There is a huge array of things to do in our area. Here is a selection -
Walking.
There are many restorative walks from our doorstep into the countryside both along the River Teign that run’s through the Gidleigh Park estate and up on to the moor. Dartmoor has 368 square miles of open countryside with Bronze Age settlements, granite stone circles and rows, craggy tors, wild ponies and wooded mossy river gorges.
Scorhill Bronze Age Stone Circle
Up the lane from Gidleigh on the edge of the moor (easily reached on foot) this is an English Heritage scheduled monument and Devon’s finest stone circle. Walk down to where the River Teign meets the Walla brook and walk over a couple of classic Dartmoor clapper bridges.
Grimspound
Drive into the moor on the B3212 from Mortonhamstead towards Princetown and explore this Bronze Age settlement of a set of 24 hut circles. Evocative spot.
Tennis.
There are two public tennis courts in Chagford.
Golf.
Non-residents can play a round at the 18 hole course at the Bovey Castle Hotel, a 10 minute drive from Chagford.
Five Star Country Club at the Bovey Castle.
Non residents can use the indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam rooms, jacuzzi, gym and tennis courts. The hotel also offers many separate beauty treatments.
Swim.
Visit the beautifully situated Chagford Swimming Pool, the largest freshwater heated outdoor pool in Devon.
For those after a more private, natural experience go wild swimming in one of the many rivers on Dartmoor. Recommended only during the Summer!
Visit a beach.
The property is situated in Mid Devon equidistant from the huge Northern wild surf beaches and the beautiful Southern sandy coves including Blackpool Sands. Crackington Haven is the closest beach to the house.
Stargaze.
Some of the clearest skies in Southern Britain are to be found on Dartmoor.
See which constellations and shooting stars you can spot from the deck.
Exeter, the regional capital.
Visit the regional capital with it’s famous cathedral, museum and Roman ruins. Sample the many shops and restaurants and if you are in the mood take in a drink or meal and a film at the Picturehouse.
Castle Drogo. England’s most recently constructed castle. Walk out from it’s spectacular gardens along the Hunters Path and Fingle Gorge.
Drop into Dartmoor Prison.
This eerie place situated in the middle of Dartmoor has a museum featuring macabre weapons and prisoners’ escape gear.
Follow the Warhorse trail.
Stephen Spielberg’s blockbuster was filmed on Dartmoor at key Dartmoor beauty spots including Haytor, Warren House Inn and Cadover Bridge. You can also go riding on Dartmoor yourself on a horse from the Babeny Farm Stables in Poundsgate.
Go Antiqueing and shopping for local products
Ashburton and Topsham are great spots for antiques and Dartington has a fantastic selection of shops including an outlet for the sale of the famous Dartington glass.
Visit a Devon Vineyard and the surrounding area.
The beautiful Sharpham vineyard overlooking the Dart valley in the South Hams is well worth a visit for a cheese and wine tasting. The crime writer Agatha Christie’s home, Greenway, now a National Trust property open to the public, is a little further down the river. Totnes, an interesting and attractive “alternative” town with it’s own currency is further upstream.
Eating out .
Devon offers some of the finest seafood, meat and vegetables in Britain. There are countless restaurants to visit on our doorstep and further afield. Some of our favourites include –
Gidleigh Park Hotel – 2 Michelin Star Excellence in stunning surroundings voted the UK’s number one restaurant by the Sunday Times Food List 2014.
The Chagford Inn – Good food pub in Chagford, one that consistently uses local suppliers.
Endsleigh Hotel, Milton Abbot – Classic English afternoon tea in a stunning Grade 1 listed building.
Rock Fish Grill, Dartmouth - Classic Fish and Chips situated in this beautiful harbour town.
River Exe Café - Unique floating restaurant in the middle of the estuary serving seafood dropped off by passing fishing boats.
Riverford Field Kitchen – Located at the farm that is home to the famous organic veg box scheme. Great communal eating experience.
The Horse, Mortonhamstead – Great pizza, tapas and other classics.
The Old Inn, Drewsteignton
All bookings are direct with the owner 