A little something for after your alpaca experience...
All of these activities and eateries are right on my doorstep, within a few miles of the farm. So go on, fill your afternoon and get a full taste of what Dartmoor has to offer.
Lydford Gorge
Run by the National Trust, Lydford Gorge is the deepest river gorge in the South West with the 30m high Whitelady Waterfall directly opposite us! You are so close you can literally walk across the road so why not book this beauty spot in for after your alpaca experience?
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The full 2.5 hour gorge walk takes in the Whitelady Waterfall, the Tunnel Falls and the Devil's Cauldron or you can opt for a shorter circular walk to just see the Whitelady. There is also a fabulous, large second hand bookshop at the Devil's Cauldron entrance.
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Don't miss the tea room, a chance to rest your weary alpaca legs... sausage rolls, cream teas and lots of other tasty treats await you!
The Castle Inn, Lydford
My local, this 16th century Devonshire pub never fails to disappoint - good hearty food at reasonable prices, lovely friendly staff, cosy atmosphere and roaring fires to take away the chill! There is a large beer garden with a good amount undercover along with blankets and heat lamps - an all year round outdoor space in Dartmoor!
Their homemade puddings are a particular favourite of mine and you have after all walked a lot of steps with your alpaca (so who cares about the calories).
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Full of character, what's not to love? - click to check out their latest menu and to book a table.
St Michael De Rupe, Brentor Church
On your alpaca trek you will be walking towards this picturesque church so it is a must to visit it afterwards.
Perched high on top of an extinct volcanic cone, at 1,110 feet above sea level this 700 year old church is considered the highest working church in England.
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Once you have climbed up you will be
rewarded with magnificent 360 degree views of Dartmoor, Plymouth Sound, Whitsand Bay, The Tamar Valley, Bodmin Moor and even Exmoor.
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Don't be put off if it's misty, it just adds to the atmosphere!
The Dartmoor Inn
They have won so many awards and it is easy to see why - every aspect from the food, to the service to the setting is top notch. Hosts Tess and Jay should be so proud of themselves!
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A 16th century coaching inn that has lots of cosy nooks and roaring log fires in colder months, it's one cosy place.
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The menu is varied and changes often as it is tailored to what local producers have in season so there is always something new to try.
Bearslake Inn
A fabulous 13th century historic inn run by Julian and Lisa. What a cosy, relaxed and homely place complete with a wonderful secret garden next to it own babbling brook.
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The food here is quite delicious - the Sunday roasts are an absolute must with great portion sizes. Booking is essential!
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The Bearslake also serves afternoon teas adapted to each season. Right now their festive afternoon tea version is looking very tempting. Remember all alpaca experiences end just in time for lunch so get ahead and click on the More Info button to book a table.
Alder Vineyard
What a hidden gem! I only got to experience this amazing place recently but I was so impressed it had to be added on as a recommendation for you all.
A family run establishment, Alder Vineyard offers something truly special. They won some great awards earlier this year including Gold in the Devon Tourism Awards for 'Best Cafe in Devon'.
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From wine tours, to a breakfast club, a full lunch menu and nibbles, platters and cakes galore, this place is a must. The views from the dining area are spectacular and I highly recommend going to one of the 'Live in the Vines' music events. Just book early as they sell out quickly. Check the blog for details of upcoming events.
Lydford Farm Shop
I think my sister and her family only come to visit me so often so that they can go to the Lydford Farm Shop to get a pasty and one of their legendary sausage rolls! Trust me, these sausage rolls are like no others.
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With picnic tables outside and a wide range of quality and local foods and gifts, this is the perfect stop on your way home.
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The honey is harvested on Dartmoor itself and they bake some seriously good brownies!
The Granite Way
If you are feeling energetic after your alpaca experience why not cycle the Granite Way starting from Lydford village? It is easy cycling on a surfaced path - my kind of bike ride!
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This is an 11 mile cycle path between Okehampton and Lydford and is mostly traffic free, largely following the course of the former Southern Region railway line.
You will get to cycle across the huge stone viaduct of Lake, pass Okehampton castle and Meldon dam.
Lydford Castle
A medieval castle built around 1195, this is well worth a visit if you are passing by - what's more it's free!
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It has a really interesting history and was a courtroom and a prison, notorious for doling out particularly harsh punishments.
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Take the option to explore the beautiful St Petrock's church next door and check out the Norman earthwork castle and the Saxon town defences.
Great Links Tor & Widgery Cross
A real hidden gem, hiking up to Widgery Cross on Brat Tor is a great short hike to fill your afternoon after your alpaca experience. It takes between 40 minutes to an hour to hike up and you are rewarded with some rather amazing views.
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If you have time, walk on up to Great Links Tor (which you will have been gazing at on your return alpaca trek) and descend via Alms Tor for a proper circular walk.
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You get to cross the river Lyd via some big stepping stones and there are often Dartmoor ponies hanging around.
