A Guide to Living in Dartmoor

Known as one of the most beautiful locations in the United Kingdom, Dartmoor National Park is a haven for those looking for a slower pace of life. Many choose to settle in this part of Devon due to the tranquillity and peacefulness that this area offers.

Whether you want to live in a bustling market town near local transport links or prefer somewhere a little quieter, Dartmoor is somewhere suited to most. We have put together a guide for those looking to relocate to the area to show you why it can be such a wonderful place to live. 

Okehampton

Even though it is a national park, Dartmoor is home to a number of towns and villages for those looking to be a little closer to local amenities. With supermarkets, local events, independent shops, cosy pubs and delicious eateries serving locally sourced dishes. 

Okehampton can be the perfect choice for those who work in the city with Exeter being a half an hour drive away. This bustling market town is often known as the ‘Gateway to Dartmoor’ as you are only a stone’s throw away the national park. Here you will find an abundance of shops, cafes and restaurants to be enjoyed as well a great sense of community spirit. 

The National Park

As mentioned above, Dartmoor National Park is one of the most beautiful locations in the United Kingdom due to the outstanding views and seemingly endless landscapes. From high tors and abandoned quarries to enchanting woodland, you could spend hours ambling through this outstanding landscape.  This is the reason why it attracts millions of visitors each year, including avid walkers and those looking to climb a rock or two! With over 160 tors to climb, ancient woodland to explore and of course the moorland itself, if you are an outdoor enthusiast or a keen walker, there are endless places to discover. 

Transport

There are bus links throughout Dartmoor, but more choices of destination from towns like Okehampton. From Okehampton, you can easily hop on a bus to Exeter, and from the city, you can pretty much get to anywhere else in the United Kingdom with regular trains to London and other locations. 

Buses run around the edge of Dartmoor along the A30 and A38 to Plymouth, Exeter and Okehampton, as well as regular stops along the A382 and the A386. Nearly all of the towns and villages in this area are on at least one bus route. However, if you are moving to this area, having your own car is essential. 

As mentioned above, Exeter is approximately a half an hour drive from Okehampton, which is perfect for those who work in the city but are not too fond of that type of lifestyle.  

Shopping 

You will be able to find meat, locally grown vegetables, cheeses, drinks, honey, homemade bread, cakes, jams and chutneys at weekly markets or farm shops located throughout the area. In Okehampton, you will find hairdressers, beauticians, pharmacies and clothes shops where you will be able to pick up anything you need, as well as more well-known supermarkets where you can do your weekly food shop.

Dartmoor is definitely the heart of Devon, and it is easy to see why when there is so much on offer, especially for those looking to escape city life. Here at Godfrey, Short & Squire, we are Dartmoor estate agents who also cover the whole of West Devon. We have a wonderful range of properties for sale which are located in towns such as Okehampton and the surrounding area. If you would like any advice about moving to the area or on any of the properties we have listed, then please do not hesitate to get in touch on 01837 54504.