Dartmoor · South Dartmoor
Ashburton
A historic town on the southern edge of Dartmoor with strong food and walking links.
About
Ashburton
Ashburton sits on the southern edge of Dartmoor and offers a slightly different feel to many of the more traditional moorland settlements. It has a strong independent streak, with shops, food, and local businesses giving it energy and movement.
Despite that, it never loses its connection to the landscape. The moor rises just beyond it, and it doesn’t take long to move from town streets into something much quieter. It’s this balance, between activity and space, that makes Ashburton such a useful and interesting place to spend time.
Character
The feel of Ashburton
Ashburton feels energetic, independent, and slightly more contemporary than many Dartmoor-edge towns. It has history, you can see it in the buildings and layout, but it doesn’t feel stuck in it.
There’s a creative edge here. Shops, food, and small businesses give it a different rhythm, and it feels more like a place people actively choose to spend time in, not just pass through. At the same time, Dartmoor is right there, visible, close, and always pulling you upwards and out.
Map & Getting Here
Getting to Ashburton
What to expect
A natural way to spend time here
Independent shops and strong local character
Easy access to southern Dartmoor
Lively streets with a food-focused feel
Quick transition from town to open moor
Good base for both short and longer walks
Works well as a stop or a starting point
What makes it stand out
What makes Ashburton special
Ashburton stands out because it blends two things that don’t always sit together easily, a lively, independent town atmosphere and immediate access to Dartmoor.
You can arrive for the food, the shops, or just the feel of the place, and then within a short distance be heading into quieter, more open landscapes. It feels less like a gateway and more like a place that holds its own alongside the moor.
The place in pictures
Ashburton
A lively Dartmoor-edge town combining independent shops with quick access to the moor.
Don't miss
Things to see and do
Explore the independent shops, Ashburton is known for its mix of antiques, crafts, and food shops, far less tourist-heavy than larger Dartmoor towns.
Walk through the town centre, Narrow streets and old buildings give it a more traditional, lived-in feel.
Follow the River Ashburn, Short, quieter stretches near the town offer an easy way to slow things down.
Use it as a Dartmoor gateway, Within minutes you can be heading up onto the south-east moor.
Walks from here
Getting out from Ashburton
Ashburton gives you a wide range of options very quickly:
Easy option → River and lower valley walks just outside town
Moor access → Short drives take you straight onto southern Dartmoor
Mid-distance routes → Paths linking Ashburton to moorland edges and higher ground
Longer days → Extend routes deeper into Dartmoor from nearby access points
It’s a flexible base, you can scale your day up or down without needing to travel far.
Good to know
Before you go
Can be busy, especially around food spots and weekends
Parking is available but can fill up at peak times
One of the best places to sort food and supplies before heading onto the moor
Moorland access is close, but terrain changes quickly once you leave town
Across the seasons: Popular year-round; lively in warmer months.
Local weather
Weather near Ashburton
Overcast
Today
Met Office forecast · updated every 30 min
Practical info
Practical info
Several small town car parks close to the centre (short and long stay) Some limited roadside parking on surrounding streets Can be busy at peak times and weekends Good option if you’re planning a short stop before heading onto Dartmoor
Public toilets available in town Good range of cafés, pubs, and food spots Independent shops including antiques and local goods Basic everyday services available
Town centre is generally walkable with some uneven surfaces Pavements and streets can be narrow in places Some areas may be less suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility Access improves on main streets and open areas Dog-friendly in town and surrounding areas. Take care on nearby moorland where livestock may be present.
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Explore nearby
Places nearby
Ivybridge
Ivybridge offers one of the quickest transitions from town to open Dartmoor terrain.
Beer
Beer combines beach atmosphere, fishing heritage and dramatic coastal scenery.
Belstone
Belstone feels deeply connected to the moor, with immediate access to tors and upland walking.
Bovey Tracey
Bovey Tracey offers easy access to eastern Dartmoor alongside strong town facilities and nearby woodland.
Join the 3moors Community for path conditions & local tips.
JoinWhy this place matters
Ashburton — in its own right
Ashburton isn’t just a stopping point, it’s a place that holds its own. It gives you energy, independence, and a strong sense of character, while still keeping Dartmoor within easy reach. You don’t have to choose between town and moor here, you get both, and that’s what makes it work.
Explore more
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