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The 14 Best hotels in Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor is one of the UK's 15 National Parks. Covering nearly 1,000 square kilometres it is an area of dramatic scenery, wild moorland, remote hill farms and tucked away villages. It is also home to herds of Disney-cute Dartmoor ponies. The River Dart rises high on the moor and spills into the sea at Dartmouth on the south coast of Devon. So as you can imagine, the best hotels in Dartmoor National Park are all set amidst spectacular scenery!

Dartmoor Wild PoniesImage by milesl from pixabay

The moor is covered in rocky granite outcrops known as Tors. The granite from Dartmoor has been used locally to build houses, roads, enclosures for animals and large fortunes for 19th Century quarry owners. Visitors and locals use the Tors now as picnic spots, climbing challenges, shelter and even hiding places for secret letters.

Granite TorImage by Robert Hughes from Pi

One of the most famous granite buildings on Dartmoor is Castle Drogo, the last castle built in England in the 1920s. Erected by a wealthy retail entrepreneur to improve his social standing and designed by the architect Edward Lutyens, unlike most other castles in England it has never been attacked or had to endure a seige. Outside it is an imposing medieval style fortress and inside a comfortable family home with all early 20th Century mod cons. There is a room of granite and steel and a Norman style library is among many historically themed rooms in this unique house.

Castle DrogoFlickr user aldisley

Buckland Abbey outside Yelverton (and just outside the the National Park itself) is also worth a visit. Originally built as a Cistertian monastery, it was later home to Sir Francis Drake. Now a museum it tells the story of Drake and also of Sir Richard Grenville, a fascinating English naval commander from the 16th century. With its lovely gardens and shop, it makes for a great day out, and is a top picnic spot!

Buckland AbbeyImage by Graham Hobster from P

For those of a more outdoorsy bent, there is much to do in the Dartmoor National Park. There are walks galore, whether you just want a short amble or a more exertive day's hike. Similary there are more than 350km of paths and bridleways suitable for cyclists and horse-riding is a very popular activity. Fishing for brown trout, sea trout and salmon on the River Dart makes a great day out, and canoeing is possible here from October to March.

With lots to see and so much to do in this wonderful area, many of the best hotels in Dartmoor National Park are quickly snapped up, so we'd advise you plan ahead and book early.

The Best Hotels in Dartmoor National Park

For a Countryside Retreat

  • Mitchelcroft is the perfect retreat, a three room B&B located within the Dartmoor National Park. Each of the rooms are different, but they all have a private deck overlooking the park, and offering a comfortable place to sit and contemplate the vast beauty. The breakfast room has floor to ceiling windows too, and the breakfasts they serve will set you up well for a day of exploring. The hosts will also rustle up packed lunches.

For Foodies

Gidleigh Park

  • For some laid back luxury or a special occasion, Gidleigh Park near Chagford has newly refurbished spacious, comfortable rooms, beautiful gardens, a lovely tennis court and a Michelin starred restaurant. A great spot for an indulgent country escape.

For families

Bovey Castle

  • Palatial, with a Gothic edge, Bovey Castle is a country house hotel thoughtfully imagined to offer something luxurious for every contemporary family member: think Lego room service for the smalls, and bespoke spa treatments for the bigs - for starters! Originally built by the family who set up the newsagent chain WH Smith, Bovey Castle now has 60 rooms and suites, plus the vast spa complete with swimming pool, sauna and hot tubs; the grounds with its tennis courts, croquet lawns, stables, archery grounds, falconry and hawk displays, golf course, fishable river; and two restaurants. It’s lots of family fun for all.

For a chic stay

Weeke Barton

  • Weeke Barton is a gorgeous small hotel with just five smart rooms on the north eastern edge of Dartmoor, surrounded by the Teign Valley. There's a snug bar, cosy lounge and dining room with wood burners and your four legged friend can come too!

For a B&B

Burnville Farm

  • Burnville Farm is a sophisticated and elegant B&B on the Western edge of Dartmoor. In addition to the four luxurious rooms, there's a beautiful drawing room and evening meals on request.
  • Kilbury Manor is a charming longhouse manor conversion, set on four acres along the River Dart, and just south of Dartmoor. Now run as a B&B, with four very pleasant rooms, plus a self-catering cottage, Kilbury Manor is a warm and welcoming place - the owner was a finalist in the AA’s Friendliest Landlady of the Year awards. Two of the rooms are in the main house and two are in the barn, and all have lovely views of the pretty gardens.

For a spa break

Ilsington Country House

  • Ilsington Country House is a luxurious escape where you can not only be pampered in the extensive spa, but also enjoy fabulous food (the restaurant has 2AA Rosettes), and bring the whole family (as well as the large indoor heated pool, there are a range of outdoor activities and board games etc to keep the youngsters happy).

For a tradtional feel

Three Crowns

  • Mill End Hotel is a great option if you're looking for a country escape with a classic feel. Open fires and cosy interiors offer a welcoming feel and the restaurant serves delicious seasonal cuisine.
  • Prince Hall is another rural gem, right in the middle of the National Park. The nine rooms are done in a classic style and most are spacious with fantastic moorland views. There's an on site restaurant, and dogs are more than welcome!
  • The Three Crowns in Chagford is a thatched inn that dates back in parts to the 13th century. The rooms are a successful blend of classic design accompanied by all the modern touches and accessories you'd expect from a luxury establishment.

Pubs with rooms

Dartmoor Inn

  • The Rock Inn boasts traditionally styled en suite bedrooms with plenty of period features and some with dramatic four poster beds. The food's pretty good too - the retaurant has held 2 AA Rosettes since 2016.
  • On the northern edges of Dartmoor, you'll find the Dartmoor Inn with its three cosy guest rooms which have been finished in a classic, sophisticated style.
  • Situated in the centre of Chagford, The Globe Inn has seven individually styled rooms, plus a popular bar and restaurant downstairs.
  • The pretty Elephant's Nest Inn just oozes period charm. There are three comfortable rooms, but the real draw here is the fantastic pub and restaurant where there's a regularly changing menu championing local produce.

Prefer an apartment or cottage?

  • If you're travelling with family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a cottage or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to the international Exeter Airport which has connections across the UK and Europe. By train travel to either Exeter, Newton Abbot, Totnes, Ivybridge or Plymouth.
  • The weather in the UK is woefully unpredictable however for the best chance at getting some sunny days travel in the summer months (June - August).
  • If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

  • Widen the net and check out all our hotels in Devon.
  • Or feel free to call or email a friendly guru for advice.

The best hotels in Dartmoor National Park

  • Gidleigh Park Hotel Chagford 24 rooms from €311

    Fishing  -  Fly fishing on the River Teign - licenses and tuition provided
    Garden  -  Beautiful landscaped garden
    Great walks  -  There are inumerable lovely walking trails both on thr 107 acres of mature grounds and on nearby Dartmoor.
    Tennis  -  On site tennis cpurts are avaialble for guests useage.
    TennisRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViews
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Sawdays

    Super luxurious and pampering Dartmoor retreat, on 107 acres of mature grounds. The plush rooms come with antique furnishings, original art and huge sash windows. The Michelin stared food is served in an atmospheric and grandiose dining room. Peaceful, restful and totally heavenly. See More

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  • Bovey Castle Chagford 64 rooms from €264

    Child friendly  -  Daily egg collecting, meet the ferrets and falconry displays. Colouring books & crayons for little ones at meal times!
    Spa  -  UK's flagship SUNDARI spa
    Families
    Restaurant  -  The Edwardian Grill for fine dining and Castle Bistro for more family friendly fare.
    TennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet, Frommers, Small Luxury Hotels

    Family friendly country hotel with something for everyone: lego room service for the little ones & bespoke spa treatments for the adults! Ideally situated for exploring the wilderness of Dartmoor and more activities on site than you can imagine. See More

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  • Weeke Barton Bridford, Devon 5 rooms from €138

    Great walks  -  Dartmoor rambling
    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
    Full of character
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Sawdays

    Rustic chic - Grade II Listed Weeke Barton, with 5 gorgeous en-suite rooms, licensed dining and 5 acres of wild but kept gardens tucked away in the beautiful rolling hills of Dartmoor. See More

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  • Mitchelcroft Buckfastleigh 3 rooms from €98

    Country Escape  -  Boasting a secluded spot within Dartmoor National Park.
    Great walks  -  Take long walks along the endless and picturesque walking trails running through Dartmoor.
    Kayaking  -  Dicover the beauty of the South Devon coast in a kayak.
    Full of character
    GardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A characterful B&B boasting an enviable location in the heart of Dartmoor. Three individually styled rooms are light and comfortable and offer private outdoor seating areas to enjoy the views. Indulgent breakfasts are served in a contemporary breakfast room with floor to ceiling windows. See More

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  • Burnville Farm Devon 4 rooms from €109

    Sights nearby  -  Take a day trip to Tavistock, voted the UK's best market town.
    Great walks  -  Dartmoor National Park is full of superb walking routes.
    Swimming Pool  -  Seasonal outdoor pool
    Swimming PoolGarden
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Set on a beautiful Devonshire farm amidst rolling green fields, Burnville Farm is an excellent B&B. Boasting lovely rooms, an outdoor pool and stunning views, it's a great base for exploring Dartmoor. Also offer self-catering cottages that are great for families and groups. See More

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  • Kilbury Manor Buckfastleigh 5 rooms from €98

    Country Escape  -  Proper country living - experience life in a true English rural idyll
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Birdwatching  -  Good birding near the hotel.
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
    GardenParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

    A 17th century listed cottage situated to the south of Dartmoor National Park. Friendly, comfortable B&B with a beautiful garden. Large rooms with stylish decor - a mix of traditional and contemporary. Two are situated in the converted barn. The perfect place to relax and unwind. See More

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  • Ilsington Country House Devon 25 rooms from €161

    Spa breaks  -  A country house and contemporary spa which uses the latest technology alongside touches of ancient Tibetan knowledge.
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor pool
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

    A quintessentially British country house set in beautiful, rugged Dartmoor. Charming rooms feature soft hues, tartan fabrics and sink-into beds. A fabulous restaurant (using the freshest local produce) and indulgent spa are a welcome respite after a day spent on the moors. See More

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  • Prince Hall Devon 9 rooms from €203

    Sights nearby  -  Go and visit local sights such as Lydford Castle and Castle Drogo.
    Great walks  -  Go for lovely walks in the surrounding countryside.
    Restaurant  -  Seasonally changing menu
    Full of character
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyViewsParking

    Tucked away in the Devonshire countryside, Prince Hall is a lovely rural retreat. Boasting smart, spacious rooms and beautiful views out over moorland. There is a great a la carte restaurant. It is a lovely place to relax in a rural setting. See More

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  • Three Crowns Chagford 21 rooms from €121

    Active Holiday  -  With Dartmoor National Park on your doorstep there's a host of outdoor activities on offer.
    Great walks  -  Stroll through Stone Lane Gardens, an enchanting 5-acre woodland garden on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park.
    Fishing  -  Try your hand at fly-fishing on Dartmoor’s rivers and lakes.
    Full of character
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    A charming inn set in Chagford and surrounded by the rugged and beautiful Dartmoor National park. Simply dressed rooms mix contemporary and traditional styles with feature wallpaper, crisp white linen and soft hues. A fabulous restaurant beautifully showcases local produce. See More

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  • The Rock Inn Newton Abbot, Devon 9 rooms from €109

    Sights nearby  -  Buckfast Abbey (famous for their tonic wine), Castle Drogo, Powderham Castle are a short drive.
    Great walks  -  Yarner Wood The nearby Yarner Wood is superb for walking.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Four poster beds  -  For romantics.
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

    Welcoming guests since the 1800's this country inn is located within Dartmoor National Park. It is traditional in style with exposed beams and antique decor. There is a charming self contained holiday rental cottage, plus dogs are welcome! The restaurant focuses on fresh, local fish and good wine. See More

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  • The Dartmoor Inn Okehampton, Devon 3 rooms from €133

    Local exploring  -  A great base for exploring the Dartmoor National Park.
    Great walks  -  The surrounding countryside is full of beautiful walking routes.
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Full of character
    RestaurantGardenParking

    Nestled into the Dartmoor National park, so is perfectly positioned for exploring the area. The inn offers excellent accommodation and fine dining in the restaurant. The Dartmoor Inn is intimate and charming with three homely bedrooms and a popular pub. See More

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  • The Globe Inn, Chagford Chagford 7 rooms from €109

    Active Holiday  -  Dartmoor National Park offers a plethora of outdoor pursuits.
    Great walks  -  Explore the miles of secenic walking trails that run through Dartmoor.
    Full of character
    Lively  -  Hip and happening.
    RestaurantGardenPet friendly

    An atmospheric inn set in the heart of the pretty market town of Chagford. Individually styled rooms are spacious and bright with large sash windows and boldly patterned fabrics in soft hues. A lively restaurant serves traditional fare using local produce. Perfect for exploring the moors. See More

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  • The Elephant's Nest Inn Mary Tavy, Devon 3 rooms from €127

    Great walks  -  There are lots of wonderful walking routes right from the Inn.
    Sights nearby  -  Take a trip to nearby Lydford Castle.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Positioned on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, The Elephant's Nest Inn is a delightful small hotel. The centrepiece is the fantastic pub and restaurant which oozes character and charm. Upstairs, three lovely rooms offer guests a comfortable place to rest their heads. See More

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Written by Sarah Empson

posted Friday, 19th January 2024