Lydford Gorge & Castle (National Trust)

The River Lyd flows through the gorge, which is the deepest in

South West England.

The gorge is 1.5 mile (2.4 km) long, near Lydford.

Owned and maintained by the National Trust since 1947,

the gorge features the 100 ft (30 metre) high 'White Lady Waterfall'

and a series of whirlpools known as the 'Devil's Cauldron'.

Also near by in the village is Lydford Castle,

It's ruins dominates the village.

The Stables,

Lydford Gorge

Lydford, Devon,

EX20 4BH

Tel: 01822 820441

Map

www

Okehampton Castle (National Trust)

The Castle is a ruined motte and bailey castle situated on the north west

boundaries of Dartmoor. The castle has Norman origins and dates from

the late 11th century. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book

(completed in 1086) which states that at that time it was in the

possession of Baldwin de Brionne, the Sheriff of Devon.

Much of the surviving masonry, including the bulk of the Keep

and the curtain walls, is of fourteenth century construction.

Castle Lodge,

Okehampton.

Tel: 01837 52844

Map

Museum of Dartmoor Life, Okehampton

This superb Dartmoor social history museum has just been completely

refurbished, and has a small shop, interactive child friendly galleries,

tours by Dartmoor people who have lived and worked in the area, an

education room for taks and workshops and various teadching resources

linked to the National Curriculum. The particular edge of this Dartmoor People

museum is the collection of oral, visual and photographic history of Dartmoor

farmers, Dartmoor tin miners, cidar making and more. Dartmoor farming has

seen many changes over the years. Once a tight knit extended family concern,

this approach has all but died out with contemporary farming pressures.

Museum of Dartmoor Life,

3 West Street,

Okehampton,

Devon,

EX20 1HQ

Tel: 01837 52295

Map

Dartmoor Railway

A visit to this part of Dartmoor is hardly complete without a trip on the

beautifully scenic Dartmoor Railway. It's a superb way to view this northern

section of Dartmoor National Park. The aptly named 'Dartmoor Pony' puffs

off from Okehampton Station and climbs for 2 miles through glorious scenic

Devon countryside. This Devon railway route takes you past the ruins of

medieval Okehampton Castle, then on through Estrayer Park tunnel,

and out into open fields - a beautiful run. If you're interested in Devon mining

and quarrying history then this trip is a must as it takes you past the workings

of Meldon stone quarry to the spectacular Meldon Viaduct station in the

Dartmoor National Park. The Meldon Viaduct just happens to be the largest

viaduct structure of this kind remaining in the UK.

Dartmoor Railway,

Okehampton Station,

Okehampton.

Tel: 01837 55330

Castle Drago (National Trust)

The 'last castle to be built in England', set above the Teign Gorge with

dramatic views over Dartmoor, One of the most remarkable works of

Sir Edwin Lutyens and the last castle to be built in England, perched

above the Teign Gorge with dramatic views over Dartmoor

Highest National Trust garden, at 900 feet.

Castle Drogo

Drewsteignton,

Devon

EX6 6PB

Tel: 01647 433306

Map

www

Buckland Abbey (National Trust)

700-year-old home of Elizabethan seafarers Drake and Grenville,

in beautiful Tavy Valley estate, home of Elizabethan seafarer

Sir Francis Drake. Explore 700 years of history through interactive

displays. Secluded location in beautiful Tavy Valley

Rumoured to be haunted by Drake and accompanying 'hell hounds'

Hands-on activities. Estate Letterbox Trail and Tracker Pack

Buckland Abbey

Yelverton,

Devon

PL20 6EY

Tel: 01822 853607

Map

Buckfast Abbey 

Built almost entirely by amateur builders. The Benedictine monks built

this beautiful place themselves, they had the services of a professional

architect and the assistance of one monk who had been sent to learn the

art of the stone-mason. For the community it was a true labour of love in

the service of the Lord. The building is an outstanding achievement

showing much fine detail. The chapel at the buildings eastern end is quite

extraordinary, its beautiful windows were both designed and made

by the monks. The Monks of Buckfast Abbey are noted for their famous

Tonic Wine which was initially produced by French monks who settled at

the abbey in the 1880's. It can now available in the abbey's beautiful

grounds where visitors can find a restaurant. The shop stocks a wide

selection of gifts, and the unusual honey wine which is also produced

by the monks.

Buckfast Abbey

Buckfastleigh

Devon

TQ11 0EE

Tel:01364 645500

Miniature Pony Centre

Visitors to the Miniature Pony Centre can experience animals, activities

and discovery, all set in 20 acres of beautiful parkland within Dartmoor

National Park. There are lots of free, fun, hands-on activities and

displays every day. This includes a daily bird of prey display with

Martin the Falconer. There are lots of extra activities during the

school holidays, including children's magic shows, face painting

and art activities. In the Paddock View Cafe you can choose from a

full range of refreshments, including morning coffees, light lunches,

cream teas & cakes.

The Miniature Pony Centre

Wormhill Farm

North Bovey 

Devon

TQ13 8RG

Tel:01647 432400

Map

www

Dartmoor Prison Museum, Princetown

Princetown, the largest community on Dartmoor, is also the site

of Britain's best known prison. Built in 1806 by French prisoners

of war, it has served since 1850 as a penitentiary for 'lifers'.

Today the prison no longer holds high-risk prisoners but concentrates

rather on education and rehabilitation within a modernised facility.

Dartmoor Prison Museum

HMP Dartmoor

Princetown

Devon

PL20 6RR

Tel:01822 322130

Map

www

Morewellham Quay

Just a few miles west of Dartmoor, south west of Tavistock is this

historic river port in Devon, that developed to support the local mines.

The port had its peak in the Victorian era and is now run as a tourist

attraction. It is the terminus of the Tavistock Canal, and has its own

copper mine, originally set up by the Cistercian monks of Tavistock Abbey,

which was founded in 961, to carry goods to and from Plymouth on

the River Tamar, The site has been imaginatively preserved to give an

impression of Victorian industrial and rural life. The assayers' offices have

been carefully preserved and Victorian cottages, farm and schoolrooms

presented. The ore crushing plants driven by a 32 foot overhead

waterwheel can be seen. An electric tramway takes passengers down

into the copper mine and there is also an extensive ecological programme

of visits to explore the valley by water and land.

The old lime kilns can also be seen.

Morwellham Quay 

Tavistock

Devon

PL19 8JL

Tel:01822 832766

Map

www

River Dart Country Park

With over ninety acres of wonderful woods, beautiful lakes, the River Dart

and breathtaking parkland for you and your family, its the perfect setting

for all kinds of outdoor activities. Children can rough-and-tumble over space

nets, swing through trees on jungle ropes or even capture a wooden pirate

ship, surrounded by water! Toddlers aren’t left out either with our Toddlers’

Beach and Lilliput, just perfect for tiny explorers. For the more adventurous,

during high season, "Dare Devils" offer instructor supervised activities 

on-site, including mega zip wire, high ropes course, open boat canoeing

and indoor climbing.

River Dart Country Park

Ashburton

Devon

TQ13 7NP

Tel: 01364 652511

Map

www

Stone Lane Gardens - Mythic Sculptures Exhibition

Stone Lane Gardens, Stone Farm, Chagford, Devon. TQ13 8JU

Tel:01647 231311

Finch Foundry

The last working water-powered forge in England, a 19th century water-powered forge situated in the village of Sticklepath near Okehampton. It was originally used to produce agricultural and mining hand tools, but the Foundry has been a National Trust property since 1994. The Trust maintains it in working order. See the three large waterwheels driving the huge tilt hammer and grindstone, and enjoy demonstrations throughout the day. The foundry used to make sickles, scythes and shovels for West Country farmers and miners. You will find a fascinating display of tools in the old grinding shop, and in the garden is a summerhouse that once belonged to Tom Pearse (of Widecombe Fair fame). Starting from the foundry there are waymarked walks along the River Taw and up on to Dartmoor.

Sticklepath,

Okehampton,

Devon

EX20 2NW

Tel:01837 840046

South Devon Railway

2009 is the 40th anniversary of the re-opening of the South Devon Railway.

The South Devon Railway Trust is a registered Charity who operate a Standard Gauge Railway between Buckfastleigh and Totnes via Staverton, beside the fast flowing river Dart.

Drive a Railway Engine (The Perfect Farthers Gift)

The SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY can make it possible for you to fulfil this dream, or for a relative, friend or colleague. Just contact Marina on 01364 642338

The South Devon Railway Plc

The Station

Dart Bridge Road

Buckfastleigh

South Devon

TQ11 0DZ

Tel: 0845 3451427

www

Duchy Square, Princetown Art Centre

Arts and Crafts for everyone, meet the artists - watch them at work!

Exhibitions throughout the year, galleries, well stocked shop, teaching room & gallery for hire. As well as the workshops offered by the centre in the large classroom, individual artists also teach smaller groups and can offer their expertise in their own studios. Classes can be tailored to your needs. These include weaving, feltmaking, printmaking, silver metal clay, dyeing, spinning, weaving, mosaic, painting, quilting etc.

Duchy Square Centre For Creativity.

Tavistock Road

Princetown

Devon

PL20 6QF

Tel: 01822 890828

www

High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown

Dartmoor's major visitor and interpretation centre in the heart of the moor. Exciting displays for all the family about Dartmoor's natural and cultural heritage. Six exhibition rooms with exciting displays featuring life size characters, computer interactive displays, audio visual and photographic displays. The exhibitions give an insight into the natural and cultural heritage of Dartmoor. They cover wildlife, archaeology, granite quarrying, peat working, mining, military use, water, farming and forestry. There is information about Dartmoor artists and writers including Sherlock Holmes and features on conservation and the story of Princetown. The centre also houses a gallery with regularly changing exhibitions.

The High Moorland

Visitor Centre,

Tavistock Road,

Princetown,

Yelverton,

Devon,

PL20 6QF

Tel:01822 890414

Pennywell Farm & Wildlife Centre

Treat your family to the very best with a full day of hands on animal action at Pennywell Farm. Home of the half hourly activity there are up to 20 hands on activities, shows and displays every day, all included in the admission price. You won’t waste a single minute. Ponies and piglets, slides, go-karts, quad bikes and train rides, eagles and owls, walks and mazes, goats and guinea pigs, reindeer and rides, hedgehogs and bunnies, trampolines and tractors, ice creams and a licensed restaurant. Every half an hour a new fun activity is started - come and join in, watch, learn and have fun, almost everything is included in the entry price and all the day's activities are on a notice board as you walk in.

Pennywell Farm

& Wildlife Centre

Buckfastleigh

Devon

TQ11 OLT

Tel:01364 642023

www

Becky Falls Woodland Park

No visit to Devon would be complete without a day at Dartmoor’s famous Becky Falls, where there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Set within a spectacular ancient valley, the Falls have been attracting visitors for over 100 years and today offers a fantastic, value-packed day out for all age groups, both young and old alike, to enjoy the very best that Dartmoor has to offer.

Come and see for yourself why Becky Falls was voted Devon’s Top Beauty Spot and was chosen as one of the World Wildlife Fund’s Incredible Family Days Out, and be amazed by the variety of things to see and do. For families there’s lots of children’s entertainment during weekends and school and bank holidays, including animal feeding sessions, Cute and Cuddly Animal Encounter shows and a fun-filled and educational Scary Animal Encounter Show. Visit the Indoor Theatre for shows, animal attractions and children’s activities and, every day, children can enjoy the popular Nature Trail Competition, with a small prize for every child.

Becky Falls

Woodland Park Ltd.

Manaton,

Devon

TQ13 9UG

Tel: 01647 221259

www

The Garden House

The Garden House is the elegant former home of the vicars of Buckland Monachorum. The present building dates from the early 19th century and now accommodates the tearooms and conference centre, with 8-acre gardens.

The Garden House is a magical place where inspirational planting blends seamlessly into a timeless Devon landscape; where luxuriant, brilliant colour creates unforgettable panoramas and where the past meets the present. See the enchanting terraced walled garden with its 16th century tower, developed in the 1940s-1980s by plantsman Lionel Fortescue in the romantic cottage style. There is a series of vivid gardens in a more naturalistic style, together with a maple glade, wisteria-bridge, South African garden, quarry garden, bulb meadow and a wild flower meadow.

The Garden House,

Buckland Monachorum,

Yelverton,

Devon,

PL20 7LQ

Tel:01822 854769

www

Buckfast Butterflies and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary

BBDOS offers a great, enjoyable, otter and butterfly educational experience. Wander around the otter sanctuary and butterfly farm and see new butterflies emerge in tropical surroundings. See the otters swimming underwater in specially built glass enclosures. Follow the otter keeper around at feeding times. Learn about the otter, its recreational and family life whatever the weather. Online Shopping is here as well, so visit our shop for lots of great otter and butterfly gift ideas. We now also offer a joint Otter Experience perfect for otter lovers.

Buckfast Butterflies &

Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary.

The Station,

Buckfastleigh,

Devon

TQ11 0DZ

Tel:01364 642916

www

Canonteigh Falls

Home to England’s highest waterfall, descending a staggering 220 ft, (67m) Canonteign Falls is a breathtaking tourist attraction, and a wonderful day out in Devon for all the family. Situated within Dartmoor National Park, in the heart of Devon’s Teign Valley, the waterfalls tumble down ancient rock formations to meet the tranquil lakes below, offering some of the most spectacular waterfall and woodland scenery in Devon.

A breathtaking sight, described by one visitor as “one of the most idyllic places on earth ”, wildlife thrives in the peace and tranquillity that makes the Falls a haven for both adults and children. Gentle pathways take you to three scenic walks, suitable for all ages and abilities, and our forest garden and nature trail is a fascinating place to learn about wildlife and conservation techniques.

Canonteign Falls

Christow

Devon

EX6 7NT

Tel:01647 252434

www

Sparkwell, Dartmoor Zoological Park

With over 200 animals, from tiny stick insects to Ben and hailey the Brown Bears or Tazmin, Vlad, Blotch and Stripe the Amur Tigers, all set in over 33 acres of beautiful parkland. Discover something different, learn something amazing and help us make tomorrow's world rich in animal life.

Open daily from 10am all year round. It is a wonderful place to bring the children. Come and see the animals and enjoy new restaurant with-far reaching views, and delicious healthy food.

Dartmoor Zoological Park

Sparkwell,

Plympton,

Plymouth,

PL7 5DG

Tel:01752 837645

www        

The Rock Gardens

Set in the picturesque setting of the old Palace Quarry. There are about 8 acres of wild gardens, ponds, a rock walk with lovely views from the top and a small,

but attractive illuminated cave with interesting formations. There is a Waterfall and caves, Spectacular maidenhair tree, parkland landscaped and views over Dartmoor, nursery and tea rooms, tree ferns, fine garden walk with a pond and grotto and a colony of endangered Greater Horseshoe bats.

The Rock Garden is a unique hidden garden, sympathetically landscaped to maintain its wild nature and peaceful atmosphere. Set in extensive limestone quarries, the gardens have planted dells and an illuminated cave, all nestling at the base of the impressive outcrop of Chudleigh Rock, (Site of Special Scientific Interest), protected for the abundance of wildlife, scenic value, rare plants and insects, and the illusive waterfall and caves. A must see.

The Rock gardens

Station Hill

Chudleigh

Devon

TQ13 OEE

Tel:01626 852134

www