Dartmoor
Ashburton lies on the southern slopes of Dartmoor in the heart of the South Devon countryside, just down the hill from Widecombe-in-the-Moor, which hosts its famous Fair every September. Flanked by the Devon Expressway that extends the M5 to the historic naval port of Plymouth, Ashburton is situated roughly halfway between Plymouth and Exeter. Two and a half hours train journey from London Paddington and 2 hours drive from Bristol. The Dartmoor National Park covers an area of 368 square miles - the largest and wildest area of open country in southern England.
We are perfectly located to enjoy all the pleasures and freedom of the Dartmoor National Park.
Made up of heather-covered moorland and deep wooded gorges, beautiful lake-like reservoirs and tumbling rocky rivers, thriving market towns and villages, patchwork farmland and craggy granite tors. Dartmoor is full of nature reserves and sites of Specific Scientific Interest, endangered birds and rare plants, and thousands of archaeological sites including burial chambers, stone circles and menhirs housing mystery, legend and folklore.
Amongst the stunning countryside are the remains of mines and quarries, ruined castles, medieval abbeys, ancient churches and bridges - so much to explore!. Ashburton is also home to the Ashburton Cookery School, voted 'Best Cookery School for Skills' by BBC Good Food Magazine, which offers over 40 exciting cookery courses.

The staff are most helpful and nothing seems too much trouble to make your stay memorable. The rooms are a good size and well appointed although some are due to be refurbished. This does not detract from the excellence of the stay. The food is fantastic and varied. It is an ideal location for tours of Dartmoor, near to Buckfast Abbey, and many other places to be visited. We will return if only for the Carvery.
via Tripadvisor
Some recommended links
Dartmoor National Park Authority
Information on National Park management plus educational factsheets and guided walks programme. www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
Discover Dartmoor
Detailed information on things to see and do on Dartmoor. www.discoverdartmoor.co.uk
Virtually Dartmoor
Artists in Devon
See work by Devon artists, find out about exhibitions, craft centres, galleries, printers, photographers and much more. www.artistsindevon.com
Dartmoor Preservation Association
A registered charity working to keep Dartmoor wild and free. www.dartmoorpreservation.com
Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust
A charity striving to preserve the Dartmoor Pony breed. www.dartmoorponytrust.com
Dartmoor Firing Ranges
Information on live firing times within the National Park. www.dartmoor-ranges.co.uk
Visit Devon
Information on holidays in Devon. www.visitdevon.co.uk
Dartmoor Farmers
Real Dartmoor beef and lamb direct from the farm. www.dartmoorfarmers.co.uk
South Devon ATP
Duchy Square Centre for Arts & Creativity
South West Lakes Trust
For information about the lakes in the South West, including those on Dartmoor visit www.swlakestrust.org.uk
Dartmoor Magazine
For news stories, views, features everything Dartmoor related, please visit www.dartmoormagazine.co.uk
Interactive virtual tours of various locations on Dartmoor. www.virtuallydartmoor.org.uk
A guide for holidays in South Devon. www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk
Arts & crafts workshops, gallery and shop. Promoting local artists, offering workshops for everyone, training, events and exhibitions. www.duchysquare.org