Van Hire Dartmoor National Park

Beyond Dartmoor’s rugged tors and misty moors, the local towns pack in all your practical needs. You’ll find proper fuel stations, decent storage spots and handy shops dotted around the national park’s edges. Need more choice? Nip over to South Brent or Ivybridge – they’re just round the corner from the wild beauty of Dartmoor.

Getting Around Dartmoor National Park

Driving through Dartmoor National Park isn’t just a journey; it’s an adventure through some of England’s most breathtaking landscapes. The A38 (Devon Expressway) and A30 are ideal for larger vehicles, offering wide, well-maintained routes that link towns like Ashburton and Totnes.

Within the park, roads like the B3212 and B3357 guide you through rolling moorland, ancient tors and charming villages. Expect the drive to be peppered with grazing ponies, dramatic vistas and secluded trails. While the narrower roads might slow your pace, they reveal some of Dartmoor’s hidden gems and make every mile a memorable experience for both work and leisure.

Van Parking Options

Dartmoor National Park offers an array of parking facilities that cater to van drivers, ensuring convenience and accessibility across the region. Dartmeet Car Park is a central option, offering plenty of space and proximity to some of Dartmoor’s iconic trails and picnic spots. Similarly, Bellever Car Park provides an excellent base for exploring the serene moorland surroundings and nearby forests.

For those seeking stunning views, Meldon Reservoir Car Park and Pork Hill Car Park stand out, offering not just practicality but also picturesque scenery that makes every stop worthwhile. Dunnabridge Car Park, nestled deeper in the park, is a quieter alternative perfect for those venturing into less crowded areas.

If you’re exploring the eastern edges, Bel Tor Corner and Four Winds Car Park provide convenient locations for accessing trails while accommodating larger vehicles with ease. With such a variety of options, Dartmoor ensures that van drivers can always find a suitable and scenic place to park. Travellers heading toward Newton Abbot will also find convenient parking facilities near the town’s outskirts.

Petrol Stations

Dartmoor National Park and its surrounding towns are home to several petrol stations, ensuring your van is fuelled and ready for the journey. Esso, conveniently located near the park, is a dependable stop for refuelling before heading deeper into the moorland. Nearby, the bp station on the outskirts of the park offers quick service and easy access for larger vehicles.

For those exploring Okehampton, the Shell station provides a handy option to refuel while enjoying the northern reaches of Dartmoor. In Tavistock, the Morrisons Petrol Station is a popular choice, combining refuelling with nearby shopping facilities. The Tavistock Service Station is another convenient stop, offering swift service close to the town’s main routes.

If your journey takes you towards Totnes, the Morrisons Petrol Station in the area ensures easy access to fuel, while an additional bp station nearby provides yet another reliable option.

Hardware Stores, Garden Centres And Storage Facilities

Dartmoor National Park and its nearby towns are well-equipped with hardware stores, garden centres and storage facilities to meet various needs. DIY Supplies Home Hardware and Shields DIY & Fuel, located in key areas, are dependable options for tools and materials. For those closer to Buckfastleigh, Chudleigh DIY on Fore Street provides a range of DIY essentials, while Lawsons Ivybridge in Ivybridge is perfect for larger projects. Reads DIY Stores is another reliable stop for do-it-yourself enthusiasts in the area.

Gardeners will enjoy visiting Long Ash Garden Centre on Coppice Town Road, known for its excellent selection of plants and supplies. Fermoy’s Garden Centre, situated on Totnes Road and Plants Galore in Forches Cross offer a diverse range of products to suit every gardening project. For something unique, Stone Lane Gardens and Tree Nursery at Stone Farm features an inspiring collection of plants and trees, while The Garden House in Pound Road provides a serene backdrop for garden ideas.

Storage needs are well covered, with facilities such as easyStorage Devon and in2storage – Tavistock Self Storage offering secure solutions for both short and long-term requirements. Westcountry Self Storage, located near Totnes and Manor Self Storage & Business Park are ideal for storing household or business items.

For those in Okehampton, in2storage – Okehampton Self Storage ensures convenient access, while Bovey Tracey Self Storage Newton Abbot provides flexible options for the eastern side of Dartmoor. Additionally, Mead Storage offers reliable service for anyone needing extra space. Nearby towns like Tavistock also provide excellent options for hardware and storage facilities.

Pubs

When exploring the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park, visitors will find welcoming spots to rest and refuel. The Forest Inn at Hexworthy offers a traditional pub atmosphere, opening its doors from noon until 10 PM Wednesday through Thursday, with extended hours until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. They scale back to a cosy afternoon service on Sundays from noon to 5 PM, though they remain closed on Mondays.

For those venturing near Postbridge, the historic Warren House Inn provides refreshment with varying hours throughout the week. Early in the week, they operate from 11 AM to 4 PM, while Thursday through Saturday sees extended evening service until 9 PM. Sunday visitors can enjoy their hospitality from noon until 8:30 PM, making it an ideal spot for both lunch breaks during walks and evening meals after a day of exploring the moors.