own unique character- such as the doll’s house wall hangings in the Mad Hatter room or the butterfly writing desk in the Caterpillar room – sophisticated, but fun! Enjoy unpretentious dining, this is big on flavour and technical skill or stay and immerse yourself in this quirky luxury.

For more about what to do and where to stay in the Dartmoor area go to the official destination website for Dartmoor dartmoor.co.uk