Kenny’s Guide to Dartmoor & Exmoor

Hello my old friends, it has been a while since we last spoke, I have been busy meeting lots of people on their UK family breaks. Those of you staying at our caravan parks next week are in for a treat as it's my favourite time of year – National Park Week! National Parks Week is the National Parks family's annual celebration of everything that is unique and wonderful about our 15 National Parks - Britain's breathing spaces.

We are so lucky to have Dartmoor and Exmoor, two of the most beautiful National Parks in the UK right on the doorstep of our holiday parks. Dartmoor and Exmoor both have their own unique characters – while Dartmoor is a wild, wide-open place filled with mystery, Exmoor is filled with secret, hidden treasures such as Tarr Steps.

Dartmoor- Dartmoor National Park is vast moorland in the heart of Devon with stunning views, fast flowing rivers and deep wooded valley's. Dartmoor Ponies are an iconic sight, living as semi-wild herds all over the moor, grazing together with the beauty of Dartmoor as a back drop. As Dartmoor is the highest upland in southern Britain offering many different habitats to an abundance of wildlife, including Dartmoor's little five; Blue ground beetle, Marsh Fritillary, Cuckoo, Otter and the Ash black slug.

Dartmoor's moorland core is the largest open moor in southern England and a place of remoteness and tranquillity, inspiring many writers, poets and painters over the years. With 368 square miles to choose from, there is so much to do in Dartmoor from short walks, guided walks, cycling, horse riding on the open moor, canoeing, climbing and bouldering – something for everyone to enjoy.

Exmoor – Named after the River Exe, the open moorland of Exmoor stretches from West Somerset to North Devon.  There are many special qualities of Exmoor including unique landscape of moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland which have been shaped by people and nature over thousands of years. Views of towering cliffs plunge into the Bristol Channel, and a handful of cosy pubs and tearooms offering delicious local food and drink.

Exmoor is an activity-packed place with Visit Exmoor listing a variety of activities such as; walking, Riding, Stargazing, Exploring, Dreaming, Picnicking, Fishing, on Exmoor there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are an expert walker or someone who enjoys a brisk stroll there is a variety of walks and over 600 miles of rights of way all year round.

If you visit any of these stunning National Parks over the summer post your pictures to our Facebook page, I can't wait to see the stunning views.

Photo credit Visit Exmoor

Photo credit Visit Exmoor

Photo credit Dartmoor National Park