Hotels on Dartmoor: the mystery and magic of South Devon Dartmoor is a part of the UK that has an ethereal beauty to it as well as a lively spirit - encapsulated by the whimsical humour at the likes of Glazebrook House. A place of wild, natural abundance as well as chocolate box perfect Devon villages, it is blessed with rich history washed in legend and tantalising scandal as the home of Dartmoor's infamous prison. As a place to visit it is ideal for family friendly holidays in Devon, thanks to local attractions such as Dartmoor Zoological Park with its big cat collection and conservation centre. Meanwhile walking holidays in Devon take on a new level of blissful beauty, speckled with natural granite forms and spectacular landscapes at the likes of Hay Tor (which you can see from Ilsington Country House hotel), as well as other Neolithic tombs, Bronze Age stone circles and abandoned medieval farmhouses. In terms of history, Dartmoor is blessed with architectural feats that tell stories across the centuries. Buckland Abbey, close to Kilbury Manor, where they are also known for their own wine, is a picturesque setting for guests to visit at any time of the year, while the likes of Cotehele Tudor house and formal gardens is another favourite. For those walking on Dartmoor, the famous Dartmoor ponies are a welcoming site, and for anyone with a spirit of adventure cycling across the moors is a favourite pastime, with many a route to venture along at your leisure. Naturally, this is an environment that is a complete heaven for dogs, so for those looking for dog friendly hotels in the area, such as Prince Hall, you will find plenty to keep your pooch entertained, whilst lots of local pubs and restaurants also welcome dogs. If you have a literary soul, it may interest you to know that this vast landscape has inspired many a book and play, including the internationally acclaimed War Horse. Written by Devon-based author Michael Morpurgo, who was inspired to write the story after meeting WW1 veterans at his local pub in Iddesleigh, while filming took place on Dartmoor itself. Going back across the centuries the tradition of stories continues; there is the legend of Coffin Stone, Crazywell Pool and Cutty Dyer - all something to ponder over dinner at one of the area's warm and welcoming hotels.