Our Collection

ABode Hotels

ABode Canterbury
ABode Chester

Brownsword Hotels

Amberley Castle
Buckland Manor
Gidleigh Park
Old Swan & Minster Mill
Sydney House Chelsea
The Bath Priory
The Slaughters Country Inn
The Slaughters Manor House

The Imperial Torquay

The Imperial Torquay

Taste & Indulge

Indulge in the perfect culinary retreat at Gidleigh Park, the ultimate destination for food lovers.

BOOK NOW

Book Now

48 Hours on Dartmoor

Two Days Shaped by the Moor

Forty-eight hours on Dartmoor is enough to understand why the northern area of the Moor rewards a slower approach. Our carefully thought through plans, keeps the driving light and the sense of place strong, using Gidleigh Park as the base for walking, Chagford and a dinner worth planning around.

It is not a timetable to follow by the minute, rather an open guide, with Weather, daylight and appetite deciding the order. The best Dartmoor weekends leave room to change course, especially when the clouds lift over the tors or the fire looks more inviting than another mile outside.

Day One

Arrive Through Chagford

Approach via Chagford rather than the village of Gidleigh, following the hotel’s directions for the final lane. If you arrive before the room is ready, leave the luggage with reception and begin with the grounds. The transition matters; a short walk beside the River Teign and through the woodland makes for an easier start than trying to tick off a major attraction. Return for check-in from 3pm, settle into the room and take time to look through the walking maps before committing to the next day. The gardens are wide, and the woodlands deep to allow you to explore in comfort.

EXPLORE OFFERS

A Short Walk

Afternoon Walk

For fresh air without a full expedition, choose the Teign Valley riverside route from the hotel. It can be completed in around 30 minutes, although stopping beside the water tends to stretch it. If the ground is dry and there is more daylight, continue into the surrounding lanes or ask reception for a slightly longer circuit. The aim is to arrive back with time to change for dinner, not to test the limits of your waterproofs on the first afternoon. There’s something to spot in all seasons, although in the spring and summer keep a careful look out for Wood Warblers, Swallows Chiffchaffs and many more.

The First Evening

Let Dinner Lead

Make the first night the culinary centre of the stay. Gidleigh Park’s Michelin-starred restaurant serves seasonal menus informed by Devon produce, the kitchen garden and Dartmoor itself. A five-course dinner gives a complete experience without taking over the whole evening; the seven-course menu offers a longer, more detailed journey. Check in with our staff to see the latest seasonal menus made from local produce. Build in time for a drink beforehand and do not schedule an early start merely for its own sake. A good breakfast and a clear forecast are better guides for day two.

Day Two

Breakfast Boots and a Choice

After breakfast, choose between open moor and sheltered landscape. Kes Tor gives a more elemental Dartmoor walk, with granite, wide views and exposure to the weather. Fernworthy Reservoir offers woodland, water and archaeological interest, with several route lengths available. For a gentler day, walk into Chagford and return by the lanes or arrange a lift back. Ask reception about current conditions, carry a proper map and take layers even when the morning begins brightly.

After a longer day outside, the second evening can be far less formal. The Country House menu offers seasonal dishes in a relaxed setting, giving the stay a different rhythm from the tasting-menu night. There is also value in leaving the final hour unplanned; a walk through the gardens, a drink in the lounge or an early night can feel more restorative than another organised activity. If your break is food-led, the Taste & Indulge package brings these two styles together.

Explore Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions

The right route depends on weather and confidence. The hotel’s short Teign Valley path is an easy introduction; Kes Tor offers a more open moorland experience; Fernworthy combines forest, water and archaeology. Ask reception for current advice and carry a map rather than relying only on a phone.

Yes. Chagford is approximately two miles from Gidleigh Park and can be reached on foot as part of a local walk. The return route, weather and daylight should be considered before setting out. Reception can help with walking notes or local transport if you prefer not to walk both ways.

Yes, with shorter walks and more flexibility. Daylight, wet ground and changing weather make exposed routes less predictable, so choose a sheltered riverside or woodland option and leave generous time. The country house, restaurant and Chagford still give the weekend structure when the moor is not inviting.

Yes. Dining is a central part of a Gidleigh Park stay, and advance booking is particularly important for the Michelin-starred menus and busy weekends. Confirm current restaurant service days and any dietary requirements when reserving the room.

Our Offers & Packages

The Perfect Culinary Retreat

Taste & Indulge

Indulge in a culinary adventure at Gidleigh Park, the ultimate destination for food lovers.

FIND OUT MORE

A Romantic Two‑Night Escape

Celebration Package

Whisk someone special away to Dartmoor for a two-night escape full of charm.

FIND OUT MORE

Four Nights for Three | Seven Nights for Five

Extend Your Stay

Extend your stay and enjoy complimentary luxury benefits throughout your Dartmoor visit.

FIND OUT MORE

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected with the latest news, seasonal offers, and exquisitely curated experiences from Gidleigh Park. Join our newsletter for timeless inspiration, peaceful, secluded stays and exclusive updates, thoughtfully crafted just for you.