Local Activities

Dartmoor  The landscape around Dartmoor reflects many moods and colours, from the purple, heather clad moorland, with the wide open landscapes, to the rushing rivers and unusual stone tors; these all help to form the feeling and mood of Dartmoor. But there are many other spectacular sites to see which include the rolling valleys, bogs and wetland, the waterfalls and well trodden paths, the ancient, atmospheric forests and the lonely ruins. These sites are always changing but always breathtaking and range from being challenging and extreme to welcoming and heart warming.

We guarantee you will fall in love with Dartmoor, not just for the way it looks, but for what it can offer. Enjoy good local Dartmoor food, wander farmers markets, take in an art gallery or pick up something unique in the boutique shops of the moorland towns.

There are many activities to suit all sorts of people. For the more active visitor, get on your bike and get cycling, or run, hike or climb. There are fantastic horse riding opportunities across the moor, and you could also try canoeing on the River Dart.

 Okehampton is a traditional market town nestling in the northern foothills of Dartmoor.  Known as the walking centre of Devon, visitors can discover the wild side of Dartmoor on foot or explore forgotten villages by bike. Then there's riding, swimming, fishing and golf. For the less active there is a Victorian shopping arcade, a museum, a lovely park for picnics and the second oldest Norman Castle in the county.

To the north of the town are Dartmoor's two highest peaks; whilst to the south lies the National Trust gorge at Lydford - a picturesque village with its Whitelady waterfall.

There is an Edwardian evening in December and a farmers market on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month.  Okehampton is also a great place for the outdoor enthusiast.  There is tourist information at Okehampton TIC Museum Courtyard, 3 West Street.

Tavistock is a charming and historic market town, full of character and interest sitting on the western edge of Dartmoor. Records show that the town existed as far back as AD961. The River Tavy flows through the centre of the town and the area surrounding Tavistock is an area of outstanding natural beauty. There is a bustling indoor pannier market with many fascinating stalls selling a range of goods that will entice you to part with your hard earned cash, but you will not go away disappointed.  It's most famous son is Sir Francis Drake and it was voted Best Market Town in 2005. 

If there are any other places that you find of interest around Dartmoor, let us know and we will add them to our website.

Call us on Tel: +44 (0)1837 55979 or email carole@bowerlandcottageholidays.co.uk