“I have never before, in my long and eclectic career, been gifted with such an abundance of natural beauty as I experienced filming War Horse on Dartmoor .. And, with two-and-a-half-weeks of extensive coverage of landscapes and skies, I hardly scratched the surface of the visual opportunities that were offered to me.”

Steven Spielberg, Film Director

Dartmoor National Park offers something for everyone all year round and with breathtaking scenery right on our doorstep, West Blackdown Cottage is perfectly situated for you to enjoy all that Dartmoor offers. There is an abundance of walking routes to suit all abilities, miles of on and off road cycle routes, not to mention horse-riding, climbing, letterboxing, geo-caching and kayaking.

Of course not everyone enjoys such active pursuits so, for a quieter stay, you will find many world heritage sites and other attractions to enjoy whilst staying at West Blackdown Cottage bed and breakfast.

We hope you find the following links helpful, we’re more than happy to provide more information and recommendations on any activities you may wish to do when you arrive. This list is by no means exhaustive!

Outdoors

Dartmoor National Park – The official website of Dartmoor National Park, full of handy information and ideas.

Walking ideas – A selection of routes from the Dartmoor Tourism Board. We have some favourites as well so please ask us!

Cycle routes – A comprehensive list of on and off road routes, including bike hire.

Cholwell Riding Stables – Local stables, about 3 miles from the bed and breakfast, offering riding trips for beginners to experienced riders.

Ancient Monuments – One of Dartmoor’s most enigmatic features are the standing stones which sit on the remote hilltops surveying the centuries as they speed by.

Beaches – We are just over an hour away from some of the spectacular coastline of North Devon and from beautiful Cornish seaside towns such as Padstow and the Camel Estuary.

Places to visit

Morwellham Quay – “An award-winning World Heritage site, featuring historic port, copper mine, working Victorian farm, railway, heavy horses and museums of costume and mining.”

Lydford Gorge – “The deepest gorge in the South West, with spectacular 30m waterfall.”

Tavistock Pannier Market – “Situated at the very heart of the historic town of Tavistock is the ancient Pannier Market. The Market was granted its Royal Charter in 1105 and has survived without a break for over 900 years. Today, this wonderful indoor market attracts customers from far and wide, all of whom relishing in the quality and variety of products on offer.”

Buckland Abbey – “In the 13th century, Buckland Abbey was home to the Cistercian monks who built the abbey and the incredible Great Barn and farmed the then vast estate. The Abbey, now a house with a combination of furnished rooms and interactive museum galleries, tells the story of how two seafaring adventurers – Sir Richard Grenville and Sir Francis Drake – changed the shape of the house and the fate of the country.”

Cotehele House and Gardens – “A Tudor house with many stories and legends, festooned with tapestries and adorned with textiles, arms and armour, pewter, brass and old oak furniture; a magical experience as little has changed over the years.”

National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth – “Visit the UK’s largest aquarium attraction and be amazed by our fascinating underwater world.”