Dartmoor in a Day: An Easy Guide for Families with Young Explorers

For a family with young explorers, Dartmoor in a day is a really exciting proposition. One of the most magical places in the country for wild escapism, it promises all sorts of micro expeditions for mini adventurers. From outdoor picnics in the prettiest places to exciting walks through fairytale settings, there’s all sorts to inspire the imagination and capture the interest of youngsters of all ages. So where do you begin?

Helping you on your way to an unforgettable escape, here are some of our top tips for Dartmoor in a day for families with young explorers.

Why Dartmoor is perfect for a family day out

One of the best things about Dartmoor is that it offers a huge variety of things to see and do — and you can take it all in at your own pace. If you’re a family with young explorers, you can tap into a whole world of discovery, including both quieter beauty spots and well-known attractions. Whether you’re looking for wide-open spaces to immerse in nature, family-friendly walks that aren’t too demanding on little legs (or parents’ shoulders!), or intriguing attractions that captivate all generations, there’s plenty to see in Dartmoor in a day. What’s more, there are always places to discover and rediscover, so you can keep coming back for more.

An image of Dartmoor's most famous resident, the Dartmoor pony with Haytor in the background. Photo Credit: Lucas Salmons

A simple itinerary for one day in Dartmoor

Breakfast: Wake up with the start of a new day and tuck into an energy-fuelling breakfast. At Flear Farm Cottages, our self-catering cottages in the South Hams feature fully equipped kitchens so you can rustle up your family favourites in style. You can also check out our foodie recommendations too. Flear Farm Cottages

Dartmoor Zoo (morning): A great way to launch your day is with a trip to Dartmoor Zoo at Sparkwell on the south-west edge of Dartmoor. Set in about 33 acres, it’s home to big cats including an African lion, Amur tigers and Amur leopards — allow around 2–3 hours to explore. 

Lunch: After a busy morning, refuel nearby. The Treby Arms in Sparkwell is just down the lane from the zoo, while The Cornwood Inn is a friendly village pub a short drive away. Both welcome families. 

Afternoon at Burrator: Head to Burrator Reservoir near Yelverton for lakeside paths and woodland exploring. Pop into the Burrator Discovery Centre to learn about the area, then follow one of the family-friendly paths that skirt the reservoir. 

Optional stop — Down Tor Stone Circle: If energy allows, visit the Bronze Age stone circle near Down Tor, close to Burrator. It dates to roughly 2000–1500 BC — a lovely way to spark imaginations with tales of life 3–4,000 years ago. Nothing Forgotten.

Next stop: home!

Sunsets on Dartmoor are one of the best ways to see the land, as golden hour details the landascape in a unique way. Photo Credit: Unknown

Top family-friendly activities and attractions

Depending on what your little explorers are most interested in, there are all sorts of family-friendly activities and attractions. To cover Dartmoor in a day (or give it a good go!), animal-lovers could try Dartmoor Zoo, Pennywell Farm, Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies, and Totnes Rare Breeds Farm (next to the South Devon Railway at Totnes). 

For the most spellbinding walks in nature, Bellever Forest, River Dart Country Park, Becky Falls, and Lydford Gorge are all geared towards families and have a range of facilities and signed trails. 

Meanwhile, for a wander through time, you can also visit Buckfast Abbey, Okehampton Castle, Castle Drogo and the Museum of Dartmoor Life.

Should your little ones fancy resting their legs, try some of South Devon’s charming railways. The heritage South Devon Railway runs along the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, and the Buckfastleigh 7¼″ South Devon Miniature Railway usually operates on most weekends between April and October (weather and volunteers permitting). 

Castle Drogo is the last castle to be built in the UK. Photo Credit: Tom Meaker

Safety & practical tips for parents

Dartmoor, like anywhere wild and beautiful, should be respected. Remember to take all belongings home with you and be mindful of the potential risks of wandering off-piste. To keep everyone safe exploring Dartmoor in a day:

• Plan routes in advance and stay on designated trails to avoid getting lost and to protect fragile habitats.
• Pack essentials such as water, snacks, a torch, suncream, layers and waterproofs. A paper map/compass and a power bank can be useful.
• Stick together and keep children within sight, especially in remote areas.
• Avoid climbing on tors or trees and keep clear of riverbanks to reduce slip/fall risks.
• Respect wildlife and livestock and give them space.
• Check the weather before heading out; if it looks wild, choose one of Dartmoor’s many indoor attractions instead.
• (Accessibility note: Burrator has accessible toilets and waymarked routes; check opening times and conditions before you go.)