Large Group Houses in Dartmoor

Large Group Accommodation in Dartmoor

Dartmoor National Park is one of England's last true wildernesses — 368 square miles of granite moorland, ancient stone circles, wild ponies, and dramatic tors rising above mist-filled valleys. For groups seeking genuine escape into dramatic English landscape, large group accommodation in Dartmoor provides the perfect combination of wild adventure and characterful rural properties: converted granite longhouses, working farm estates, and moorland retreats for large groups with views across some of England's finest countryside.

Why Dartmoor is Perfect for Group Getaways

Dartmoor's unique character comes from its geology. The exposed granite of the high moor — including the spectacular tors that crown every ridge — was formed by ancient volcanic activity and sculpted by ice age glaciers. The result is a landscape of extraordinary drama: rocky outcrops rising suddenly from rolling moorland, fast-flowing rivers cutting through steep-sided valleys, ancient oak woodland on the valley floors, and open grazing land roamed by free-range Dartmoor ponies and cattle. Walking across the high moor on a clear day, with 360-degree views to the Devon coast, is one of England's finest outdoor experiences.

Dartmoor also conceals a remarkably rich cultural heritage. The moor contains over 5,000 recorded archaeological sites — more per square mile than almost anywhere else in Britain. Grimspound (a Bronze Age village of 24 hut circles enclosed by a massive granite wall) is one of the most complete prehistoric settlements in England and visits nothing short of astonishing. The stone rows of Merrivale and the Scorhill stone circle pre-date Stonehenge and stand in wild moorland settings accessible on foot from group properties nearby.

Walking and Outdoor Adventure

Hay Tor is Dartmoor's most iconic landmark — twin granite outcrops rising 457 metres above sea level on the eastern moor, with panoramic views to Torbay and beyond. The walk from the car park to the tor is just 15 minutes, making it accessible to all group members. More ambitious groups can continue from Hay Tor along the ridge to Hound Tor (a 4-mile circular route passing a medieval deserted village) or south to Rippon Tor and the Dartmoor Way. Bellever Forest and the Postbridge clapper bridge area provides beautiful gentler walking on the eastern moor, with the ancient granite slab bridge over the East Dart a spectacular focal point.

Dartmoor's rivers provide some of England's finest wild swimming. The crystal-clear rivers draining off the high moor — the Dart, Teign, Plym, and Erme — flow over granite bedrock and provide natural pools of exceptional clarity. The Dartmeet confluence of the East and West Dart, and the Becky Falls and Spitchwick Common stretches of the river are all popular group wild swimming destinations. River Teign at Steps Bridge provides a gentler family-friendly option with a beautiful wooded gorge setting.

Dartmoor Villages and Local Food

Chagford, on the northern edge of the moor, is Dartmoor's most celebrated small town — a perfectly preserved granite market town with an outstanding independent food scene. The 22 Mill Street restaurant and the award-winning Gidleigh Park country house hotel (Michelin-starred) nearby make Chagford one of Devon's finest dining destinations. Widecombe-in-the-Moor — set in a dramatic glacial valley and famous for its medieval church — is the quintessential Dartmoor village. Princetown, at 425 metres the highest town in England, provides a rugged base with exceptional moorland access in every direction. (Venues and opening hours change — always check before you go.)

Proximity to Devon Coast

Dartmoor's position at the heart of Devon means groups can combine moorland adventure with spectacular coastal days out. The South Devon Coast — including the English Riviera resorts of Torquay, Paignton, and Dartmouth — is 30–45 minutes from most Dartmoor properties. The dramatic South Devon Coast Path between Salcombe and Start Point provides some of England's finest clifftop walking. Dartmouth, with its beautiful castle-guarded estuary and excellent restaurants, is 45 minutes from the moor and an outstanding group day trip.

Ideal Occasions

Dartmoor is perfect for groups who prioritise outdoor experience: walking groups, cycling groups, wild swimming enthusiasts, photography groups, and families celebrating milestones in stunning natural surroundings. Active hen parties who want their celebration centred on adventure rather than nightclubs find Dartmoor's combination of dramatic moorland, beautiful properties, and excellent Devon food deeply satisfying. Exeter (30 minutes east) and Plymouth (30 minutes south-west) both offer urban nightlife and dining for groups wanting a big evening out.

Nearby Destinations

Exeter is 30 minutes east. Plymouth is 30 minutes south-west. The broader Devon and Cornwall coastlines are accessible for day trips across the region.