Hello, Lykkers! Have you ever looked at a photo of a tiny stone building perched on a jagged rock and thought, "That can't be real"? That's St Michael de Rupe on Brent Tor, and it is very real. It sits on a volcanic outcrop on the western edge of Dartmoor, and it's thought to be the highest working place of worship in southern England at 1,110 feet above sea level.

You can see it from miles away, and the walk up is short but steep enough to make you feel like you've earned the view. Here are six places and experiences to build a day around it.

This is the anchor of the whole area, and it's more than just a pretty photo. The building you see today mostly dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, but there was a foundation here as early as 1130. It sits inside an Iron Age hillfort, so the site has been important for thousands of years. The site is open 24/7, year-round, as a quiet space for reflection.

There's a car park at the bottom with toilets, and the climb takes about ten minutes on uneven ground, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. Entrance is free, though donations are always appreciated to help with upkeep. Parking at the base is also free, with a decent-sized lot and clean toilets available.

Lydford Gorge

A short drive from Brentor, this National Trust site is a completely different kind of dramatic. The River Lyd has carved a deep, wooded gorge with waterfalls and walking trails. It's a great contrast to the exposed, windswept tor. The trails are well-maintained, and it's a lovely place to stretch your legs after the climb up to the top. Entry for non-National Trust members is around US$16–17 per person and roughly US$8 for children, with under-fives going free. The waterfall trail is typically open from 10am until 4:30pm during the summer months, so plan your visit accordingly.

Tavistock

If you want a proper town stop for food and a wander, Tavistock is the closest option. It's a historic market town with independent shops and a charming feel. It's a good base for the area and a sensible place to grab lunch or stock up before heading deeper into Dartmoor. The pannier market is worth a look if you're there on the right day.

Dartmoor Ponies and the Open Moor

You don't need a specific destination for this one. The whole point of Dartmoor is the space. The famous wild ponies roam freely across the moor, and you'll likely see them near the roads or on the tors. Please don't feed them, as it harms their health. Pull over at a safe spot, watch them from a distance, and enjoy the silence. The landscape is ancient and open, and it's the kind of place where you just stand and breathe for a minute. Free to enjoy, obviously.

Wistman's Wood

This is for the adventurous and the slightly spooky-at-heart. Wistman's Wood is a remote, high-altitude oak woodland where the trees are stunted and twisted, covered in moss and lichen. It feels like stepping into a fairy tale or a folk horror film. It's about a 30-minute drive from Brentor, near Two Bridges, and the walk in is rugged. Wear proper boots, because the ground is uneven and can be boggy. It's not a casual stroll, but it's unforgettable. If you'd rather have a guide, an organized walk combined with a cream tea typically costs around US$36 per person.

A Proper Devon Cream Tea

After all that walking, you need a scone. Dartmoor is dotted with tea rooms that serve the classic Devon cream tea: a warm scone, thick clotted cream, and strawberry jam. The local rule is cream first, then jam—don't argue with the locals. It's the perfect way to end a day of exploring, and it's a simple pleasure that makes the whole trip feel complete. A traditional cream tea at a local hotel or tea room typically runs around US$24–25 per person depending on the venue.

Final Thoughts

Brentor and the western edge of Dartmoor reward travelers who slow down. The chapel on the tor is the headline, but the gorge, the woods, the ponies, and the cream tea are what make the day memorable. Wear sensible shoes, bring a layer for the wind, and leave room for a spontaneous stop. Dartmoor doesn't need a strict itinerary. It just needs you to show up and look around.