Pair of Beltane Border Morris Dancers in full costume outside the Rugglestone Inn

Top 10 things to do on Dartmoor

There’s just so much to see and do whilst holidaying on Dartmoor, it’s simply impossible to cram it all in.  To help get the best out of your stay at our Dartmoor Holiday Cottage we’ve compiled a list of 10 things we think are “must do’s” from our own holiday experiences at Three Pound Cottage.  They’re in no particular order of preference, we’ve just started with the local ones first.


10 things you really must do whilst holidaying at our Dartmoor holiday cottage

A pair of wonderful thatched Dartmoor holiday cottages in Wreyland basking in the sun

Stroll to Wreyland

Take the short stroll past the holiday cottage and cricket field to Wreyland to see some of the most amazing thatched historic properties in Devon.

If you have a few more minutes to spare, take the bridle path on the right to walk down to the stream.  Take a little detour up the open field on your right to get a great view of Lustleigh and a lovely perspective of Wreyland.

Take in the views from the famous Lustleigh Cleave

The walk along the Lustleigh Cleave towards Hunter’s Tor gives spectacular views across the Wray valley. The added bonus is it’s also a great way to build an appetite for the next “must do” on the list.

Stunning scenery from Lustleigh Cleave whilst staying at Three Pound Cottage the Dartmoor self catering holiday cottage
Picturesque thatched Porch entrance to Lustleigh's thatched pub surrounded by colourful flowers and wisteria enticing you in with an open door and warm Dartmoor welcome

Dine in The Cleave

The village pub “The Cleave” serves fantastic food with a warm welcome. It really should not be missed.

The only downside is you may find yourself dining there almost every night!  Certainly when we stay, the kitchen hardly gets used.

Walk up Haytor

Haytor is the most iconic Dartmoor Tor and with only being 5 miles from the holiday cottage it’s a definite must. Although often busy it’s never crowded and you can enjoy some spectacular walks around Haytor.

A holiday on Dartmoor just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Haytor. 

Elderly man with young grandson standing in front of Haytor, Dartmoors most iconic tor
Team of Dragon Archers in front of scoreboards

Slay a Dragon

We first heard of Dragon Archery from one of our guests.  Quite simply, it is archery made fun for the entire family.

Despite being a one hour drive from our Dartmoor holiday cottage, it is so worth the trip. Be warned, it is so good it’s addictive and you do need to book well in advance.

See Beltane Border Morris

Morris Dancing not your thing? Think again, forget bells and lace hankies. Beltane are Morris Dancing like you’ve never seen and Folk Music like you’ve never heard.  They are the dark side of Morris and must be seen.

  Check out when and where on Dartmoor they’re doing their thing, go along and have an awesome evening.

Father helping young son climb through the mystical Tolmen Stone

Pass through the Tolmen Stone

Drive to Batworthy Corner, walk towards Scorhill, cross the clapper bridge and on your right, on the river bank you’ll find the mystical Tolmen Stone.  A large granite boulder with an impressive hole through it’s centre created by water erosion. 

Dartmoor folklore says that passing through the Tolmen Stone will heal ailments such as arthritis, back pains etc as well as aiding fertility.  There are plenty of locals who give testament to this.  After passing through the stone, with all aches cured, it is but a short onward walk to the stone circle at Scorhill often referred to as the Stonehenge of Dartmoor.

Lunch in the Rugglestone

The Rugglestone Inn, on the outskirts of Widecombe in the Moor, is a unique and unspoilt Dartmoor pub offering good food and local real ales. It has a beautiful beer garden, perfect for lunching ‘al fresco’ on a sunny day, whereas the rustic bar is snug, quaint and cosy. It recently came second in the Countryfile Magazine awards for best country pub.

Beautiful Dartmoor longhouse pub covered in wisteria with customers sitting outside basking in the sun
Picturesque view of Shaldon looking across the estuary from Teignmouth

Discover Shaldon

Shaldon is a charming coastal village with so much to offer including a long beach, a secret smugglers cove (Ness Cove) and a tiny zoo.  There are plenty of places to drink and eat along the beach with a scattering of pretty independent shops and Georgian architecture to admire.  Shaldon’s thriving community hasn’t succumbed to tourism in the same way as other seaside towns. It’s great day out by the sea and only a 30 minute drive from our dartmoor holiday cottage.

Take the Cream Tea Challenge

Inspired by Devon Hampers, we challenge you to enjoy a picnic cream tea whilst staying at our Dartmoor holiday cottage.  All we ask is for you to either send us a photo or post it on our facebook page.  To make it easy for you we’ll even provide the Cream Tea in your welcome pack.  Let some of our previous guests give you inspiration.

Guest eating a Devon Cream Tea on Dartmoor river bank

Now explore our Dartmoor Must Sees

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