PlacesToStay.org.uk
region · Devon
For Dartmoor, decide whether you want to sleep within the moorland landscape or return to a town after exploring. Two Bridges Hotel gives an interior-park comparison beside the West Dart, while The Bedford in Tavistock offers a market-town evening on the western side. Neither choice replaces planning the actual walk or visit. Choose the part of Dartmoor you want to explore, then match the room and arrival to it.
Compare the stays ↓
FIND YOUR BASE
Choose the hotel at Two Bridges when the countryside setting is part of the reason for staying. A meal and an unhurried return to the property can be the reward after one well-chosen outing.
Good for: Visitors who want the hotel and moorland setting to form one break.
Before you choose: Arrange arrival transport and meals in advance. A rural hotel address does not put every Dartmoor route outside the door or guarantee an evening bus home.
Tavistock suits visitors who want market-town browsing and a local evening as well as time on Dartmoor. The Bedford provides a different setting from the interior hotel, with particular family and ground-floor layouts to enquire about.
Good for: Families and couples who want a town alternative to a rural evening.
Before you choose: Staying at the western edge means choosing outings around that side of the park. Do not plan each day from a county-wide list without checking the journey.
The national park’s visitor centres at places such as Postbridge and Haytor can help you plan an appropriate visit. Select a route that matches experience, weather and daylight, with a shorter alternative.
Good for: First visits and mixed-ability groups.
Before you choose: A scenic road journey is not the same as a prepared walk. Check current route, access and any relevant range information rather than relying on a hotel’s general walking description.
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
ROMANTIC BREAKS
If Two Bridges is the attraction, return with time to enjoy the hotel instead of driving to another distant stop. If a town meal matters more, Tavistock may fit better. Confirm the specific room feature you want rather than choosing a broad premium category.
FAMILY BREAKS
Agree the actual beds and room route first. Plan one manageable outing with a clear return, and be willing to replace an exposed walk when conditions do not suit the group. A visitor-centre stop or town afternoon can be a valid main plan.
A LITTLE ROOM TO EXPLORE
A suggested short break with room to enjoy your chosen base.
Reach the actual hotel, leave bags and confirm dinner. Check the next day’s conditions and route information before committing to a moorland outing.
Choose a suitable walk or landscape visit in the part of the park that fits your base. Allow for breaks and a comfortable return. Keep a shorter option ready rather than extending the route to tick off another landmark.
Have a relaxed breakfast and a brief local pause if time allows. Save an unfamiliar moorland walk for a day without a fixed onward connection.
Less time? For one night, choose the hotel setting and one modest outing. A longer walk deserves a full day with preparation and a flexible return.
ROOM FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
An interior Dartmoor hotel and a western market-town comparison. Choose the setting and daily route before comparing room categories.
Two Bridges, Dartmoor, PL20 6SW
A hotel beside the West Dart within Dartmoor for making the moorland setting central to the break. Decide whether this countryside evening is what you want before comparing town amenities.
Why compare it: Compare for staying within Dartmoor and returning to a countryside hotel.
Before you book: Confirm room allocation, meals and arrival transport. A Premier booking does not automatically include a four-poster, river view or spa bath. Plan walks separately around conditions.
Visit official website1 Plymouth Road, Tavistock, PL19 8BB
A central Tavistock hotel with family and ground-floor options to discuss directly. Its room descriptions make clear that beds and special features vary.
Why compare it: Tavistock comparison outside the moorland interior, with a market-town evening.
Before you book: Request the specific layout and full access route. Confirm parking terms for your booking channel; the hotel’s included parking offer is tied to direct bookings.
Visit official websiteBEFORE YOU CHOOSE
No. It offers a market-town base beside western Dartmoor. Two Bridges is the countryside comparison within the park.
No. Features vary between rooms. Confirm the exact allocation if one feature is essential.
No. Check the current service for the actual route and return. Arrange a workable alternative before choosing a rural stay without a car.
No. A shorter planned visit with time for the setting can suit a short break better. Match the route to conditions and the group.
No. Confirm the entire entrance, bedroom and bathroom route at either hotel, along with the exact beds.
These base comparisons and suggested plans are our editorial judgement, informed by the linked official sources. We have not stayed at or inspected the properties. Official links earn no commission; confirm current arrangements directly.
Sources checked 2026-09-17. Check current arrangements before travelling.
