Experience Devon 2015

DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK
1
AT 368 SQUARE MILES (954km 2 ), DARTMOOR IS THE LARGEST OPEN SPACE IN SOUTHERN
ENGLAND. IT HAS WILD OPEN MOORLAND, GRANITE TORS AND WOODED RIVER VALLEYS. AT ITS
EDGE IS A LANDSCAPE OF SMALL FIELDS ENCLOSED BY STONE WALLS AND HEDGE BANKS.
DARTMOOR
NATIONAL PARK
Dartmoor has a rich and varied
cultural heritage, ranging from
prehistoric remains, through
buildings and settlements of
medieval and later origin, to
its customs and traditions,
some, such as the famous
Widecombe Fair, still thriving.
All combine to give Dartmoor a
distinctive character and make
it a fascinating place to visit.
Dartmoor’s landscape is among
the richest in western Europe
in terms of its archaeological
remains. Dartmoor contains the
longest stone row in the world
and has the greatest number of
archaeological sites out of all the
UK National Parks.
Dartmoor’s blanket bog, upland
oakwood, caves and mines
are among habitats of
international importance.
The National Park operates three
Visitor Centres and these are
great starting points to explore
the area. The National Park
Visitor Centre in Princetown
has a superb free to enter
exhibition area where you can
find out about the Dartmoor
story and discover more about
the building’s connection with
Conan Doyle and how he was
inspired to write the Hound of
the Baskervilles. Try out the new
Sherlock Holmes interactive
display, watch stunning films and
learn about Dartmoor’s myths
and legends.Children can enjoy
exploring darkest Dartmoor in the
centre’s spooky cinema.
Dartmoor National Park is a place
of contrasts with something to
enable everyone to wind down
and take a break from the daily
grind. Whether you seek a place
for quiet contemplation, away
from the hustle and bustle, a
great day out with the family,
a gentle stroll, or the thrill of
adrenaline sports - Dartmoor
has it all.
The open spaces and sheltered
valleys give pleasure to millions
of people every year while
Dartmoor’s small towns, villages
and settlements offer individual
shops and a warm welcome
after a great day in the hills.
To find out what’s on visit
the National Park website
www.dartmoor.gov.uk
10
EXPERIENCE DEVON 2015