Dartmoor Zoo and Dunster Castle and Watermill are the most popular activities in the South West’s national parks.
There are over 15 National Parks in the UK spread across England, Wales and Scotland. They are protected areas based on special qualities within their parameters, getting over 100 million visits every year.
Each area is unique, filled with historic sites,...
Witches, wisht hounds and piskies - Dartmoor's legends are perfect for Halloween-themed events taking place across the National Park's visitor centres this half term week. From 22 - 30 October, the visitor centres at Haytor, Postbridge and Princetown are hosting activities based on Dartmoor’s spooky stories including mask making and haunted trails. Families can visit the craft tables at each...
Archaeologists and volunteers have unearthed exciting finds which point to prehistoric activity in one of Dartmoor's prettiest valleys. More than 80 flints, possibly dating to the late Mesolithic and early Neolithic period - around 6,000 to 3,000BC - were recovered during excavations on a farm near Lustleigh. The exciting finds adds to Dartmoor's international reputation for being one of the...
The discovery of the work of Jean Jones (1927 – 2012) in a small cottage on Dartmoor has become something of a phenomenon.
Over the past three years we have been showing work by this extraordinary artist and helping to reclaim her rightful place in the History of Art. So far the gallery has focused primarily on her paintings of the expansive Dartmoor landscape she loved. This new exhibition introduces a collection of previously unseen paintings which were made beyond Dartmoor – in Oxford and London.
Jean Jones lived in Oxford for most of her adult life...
A photography exhibition devoted to the paths and rivers of Dartmoor is on show until 17 November at the National Park Visitor Centre, Princetown. The exhibition As Heath Flowers Bloom features work by Jake Tebbutt, a photographer working in and around the South West of England currently studying for a BA (hons) in Photography at the University of Plymouth. Tracing the rivers, woods, valleys...
Wildlife walks, stream dipping, crafts, hunts for minibeasts – all this and more is part of this year’s Meldon Wildlife Festival. At Old Meldon Quarry, Dartmoor National Park Authority is hosting the day-long family festival packed with activities, games and crafts. The festival on Tuesday 23 August celebrates Dartmoor’s special qualities and is completely free to attend. The Authority is...
Dartmoor National Park Authority has today introduced a temporary ban on open fires and barbecues on all common land within the National Park. The ban has been introduced in response to the prolonged dry weather and the risk wildfires can pose to people and animals, as well as damage to property and the natural environment. People who plan to spend time in the National Park are urged to be...
Dartmoor’s amazing history is being celebrated in a new heritage day. Saturday 16 July is dedicated to the National Park’s rich cultural heritage and a whole range of activities, events and talks are planned so people can get hands-on and closer to history. Dartmoor Heritage Day is focused around 'prehistoric Postbridge' and is free to attend. People can drop in at any time although guided...
A major cycling sportive has boosted funds for Donate for Dartmoor and helped to replace the National Park's 'welcome' signs. The Dartmoor Classic Sportive , organised by Mid Devon Cycling Club, is an annual cycling challenge open to cyclists of all abilities. A well-known and popular event, three route options allow riders to experience an open road sportive in outstanding National Park...
Road safety improvements have been installed on a busy stretch of road troubled by irresponsible parking. A ‘no waiting at any time’ order has come into force on roads around Two Bridges. The road has long suffered from parking issues, which is not only visually intrusive but has led to road safety concerns including reduced visibility and a narrowing of the road, which can make it difficult...
