We wrapped up the summer with a trip to Dartmoor in Devon, stopping at Okehampton station for lunch. The station, restored to its 1950s charm, features old-fashioned steam locomotives and a tea room reminiscent of the post-war classic, “Brief Encounter.” One of the enjoyable activities on Dartmoor is a weekend day trip on the Dartmoor Railway to Meldon, where you can walk on the viaduct or explore the moor.

The station is a delightful lunch spot, where you can sit among hanging baskets and leather suitcases, enjoying a homemade Victoria Sponge with tea.

We had three teenage boys with us that weekend, seeking more adventure than just a bacon sandwich. So, we booked with Adventure Okehampton, which offers cycle hire and outdoor activities from the Okehampton YHA hostel. My son and his friends met their group at the hostel, got equipped with wetsuits and helmets, and were taken by minibus to the moor. The instructors, John and Amy, laid down some safety rules before the group set off, scrambling down the bank into the river.

Guy and I watched from the bank as the boys waded up the river, jumping and splashing in the pools. It looked like so much fun that I was almost tempted to join, but I prefer warmer waters. After a couple of hours, the boys were exhausted but happy, and we warmed them up with hot drinks and chocolate bars before heading to Woodovis Park near Tavistock for the weekend.

We chose to stay in a mobile home, as I prefer a roof over my head in the unpredictable English summer. The wardens at Woodovis Park gave us a warm welcome and a guided tour of our mobile home, which had all the comforts we needed, including a hot shower, a well-equipped kitchen, and heaters in the bedrooms. The mobile home was surprisingly spacious, with a double bedroom, a second bedroom with twin singles, and a sofa bed in the sitting area.

My husband had visited Woodovis before and had good things to say about it, which prompted me to book it again. The park has a friendly, family feel, with children safely wandering around. There’s a playground, a games room, and an indoor swimming pool with a jacuzzi and an infra-red heat cabin. The park also offers Wi-Fi, though it was a bit slow during our stay.

The holiday park is near the Tamar Valley, where you can explore walking trails and see remnants of the area’s mining heritage. We also visited the Copper Penny Inn, a pub with a history tied to the local mining industry.

On our last day, we planned to try Tree Surfing, but it was closed due to high winds. Instead, we walked on the moor, meeting friends in Peter Tavy. We hiked up the hillside, passing granite tors and encountering a farmer herding sheep and cattle. The walk ended with a pub lunch at the Peter Tavy Inn, which was packed but cozy, with good food and a welcoming atmosphere.

The next day, the weather turned rainy and windy, so we tried various activities, including an indoor climbing barn and a quick scramble up Combestone Tor. We ended the day back at our cozy mobile home, playing a game of Risk.

On our last morning, we stopped at Great Staple Tor for a final walk before heading back to Bristol. We even found a “letter box” hidden on the moor, adding a fun element to our adventure. Our weekend at Woodovis Park was a wonderful base for exploring Dartmoor, and we highly recommend it for a family-friendly, rural getaway.