Call us to book +44 (0)1803 722398
or email info@fingals.co.uk
Call us to book +44 (0)1803 722398
or email info@fingals.co.uk
There’s something about Dartmoor that calls to the soul — the wind-whipped tors, the ancient granite outcrops, the whispers of myth and legend carried across the heather. If you’re craving a day out that stirs the senses and slows the pace, this Dartmoor day trip itinerary is just the ticket. From Fingals, you’re only a short 30-minute drive from the edge of the moor, making it the perfect destination for a full day of exploring – and a gentle return to comfort when you’re done.
So, if you’re staying with us and craving a little adventure beyond the garden gate, lace up your boots, pack your appetite, and let us guide you through a Dartmoor day trip itinerary that promises windswept wonder, hearty food, and moments of stillness among the moorland hills.
Start Point: Fingals
Set off after a leisurely breakfast — you’re on Devon time now. From Fingals, head northwest past Totnes and Ashburton, where rolling fields begin to rise into rugged moorland. Make your first stop at Haytor Rocks, one of Dartmoor’s most iconic landmarks.
Haytor Rocks
Towering granite outcrops greet you at Haytor, where panoramic views sweep across Dartmoor and, on a clear day, all the way to the coast. It’s an easy walk from the car park, and the reward is a wild, windy view that will have your heart singing. Perfect for a bracing breath of fresh air — and a photo or two, of course.
If you’re feeling sprightly, extend your walk along the Haytor Granite Tramway, where the old tracklines from the 19th-century granite industry still lead into the hills. It’s a gentle loop of history and heather.
Next Stop: Becky Falls
From Haytor, take the scenic drive to Becky Falls, a lush, moss-covered ancient woodland with cascading waterfalls and leafy glades. There’s a small entrance fee, but it’s worth it for a shaded ramble through Dartmoor’s wilder side. Choose from several walking routes, from short family strolls to more challenging scrambles.
Lunch Recommendation: The Rugglestone Inn, Widecombe-in-the-Moor
By now, you’ve earned a good lunch, and there are few places more charming than The Rugglestone Inn. Nestled in the village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, this thatched pub serves up local ales, home-cooked meals, and — if you’re lucky — seats in their sunny garden. Try the ploughman’s with West Country cheese or a bowl of their rich Devon beef stew. It’s comfort food at its rustic best.
While you’re in the village, pop into St Pancras Church, affectionately known as the Cathedral of the Moor. Its lofty tower has kept watch over this valley since the 14th century.
Post-Lunch Walk: Hound Tor & the Abandoned Village
Just a short drive from Widecombe lies Hound Tor, shrouded in legend and said to have inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. Scramble to the top and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views and dramatic skies.
At the foot of Hound Tor lie the remains of a deserted medieval village, where moss-covered stone walls and ancient hearths hint at a once-bustling farming hamlet. It’s eerily beautiful — a place where time feels suspended.
If time allows (and when doesn’t it, in Devon?), wind your way to Holne and visit Holne Community Tea Room. It’s run by volunteers and offers generous cream teas, homemade cakes, and a warm welcome. Sit outside if the weather allows, and sip your tea while watching the moors roll on forever.
Option 1: Brentor Church
For a fitting end to your Dartmoor day trip itinerary, drive to Brentor and climb the short path to St Michael de Rupe Church — a tiny 13th-century chapel perched atop an extinct volcano. If the timing’s right, the sunset from here is breathtaking — a blaze of gold over sweeping hills.
Option 2: Back to Fingals for Wine & Wildlife
Or, if you prefer your evenings slow and soulful, return to Fingals in time to pour a glass of something lovely and settle into the garden. Watch the shadows stretch across the lawn, listen for owls in the valley, and perhaps spot a deer at the edge of the trees. After a day in the wild, there’s nothing quite like coming home.
Tips for Your Dartmoor Day Trip
A day on Dartmoor is more than a tick on a travel list — it’s a balm for the soul. Whether you walk the tors, dip your toes in a woodland stream, or sit in a quiet pub nursing a pint, this wild corner of Devon has a way of grounding and lifting you in equal measure.
And the best part? At the end of it all, you’ve still got Fingals waiting — a cosy retreat to return to, where the only thing wilder than the moors is your dreams.
Tucked into the lush folds of the South Hams, Fingals is a place where time slows down, and history feels close enough to touch. But the past doesn’t just linger in our old mill house walls or wander through the rose-scented gardens – it lives on all around us. Step outside Fingals and you’ll find yourself surrounded by centuries of stories, secrets, and stonework that has stood the test of time. From crumbling castles to hidden forts, we’re lucky to have some of the finest English Heritage sites in Devon right on our doorstep – all less than five miles away.
So if you’ve got a taste for tales of kings and knights, of sieges and sea battles, or simply a love of wandering through beautiful old ruins with a picnic and a dog in tow, this one’s for you. Here’s our pick of the top English Heritage sites in Devon – each one a short hop from Fingals and each one ready to spark the imagination.
Crowning the town like a silent sentinel, Totnes Castle is one of the best-preserved examples of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle in England. Built shortly after the Norman Conquest, it has kept watch over Totnes for almost 1,000 years. Today, it’s a peaceful place with a hint of grandeur – climb the circular stone steps to the keep and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across the rolling countryside and the River Dart.
It’s an ideal spot for a morning adventure before ducking into town for a coffee or browsing the independent shops on the high street. And yes – dogs are welcome on leads, so your four-legged companion can enjoy the views too.
Good to know: Open daily from April to October. Bring a blanket and snacks – the grassy bailey is perfect for a sunny picnic.
If you like your history with a side of ghost stories, Berry Pomeroy Castle is the place for you. Tucked away in a wooded valley just outside Totnes, this romantic ruin is steeped in mystery. Originally built by the Pomeroy family in the 15th century and later expanded by the Seymours, it was never fully completed – leaving behind a grand, eerie shell filled with whispers of the past.
It’s said to be one of the most haunted castles in England, with tales of the White Lady and the Blue Lady drifting through the stone walls. Whether or not you believe the legends, it’s a magical place for a walk – peaceful, atmospheric, and surrounded by wildflowers in spring and summer.
Top tip: Bring headphones – there’s an excellent audio guide available via the English Heritage app.
Stroll along the quay in Dartmouth and you’ll find Bayard’s Cove Fort tucked beside the river – a small, squat building that once played a big role in protecting the town from attack. Built in the early 16th century, this little fort would have housed heavy guns and stood ready to guard the narrow entrance to the harbour.
It’s free to visit and a wonderful place to pause on a sunny afternoon – gaze out at the water and picture galleons gliding past, or just let the salty breeze ruffle your hair. There’s a timelessness here that’s hard to beat.
Perfect pairing: Follow it up with a cream tea at one of Dartmouth’s waterside cafés and watch the boats bob in the harbour.
Dartmouth Castle isn’t just a historical site – it’s a full-blown coastal adventure. Perched on the rocks at the mouth of the Dart Estuary, this fortress has defended the town for over 600 years. With its gun tower, battlements, and network of passages, it’s a brilliant day out for families, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys a castle with a sea view.
Kids will love exploring the cannons and towers, while grown-ups can marvel at the engineering and dramatic setting. There’s even a lovely walk from the town centre to the castle along the South West Coast Path – or take the ferry if you’re feeling lazy or romantic.
Top tip: Time your visit for late afternoon and enjoy golden hour over the estuary. Breathtaking.
This lesser-known gem in Paignton is a perfectly preserved medieval house, dating back to the 14th century. Unlike the grand castles, Kirkham House gives you a real sense of domestic life in medieval England – small, intimate, and fascinating in its simplicity.
It’s only open on selected days (check the English Heritage website before you go), but if you can catch it, it’s well worth the detour. The interiors are beautifully restored, with traditional furnishings and a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
While you’re there: Take a short stroll down to Paignton seafront – ice cream and sea air go very nicely with history.
One of the joys of staying at Fingals is how easily you can slip between centuries. Spend the morning wandering through a Norman castle, the afternoon exploring a haunted ruin, and the evening curled up with a book in your 19th-century mill house. And if the stories of ghosts and gallant knights leave you craving comfort, our gardens, swimming pool, and peaceful countryside views are always ready to welcome you back.
Whether you’re a history buff, a weekend explorer, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of a crumbling wall and a good tale, the English Heritage sites in Devon offer something special. And with Fingals as your base, you’re never far from the past – or a perfectly chilled glass of wine in the present.
There’s something undeniably special about sharing the seaside with your dog. Whether it’s the feel of sand beneath your toes (and paws), the thrill of a zoomie along the shoreline, or a post-walk snooze in a sunny pub garden, the South Hams is full of tail-wagging treasures. If you’re searching for the best dog friendly beaches South Devon has to offer, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up five of our favourites – beaches where dogs are not only allowed but positively welcomed.
Year-round dog-friendly
Facilities: Parking, toilets, café nearby
Just a stone’s throw from Fingals, Slapton Sands offers mile upon mile of shingle beach, backed by the unique freshwater lagoon of Slapton Ley. It’s a dreamy spot for early morning walks when the mist lingers over the water and the only sounds are the soft crunch of your boots and the occasional seagull cry.
Dogs can run free here all year round, and there’s plenty of space for a game of fetch or a paddle in the shallows. The beach is long and linear, so ideal for long strolls without doubling back – and you might even spot a seal or a pod of dolphins off the coast if you’re lucky.
Slapton is a year-round winner, and definitely one of the best dog friendly beaches South Devon has to offer — especially if you love pairing sandy paws with fascinating history and wide-open space.
Fingals Tip: Pack a flask and settle in near Hole Rock, one of our favourite little nooks, where you and your dog can sit side by side and watch the waves roll in.
Year-round dog-friendly
Facilities: Limited parking, no toilets
Tucked away at the end of narrow lanes and surrounded by rolling farmland, Lannacombe is the sort of beach that feels like a secret. Small, sandy, and beautifully quiet, this cove is ideal for a more peaceful outing with your pup – especially during the week when the crowds thin.
The gentle slope and soft sand make it perfect for paddling, and children love it here too (especially if there’s a sandcastle or two to be built). Your dog will love scampering up and down the beach or exploring the rock pools at low tide.
Fingals Tip: There’s only space for a dozen cars, so go early or go late – either way, you’ll feel like you’ve found your own private paradise.
Year-round dog-friendly
Facilities: Parking, loos, cafés, shops
A favourite with our own dogs (and grandchildren!), Torcross offers a beautiful sweep of shingle with easy access, a laid-back atmosphere, and the chance of spotting dolphins dancing in the surf. Just a short drive from Fingals, this beach sits at the southern end of Slapton Sands and is conveniently close to amenities.
There’s an ice cream van in summer, and benches to rest weary legs while you watch the sunset – paws sandy, hearts full.
Fingals Tip: After a walk, treat yourself to fish and chips or a cup of something cool from one of the seafront cafés – your pup will thank you if you happen to share.
Seasonal dog restrictions (left side only from May to Sept)
Facilities: National Trust car park, toilets, beach café
With golden sands, shallow waters, and views that stretch all the way to Bolt Tail, South Milton Sands is a classic South Devon beauty. From May to September, dogs are only allowed on the west side of the beach – but there’s still plenty of space to play and paddle.
The walk from here to Thurlestone is a scenic gem, and there’s a boardwalk that makes access easier for those with little ones or older dogs in tow. The café is a great place to refuel – think crab sandwiches, locally baked treats, and excellent coffee.
Fingals Tip: Stay for golden hour – the soft evening light here is something truly special, and your dog might just get mistaken for a model in that glowing sunshine.
Year-round dog-friendly
Facilities: Parking, café, toilets
If you fancy combining your beach day with a bit of a nautical adventure, take a short drive to East Portlemouth and hop on the dog-friendly ferry across the water to Salcombe. The beaches here – Fishermans Cove, Smalls Cove, and Mill Bay – are sheltered, scenic, and perfect for swimming (for humans and dogs alike).
Fringed with pines and overlooked by elegant villas, the area feels a little like the French Riviera – if the Riviera had Devon cream teas and pasties instead of baguettes.
Fingals Tip: Bring a picnic and walk along the coast path to Gara Rock – you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in the South Hams.
Before you go, here are a few quick reminders to make your beach day a breeze:
With so many dog friendly beaches South Devon has to offer, your four-legged friend is guaranteed as warm a welcome as you are.
After a day of sun, sea, and sandy paws, head back to your accommodation at Fingals for a well-earned rest. Rinse off in our outdoor taps, dry off in the sun-dappled courtyard, and maybe share a slice of something sweet from a local bakery while your dog snoozes contentedly at your feet.
Here, every stay is a shared adventure – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Devon is full of little surprises—hidden beaches, winding green lanes, timeworn villages—and then there’s the food. Glorious, local, bursting-with-flavour food. One of the best ways to experience it all is by wandering through Devon markets, where stalls brim with farm-fresh produce, handmade bakes, and characterful locals offering up their seasonal best. Whether you’re a lifelong foodie or simply curious about what’s in season, exploring Devon’s markets is a feast for the senses—and one of our favourite ways to spend a lazy morning.
If you find yourself staying with us at Fingals, consider this your guide to the very best Devon markets and local treats to discover during your stay. Whether you’re a seasoned grazer or an eager home cook looking for inspiration, Devon’s rich culinary scene promises more than just good food—it offers connection, community, and a real taste of place.
Just a 20-minute drive from Fingals, Totnes Market is one of our all-time favourites. Held every Friday and Saturday in the town’s historic market square, this lively event is a vibrant mix of local food, handmade crafts, vintage finds and good cheer.
Expect stalls piled high with crusty sourdough, tangy goat’s cheese, handmade pasta, orchard-fresh apples and every kind of chutney imaginable. There’s always someone offering samples—and trust us, you’ll want to try everything.
Wander through with a coffee in hand and pick up picnic supplies, or better still, a basketful of ingredients to take back and turn into something special in your Fingals kitchen. The people here are as warm as the bread they bake, always ready with a story or tip.
Set in the beautiful Old Market Square, Dartmouth Farmers’ Market might be small, but it’s brimming with quality. Whether it’s a wedge of Sharpham cheese, a punnet of heritage tomatoes, or a bottle of small-batch gin distilled just down the road, this is slow food at its finest.
The market pairs perfectly with a day spent wandering Dartmouth’s cobbled lanes or walking along the River Dart. Come hungry, and don’t miss the homemade cakes—the lemon drizzle alone is worth the journey.
Held along the town square, Kingsbridge Farmers’ Market is a treasure trove of Devonian delights. Here you’ll find hand-reared meats, award-winning chutneys, and seasonal veg that looks like it came straight out of a storybook garden.
If you’re after fish, you’re in luck—the stalls often feature day-boat catches brought in from nearby Salcombe or Plymouth. Perfect for a seafood supper back at Fingals, perhaps with a glass of chilled Sharpham white and the doors open to the sound of birdsong.
If you’re not in town on a market day, fear not—Devon excels in its farm shops, and Stokeley is one of the best. Located near Slapton, it’s well-stocked with everything from artisan bread and free-range eggs to locally brewed ales and organic fruit and veg.
Pop in for a midweek top-up, or stock the cupboards for a weekend of feasting. Their deli counter alone is enough to make you giddy with choice.
Produced on the banks of the River Dart, just down the road from us, Sharpham makes a variety of award-winning cheeses, including their famous Brie and Rustic. Perfect with a chunk of crusty bread and a dollop of fig chutney.
Organic soft drinks made near Buckfastleigh. Try their elderflower bubbly or Sicilian lemonade on a warm day in the garden.
Rich, velvety and made just the way it should be. The honeycomb crunch is a guest favourite.
No Devon kitchen is complete without a jar or two of these. Look out for the raspberry and chilli jam—sweet with just the right kick.
Brixham’s fishing fleet brings in some of the best seafood in the country. Whether it’s scallops, crab or a piece of line-caught sea bass, you’ll taste the freshness.
One of the joys of staying in a self-catering cottage is the freedom to bring it all home. Lay your finds out on the kitchen table, pour a glass of something local, and get cooking. Or don’t—sometimes a loaf of good bread, some local cheese, and a pot of chutney are all you need.
Better still, take it outside. Drape a blanket over the grass, open up your hamper and enjoy a picnic among the blooms, the birdsong, and the gentle hum of spring in the South Hams.
Because here at Fingals, food isn’t just fuel—it’s part of the story. And Devon has the most delicious tales to tell.
Let us know if you’d like a list of dates for the Devon markets or help booking a table at one of our favourite local restaurants. We’re always happy to share our foodie secrets.