Manaton: Culture and Walking Experiences in Dartmoor

Manaton combines an impressive local history with the landscapes of Dartmoor. A listed church, historic buildings, Bronze Age remains and distinctive rock formations give the village a varied character. There are also walks with different durations and destinations. Anyone planning a trip can combine cultural discoveries with active days outdoors here.

Historic Impressions Around Manaton

The Church of St Winifred is a Grade I listed parish church dating from the 15th century. One of its outstanding features is its carved and painted interior fittings from the late 15th century. An avenue of ash and beech trees leads to the church, and from the churchyard the view extends south to Hayne Down. The churchyard of St Winifred's Church also contains an ancient yew tree. It is considered to be very old and could be among the oldest yews on Dartmoor.

Several buildings outside the church also reflect the historic character of the village. Church Cottage is a Grade II listed building with origins in the 16th century. Half Moon House is likewise protected as a Grade II listed building and was built in the 16th century as a farmhouse. Church House School retains its well-preserved Gothic style. The farm buildings of Town Barton survive as a complete example of a model agricultural holding. Manaton's war memorial is a granite cross unveiled in 1920 for the First World War; additions for the Second World War were made later.

For broader historical discoveries, Grimspound and the Hound Tor Deserted Medieval Village are particularly noteworthy. The Bronze Age settlement of Grimspound lies in the north of the parish of Manaton. The Hound Tor Deserted Medieval Village was inhabited by farmers in the 13th and 14th centuries and can be visited in daylight. The chronology of these impressions therefore extends from the Bronze Age through the Middle Ages to the village's listed buildings.

Walking Among Moorland, Rocks and Water

Manaton is a suitable starting point for exploring Dartmoor on foot and is a centre for walking and cycling in this part of Dartmoor. The walks described follow public rights of way. Their durations vary considerably: the “Manaton and Water” walk is designed to take one hour. The walk from Manaton via Water and the River Bovey takes 1½ to 2 hours and returns via Becky Falls. Those who prefer a longer circuit can plan the walk to Bowerman's Nose and Jays Grave; depending on the route, it takes 2 to 2½ hours.

The landscape provides distinctive highlights along the way. Bowerman's Nose is a frequently photographed rock formation in the Manaton Rocks and a landmark on Dartmoor. For planning another moorland route, it is also important to note that from the nearest car park, a 0.5-mile or 0.8-kilometre path leads across the moor to the Hound Tor monument. Some paths are steep and may be wet in places. The distances and durations given therefore help you choose between a short walk and a longer hike according to your preferred daily schedule.

Which Accommodation Search Suits Your Plans

When searching for a holiday rental in Manaton, the desired combination of local history and landscape is a useful starting point. If you are interested in historic buildings, the churchyard and prehistoric sites, the focus of your trip is on cultural discoveries. If, on the other hand, you plan to follow several paths, the different walking durations provide reference points for a varied stay. Accommodation with Manaton as the destination can therefore suit a trip that combines short walks, longer routes and historical impressions. As you continue your search, consider which daily rhythm best suits your travel group, without combining the individual experiences into one shared route.

For your further search, you can also visit Exbourne, Buckfastleigh, Cheriton Bishop, Shaugh Prior, Blackawton, Berrynarbor, Cove and Hennock.

For the higher-level travel overview: Devon.