Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Tavistock, Devon to Rothbury, Northumberland in South West to North East England, England.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to September.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Nature, Scenic, Classic road trip, Adventure, Food & drink.

England's National Parks Grand Tour: Dartmoor to Northumberland

Q: How long is the England's National Parks Grand Tour: Dartmoor to Northumberland route?

This route takes 12 days taking in 7 stops.

1

Tavistock

2 nights

Your Dartmoor base, a Georgian stannary town on the western edge of the moor and part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. Two nights cover the big moorland set pieces: Wistman's Wood above the West Dart, the granite tors around Haytor, and the National Trust's Lydford Gorge.Your Dartmoor base, a Georgian stannary town on the western edge of the moor and part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. Two nights cover the big moorland set pieces: Wistman's Wood above the West Dart, the granite tors around Haytor, and the National Trust's Lydford Gorge.

Recommendations

2

Dulverton

1 night

Exmoor's southern gateway and the national park's administrative home, set where the River Barle comes off the moor. One night is enough to walk the Barle up to the Tarr Steps clapper bridge, drive to Dunkery Beacon for the highest view on Exmoor, and look for red deer at dusk.Exmoor's southern gateway and the national park's administrative home, set where the River Barle comes off the moor. One night is enough to walk the Barle up to the Tarr Steps clapper bridge, drive to Dunkery Beacon for the highest view on Exmoor, and look for red deer at dusk.

Recommendations

3

Bakewell

2 nights

The Peak District's market-town hub, in the limestone dales below Chatsworth. Britain's first national park, designated in 1951, and the easiest place on the route to fill two nights: the traffic-free Monsal Trail and its lit railway tunnels, Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and the caverns at Castleton.The Peak District's market-town hub, in the limestone dales below Chatsworth. Britain's first national park, designated in 1951, and the easiest place on the route to fill two nights: the traffic-free Monsal Trail and its lit railway tunnels, Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and the caverns at Castleton.

Recommendations

4

Helmsley

1 night

A honey-stone market town on the southern edge of the North York Moors, with a ruined castle and a walled garden of its own. Use it for Rievaulx Abbey three miles up the valley, the long view over the Vale of York from Sutton Bank, and the steam line that runs from Pickering across the moors to Whitby.A honey-stone market town on the southern edge of the North York Moors, with a ruined castle and a walled garden of its own. Use it for Rievaulx Abbey three miles up the valley, the long view over the Vale of York from Sutton Bank, and the steam line that runs from Pickering across the moors to Whitby.

Recommendations

5

Hawes

1 night

The highest market town in Yorkshire and the natural overnight in upper Wensleydale. Watch cheese being made at the Wensleydale Creamery, walk up to Hardraw Force through the grounds of the Green Dragon Inn, then leave next morning over the Buttertubs Pass into Swaledale.The highest market town in Yorkshire and the natural overnight in upper Wensleydale. Watch cheese being made at the Wensleydale Creamery, walk up to Hardraw Force through the grounds of the Green Dragon Inn, then leave next morning over the Buttertubs Pass into Swaledale.

Recommendations

6

Keswick

2 nights

The Lake District's northern hub, on the shore of Derwentwater and the best walking base on the route. Two nights buy you the Catbells ridge for the classic lake view, a launch trip round the water, the Castlerigg stone circle at dawn, and the Borrowdale road up to Honister Pass.The Lake District's northern hub, on the shore of Derwentwater and the best walking base on the route. Two nights buy you the Catbells ridge for the classic lake view, a launch trip round the water, the Castlerigg stone circle at dawn, and the Borrowdale road up to Honister Pass.

Recommendations

7

Rothbury

2 nights

The capital of Coquetdale and a quiet finish to the drive. Cragside stands above the town, the Victorian house that was the first in the world lit by hydroelectricity, set in a huge rhododendron estate. The Simonside ridge walk gives 360-degree views to the Cheviots and out to the North Sea.The capital of Coquetdale and a quiet finish to the drive. Cragside stands above the town, the Victorian house that was the first in the world lit by hydroelectricity, set in a huge rhododendron estate. The Simonside ridge walk gives 360-degree views to the Cheviots and out to the North Sea.

Recommendations

England's National Parks Grand Tour: Dartmoor to Northumberland