Okehampton

Steam trains still whistle through this market town, bringing day-trippers to explore what feels like Devon's forgotten corner. Okehampton sits proper at the edge of Dartmoor, where the granite tors begin their dramatic rise from green farmland. It's got that end-of-the-line feeling that makes you want to linger.

The town centre runs along a single main street that's quiet midweek but comes alive on market days. You'll find independent shops rather than chain stores, plus some decent pubs that do a proper Sunday roast. The real draw here is the position - you're minutes from serious moorland walking, yet close enough to civilization for supplies.

Dartmoor National Park spreads out from the town's doorstep like a wild green carpet. Ancient woodland like Slew Wood and Carey Wood offers gentler walks if the moor feels too exposed. The area's dotted with small lakes including Tench Lake and Trout Lake, popular with anglers and dog walkers alike.

Church enthusiasts will have a field day - the area's packed with medieval buildings including St George's Church in town and scattered parishes like St Peter Ad Vincula and St Bridget's Church in nearby villages. Each tells a different story of this borderland between Devon proper and the ancient moor.

Okehampton railway station connects directly to Exeter, making it surprisingly accessible despite feeling remote. The A30 runs close by for those driving from Cornwall or further east. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks means you can tackle Dartmoor's challenging walks by day, then retreat to comfort rather than camping wild on the moor itself.