Lydford Tor

The granite outcrop rises abruptly from the moorland just outside Tavistock, a proper stark contrast to the rolling fields around it. Lydford Tor isn't a technical climb - more a steep walk up to a viewpoint where you can see right across Dartmoor on a clear day. The tor itself is a jumble of boulders at the top, the kind of place where kids will want to scramble about for twenty minutes before deciding they're bored.

You'll want to allow an hour there and back, including time to catch your breath at the summit. The path gets boggy in places, particularly after rain, so decent boots matter. It's free to visit and the access is straightforward from the road near Lydford village.

For families staying at Langstone Manor Holiday Park or exploring Dartmoor National Park, Lydford Tor makes a solid afternoon detour without eating into proper walk time. The effort-to-reward ratio is honest - you're not getting the drama of some of the higher tors, but it's worth the leg-stretch if you're in the area. History types might appreciate the nearby Lydford Castle, an 11th-century motte-and-bailey, which adds another layer to a visit. Go in autumn when the light's better and the crowds have cleared.