Explore Dartmoor
Dartmoor on your doorstep
The Old Vicarage is ideally placed for discovering Dartmoor, South Devon and the nearby Tamar Valley, with beautiful walks, cycling routes, historic towns and the coast all within easy reach.
From the village you can head straight out towards rivers, woodland and open moorland, while Tavistock, Plymouth and some of the region’s best-loved National Trust properties are only a short drive away.
Walks from the door
Some lovely walks begin close to The Old Vicarage. Shaugh Bridge is less than a mile away, where you can follow the rivers Plym and Meavy through beautiful wooded countryside.
Cadover Bridge, Plymbridge Woods and the dramatic Dewerstone are also nearby, while the former railway line from Shaugh Halt leads towards Clearbrook and the open moor.
The Dartmoor Circular Route passes close to the house at Shaugh Bridge, making The Old Vicarage a particularly convenient base for walkers.
Discover Dartmoor
Dartmoor National Park covers 368 square miles of open landscape, with granite tors, wooded valleys, rivers and far-reaching views.
Its scenery has inspired writers, artists and filmmakers for generations, from Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles to Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse, which was filmed nearby.
Whether you come to walk, cycle, photograph the landscape or simply enjoy the views, there is always somewhere new to discover.
Tavistock & nearby towns
The historic market town of Tavistock is around 11 miles away, with its Pannier Market, independent shops, Victorian architecture and live music at Tavistock Wharf. Ashburton, on the eastern side of Dartmoor, is also within easy reach and is well worth exploring for its independent shops, cafés and antiques.
Historic houses
& gardens
Buckland Abbey, Saltram, Cotehele and Antony are all within easy reach, offering some excellent days out. From historic houses and richly furnished interiors to beautiful gardens, riverside walks and fascinating local stories, there is plenty to explore for anyone interested in Devon and Cornwall’s heritage.
Plymouth
& the coast
Plymouth is within easy reach, with plenty to explore including the historic Barbican, Royal William Yard, The Box and the waterfront around Plymouth Hoe and Tinside Lido. For a day by the sea, Wembury and the Rame Peninsula offer beaches, coastal walks and beautiful views.
Cycling through Dartmoor
National Cycle Route 27 — Drake’s Trail between Plymouth and Tavistock — passes nearby at Bickleigh. The route follows parts of the former railway line, taking cyclists through tunnels and across impressive Victorian viaducts with wonderful views towards the moor.
What Our Guests Say
★★★★★
“A lovely hidden gem in Shaugh Prior. The owners were so welcoming and helpful, the garden is beautiful and breakfast was excellent. The house is full of character and history, and it’s perfectly placed for walks on Dartmoor. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and couldn’t recommend it enough.”
Pandemmalar — Tripadvisor, July 2026