Plan Your Trip to Dartmoor & The Book Nook

Welcome to The Book Nook Dartmoor — your base for exploring one of the most beautiful and atmospheric landscapes in the UK.

Whether you’re planning a walking holiday, a literary escape, or a quiet retreat in nature, this guide will help you plan your stay and discover the best of Dartmoor and the surrounding Devon countryside.

Explore Dartmoor

Dartmoor National Park is one of the most dramatic landscapes in the UK, known for its granite tors, wild ponies, ancient history, and vast open spaces.

There’s something different around every corner — from peaceful river valleys to rugged hilltops with far-reaching views.

Explore more:

👉 Dartmoor walking guide    Top ten things to do on Dartmoor    Wild swimming on Dartmoor    Dartmoor landscape guide

Explore the Coast

If you’re staying at The Book Nook Dartmoor, the coast is only a short drive away — and it’s well worth the journey. South Devon’s coastline is known for its soft sandy beaches, hidden coves, and clear blue water that changes with the tide and weather. Spend a day exploring charming seaside towns like Salcombe and Dartmouth, where you’ll find harbours filled with boats, independent shops, and great places to eat fresh seafood. For something more unusual, head to Bigbury-on-Sea to ride the famous sea tractor across to Burgh Island when the tide comes in.

Here’s a flavour of what the Coast has to offer:

👉 Devon Sea Safari   Local beaches   Sea kayaking

Eating Out

The beauty of self-catering is being able to cook up some fantastic local food. The Book Nook has a small electric oven, hob and ‘Brambly Hedge’ inspired cookhouse. The beauty of ‘self-catered’ is being able to cook ‘in’ and explore the range of excellent produce available from local independent shops. But perhaps you want to explore eating out – maybe do a bit of both?.

Here we’ve linked our favourite places to eat out. Whether it be good old pub grub or fine dining, we’ve selected the both from the moor and the coast.

👉 Home Farm Cafe    Riverford Field Kitchen   The Rock Inn   Gidleigh Park   The Oyster Shack  The Elephant   The Old Inn

Literary Devon

Devon has long been a place of inspiration for writers, storytellers, and readers. From famous authors like Agatha Christie to independent bookshops tucked away in small towns, there’s a strong literary spirit throughout the region.

If you love books and stories, you might enjoy:

👉 How to experience Agatha Christie in Devon   The best bookshops in Devon   Dartmoor Folklore

It’s a perfect area for slow travel — where reading and exploring go hand in hand.

Adventuring

The Book Nook is located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in Devon, making it an ideal base for exploring the moor and surrounding area.

You’ll find yourself within easy reach of walking routes, scenic drives, local villages, and quiet spots perfect for exploring at your own pace. Here’s some ideas for exploring:

👉 Top ten things to do in Devon    Letterboxing on Dartmoor   Dartmoor Prison   Dartmoor Walking   Dartmoor Cycling (please note we have secure bike storage in the yard)

Culture and Heritage

Devon and Dartmoor are shaped not just by their landscapes, but by the stories, traditions, and people who have lived here for centuries.

From legendary authors and literary inspirations to ancient folklore, historic homes, and traditional market towns, this area is rich in culture and character.

Here’s our takeaway for things to do:

👉 Ashburton Cookery School   Theatre   Adventure Sport   Museums    Music

Staying at The Book Nook

The Book Nook is a small, book-inspired cabin designed for slow living, comfort, and connection with nature. It’s a place to switch off, unwind, and enjoy the simple things — books, views, and quiet surroundings.

To learn more about the space and the story behind it, explore:

👉 Meet the owners   Interiors of The Book Nook   Living in a “shoebox” cabin   Welcome to The Book Nook

Every part of the cabin has been designed with care, combining sustainability with a love of storytelling.