Things to do and see:
This lovely little market town should be visited for its fine old buildings, as well as for its position as the gateway to the moor. The arcaded almshouses, dating from around 1637 is, perhaps, the finest building though the fifteenth-century church and other buildings near The Square are worth a look.
As you wander around Moreton's streets be sure to visit the many artists' workshops and galleries hidden away down side streets and around corners. As you explore you'll notice the impressive examples of wrought ironwork and sculpture dotted around the town, part of a local arts project. Look out for our dramatic sparrowhawk swooping overhead in The Square! The attractive Victorian schoolhouse now incorporates a contemporary art gallery, heritage displays and archive, a number of purpose-built artist’s studios and a large dedicated youth centre.
Moretonhampstead's "Dartmoor Flight Public Arts Trail" is a trail of sculptures, mosaics and works of art built into Moreton's conservation area.
The Wray Valley Trail is a community path to be used by pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians and will follow the old Newton Abbot to Moretonhampstead railway line. Phase One of the Trail is now open from Pound Lane to Steward Wood bridge but eventually it will be linked into The National Cycle Network.
There are also plenty of cycle routes, including the Two Moors Cycle Trail.
Moretonhampstead has the benefit of a sports centre including a gym, tennis courts, football pitch and a variety of other sports activities take place there. The sports centre is located on the outskirts of Moretonhampstead on the North Bovey road.
A solar heated outdoor pool is located behind the Court Street car park. The pool is normally open from May to September, depending on the weather.
Dartmoor is on the doorstep and our well-stocked Visitors Information Centre sells a wide range of maps and guidebooks with information on town and country walks and public transport in the area.
Places to eat:
Moreton offers an excellent selection of eating places, from tearooms to inexpensive pub food to high class restaurants:
Union Inn - Moreton's Traditional Tavern (excellent value and good atmosphere).
The Bell Inn - bar menu.
The Horse - modern British/Mediterranean fusion, plus pizzas to eat in or take out.
The White Hart Hotel - you are welcome to eat in the restaurant or the bar and a full menu and daily specials are available in both.
If you enjoy a traditional English breakfast cooked for you the local Coffee Shop & Bakery is only a minute's walk away.
Diary of Events:
Tour of Britain Cycle Race - stages passed through Moretonhampstead in September 2011 & 2013; for further information on future events please visit Tour of Britain Cycle Race.
Moretonhampstead Carnival runs every year on the 4th Thursday in August. This is a fantastic tourist attraction and people come from all over the country to visit the town during Carnival week.
Festival of Food, Drinks and the Arts - held each year in March it is an exciting festival showcasing food and drink from all over Devon and is a celebration of the best of produce from the area.
The festival takes place throughout the centre of this pretty Dartmoor town and there is also a 'secret studios' arts trail around the areas best loved local artists and craftspeople, with arts and crafts stalls throughout the town.For more information on the latest event please visit: Moretonhampstead Festival 2014
Bonfire & Firework Display - a spectacular display held every November.
Secret Gardens' weekend - the next event will be held in June 2015, then every other year.