Dartmoor Tour

If you’re considering a trip to England’s Devon region, the Dartmoor Tour guided by DEVON&MOOR walking and driving tours is one experience that consistently draws praise. Rated a perfect 5.0 out of 5 from over 30 reviews, this private land rover adventure offers a relaxed way to see some of the most iconic sights of Dartmoor.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the private Land Rover Discovery ensures you’re comfortably transported across the rugged terrain, avoiding the hassle of self-driving. Second, the knowledgeable guide (Nigel) brings the landscape to life with stories, history, and local legends that you won’t find in a typical guidebook.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is quite full — around 8 hours — so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a good mix of driving, walking, and sightseeing without feeling rushed. This kind of experience is ideal for travelers who love outdoor landscapes, want a deeper understanding of Dartmoor’s history, and appreciate having a personalized, flexible itinerary.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points:

• Private Land Rover Discovery makes exploring remote areas easy and comfortable.
• Expert guiding and storytelling add depth to your experience.
• It covers multiple highlights in a single day, saving you time.
• Walking near wild ponies and Highland cattle offers a fun, authentic touch.
• The tour includes binocular rental and other helpful amenities.
• It’s a good value considering the personalized service and extensive itinerary.

What You Can Expect from the Dartmoor Tour

This tour is designed to showcase the very best of Dartmoor’s natural scenery and historical sites. You’ll start bright and early at 9:00 am, with pickup included — either from your accommodation or a designated meeting point. The tour runs for about 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to soak in the sights without feeling hurried.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Ashburton
We loved the way Ashburton sets the tone for the tour. This quintessential English market town is known as the “Gateway” to Dartmoor. Its charming architecture, historic buildings, and connection to infamous seafarers make it an ideal starting point. The review from a visitor described it as “a perfect first stop,” appreciating its heritage and scenic streets. Best of all, this stop is free to explore, taking about 30 minutes to wander and get a feel for the local flavor.

Stop 2: Princetown
Next, you’ll visit this small moorland community famous for its prison, which accounts for over a quarter of the population. It might not be the prettiest spot, but it’s full of character. You’ll hear about the “Prince of Wales,” a famous brewery, and the fascinating local stories, including tales of a ‘mad axeman,’ according to participants’ reviews. This stop allows you to get a sense of Dartmoor’s industrial and social history, lasting about an hour.

Stop 3: Foggintor Quarry
This is often the highlight for visitors. As the largest of the main quarries on Dartmoor, Foggintor offers an utterly striking landscape — still, silent, and full of legends. The walk to and from the quarry is considered equally rewarding as the quarry itself, with visitors praising the strange beauty of the surroundings. It’s a chance to marvel at geology and hear stories that feed the imagination. The walk lasts around 1 hour and 10 minutes, but it’s well worth it.

Stop 4: Haytor Vale
No trip to Dartmoor is complete without ascending one of its over 150 tors. The famous Haytor stands out for its accessible ascent and breathtaking, panoramic views. From the top, you’ll enjoy a 360-degree vista that connects you with the scale and beauty of Dartmoor. The 45-minute stop here offers the perfect conclusion to the day, with many reviews highlighting the “mind-blowing views” and the sense of wonder it creates.

What’s Included and What You Should Budget For

Your ticket price of $325.75 per person includes some thoughtful amenities: bottled water, binoculars (to better see wildlife and landscape details), ponchos (for sudden showers), and parking fees. These small touches improve the overall comfort and help you connect more deeply with the landscape.

Meals and drinks aren’t included, but the tour can be adjusted if you’d like to stop for coffee or a pub lunch. A cozy country pub is booked for you, and the cost of food and drinks is on you. This flexibility is a plus, allowing you to choose according to your preferences.

The Experience of Riding in a Land Rover Discovery

Traveling in a luxurious and capable Land Rover Discovery makes all the difference. The vehicle is air-conditioned and spacious, making long hours in the vehicle comfortable. The reviews frequently mention the smooth ride and the excellent driving skills of Nigel, the guide, who also excels at sharing stories and answering questions.

Many reviewers appreciated that the tour is private, meaning you get a tailored experience without the noise and distraction of a large group. You can ask questions, request to spend more time at a specific site, or adjust the pace to suit your interests.

Why the Tour Gets Rave Reviews

The most common praise from reviewers is about the guiding quality. Nigel is described as “knowledgeable,” “friendly,” and “engaging,” with many reviews mentioning how his storytelling and local insights made the day special. One visitor summed it up as “a highlight of our twelve-day trip,” which really speaks volumes.

The scenic locations are another major draw. Reviewers repeatedly mention the spectacular views from Haytor, the unique beauty of Foggintor Quarry, and the charm of Ashburton, making it clear that the landscape is just as impressive as the stories.

Many reviews compliment the balance of driving and walking — enough to keep the experience dynamic but not exhausting. The inclusion of binoculars enhances wildlife viewing, and the opportunity to see wild ponies and Highland cattle makes it feel authentic.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

Since the tour runs around 8 hours, it’s quite a full day. If you’re not comfortable with long hours on the road or walking, this might not be ideal. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level — walking to the quarry or on the tors can involve some uneven terrain.

Weather can also affect the experience — since it’s an outdoor landscape, rain or fog might limit visibility or make certain walks less enjoyable. However, the tour offers ponchos and is flexible enough to reschedule or adjust if the weather turns bad.

If you’re looking for a more active or adventurous experience involving kayaking, wildlife bushcraft, or ghost tours, this Land Rover tour may be more relaxed and scenic, but less hands-on.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those with an interest in history, geology, and legends. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to cover a lot of ground comfortably and enjoy personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide.

It’s also great for visitors who prefer a luxurious vehicle and appreciate the convenience of pickup and drop-off, with no need to rent a car. Families with older children or teens who enjoy walking and wildlife might also find this experience engaging.

If your goal is to see Dartmoor’s top sights in one day, learn stories and legends, and enjoy stunning landscapes without the hassle of self-driving, then this tour hits the sweet spot.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking for a well-organized, highly-rated day trip into Dartmoor’s rugged landscapes and historic sites, this private Land Rover Discovery tour is a smart choice. The personalized approach, combined with expert guiding and a comfortably equipped vehicle, ensures a memorable day that balances sightseeing, walking, and storytelling.

For those who value convenience, local insights, and beautiful scenery, this experience offers a great way to make the most of your visit to Devon. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to avoid the stress of navigating remote areas themselves and prefer to relax and soak up the landscape in style.

While it’s a full day, the positive reviews from past travelers highlight how engaging and rewarding the experience is. The impressive landscapes, captivating stories, and friendly guide make it a solid pick for anyone eager to explore Dartmoor beyond the usual tourist spots.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most reviews mention that the tour involves walking and some uneven terrain, so it’s best for children with a moderate physical fitness level. The focus on outdoor exploration makes it more suited for older kids and teens.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers transportation in a Land Rover Discovery, bottled water, binoculars, ponchos, and parking fees. Meals and additional drinks are not included but can be arranged during the tour.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If canceled less than 24 hours before, the amount paid won’t be refunded.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for outdoor walking, including sturdy shoes, and bring layers. Ponchos are provided in case of rain.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and usually finishing around 5 pm, giving ample time to see many sites.

Is the tour flexible?
Since it’s a private experience, you can request to spend more time at particular stops or adjust the itinerary slightly, subject to your guide’s schedule.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour requires good weather, but if canceled due to rain or fog, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour good for photography enthusiasts?
Absolutely. The locations like Haytor and Foggintor Quarry are photogenic, and the guide’s stories add context that makes capturing memorable images easier.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 80 days ahead, so it’s wise to plan early, especially during peak seasons.

If you’re ready for a day of scenic drives, legendary sites, and engaging stories with a friendly guide, this Dartmoor Tour is a wonderful way to explore one of England’s most spellbinding landscapes.