Settlement

Ancient stone foundations emerge from the Dartmoor turf like ghostly fingerprints, marking where families lived and worked centuries ago. This archaeological site near Tavistock reveals the remains of what was once a thriving medieval settlement, complete with house plots, field boundaries and remnants of daily life that bring the past into sharp focus.

Walking among the low stone walls, you can still make out individual buildings and even spot where doorways once stood. The site works particularly well for older children who enjoy detective work - they'll love piecing together how people lived here before the settlement was abandoned. History enthusiasts will find plenty to ponder, especially when you consider how harsh Dartmoor winters must have been for these early inhabitants.

Getting there requires a proper walk across open moorland, so come prepared with decent boots and waterproofs. The site itself takes about an hour to explore thoroughly, though you could easily spend longer if you're keen on photography or bringing the place to life for kids.

From holiday parks around Tavistock like Langstone Manor or Lydford Caravan & Camping Park, this makes an excellent half-day expedition into Dartmoor's wilder reaches. The walk alone justifies the trip - you'll cross typical moorland terrain with granite tors on the horizon and that sense of ancient landscape that makes Dartmoor so compelling.