Attractions and Places To See around Sourton - Top 20

Sourton is rich in natural beauty and offers several impressive viewpoints. You can visit the prominent Sourton Tors, which provide panoramic views over the Tamar Valley and into Cornwall. Don't miss Yes Tor summit and High Willhays summit, the second highest and highest points on Dartmoor respectively, both offering extensive vistas. The Upper West Okement Valley and Meldon Reservoir are also beautiful spots, with the latter situated below Yes Tor and High Willhays.

Yes, Sourton has several unique historical and cultural sites. The Highwayman Inn is known as "Britain's most unusual inn" with its eccentric interior. You can also see the ancient Sourton Green Cross in the village center, and the remnants of the 19th-century Sourton Tors Ice Works on the northern slope of Sourton Tors. The Meldon Viaduct, a former railway bridge, is another significant historical landmark offering superb views.

The area around Sourton is excellent for outdoor activities, especially hiking. You can find easy hikes like the "Meldon Dam – Meldon Reservoir loop from Meldon Viaduct" or the "Lake Viaduct – Dartmoor National Park loop from Sourton." For more challenging routes, consider the "High Willhays summit – Yes Tor summit loop from Sourton." Many of these trails are part of the wider network of hiking routes around Sourton.

Absolutely. The Meldon Viaduct, part of the Granite Way cycle path, is well-surfaced and perfect for families and children to cycle or walk. While Sourton Quarry itself has limited public access, a public bridleway allows for views into this wildlife haven. For a unique experience, the eccentric Highwayman Inn might also appeal to families looking for something out of the ordinary.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Granite Way, a traffic-free cycle path, passes near Sourton and includes the impressive Meldon Viaduct. You can explore various road cycling routes around Sourton, such as the "Meldon Viaduct – Dartmoor National Park loop from Sourton" or the longer "Meldon Viaduct – River Okement loop from Sourton."

Widgery Cross at Brat Tor is a historical and natural monument erected in 1887 by William Widgery to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. Made from granite blocks, it is the tallest cross on Dartmoor, standing almost 12ft 8 inches (3.86 meters) high. Its exposed location offers magnificent panoramic views.

The Meldon Viaduct section of the Granite Way is noted for being well-surfaced and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, offering an accessible way to enjoy the views over the West Okement River and surrounding moors.

Black-a-Tor Copse National Nature Reserve is a nationally important site located on the bank of the West Okement River. It is a prime example of high-altitude oak woodland, renowned for its diverse lichens and mosses, making it a significant natural heritage site within Dartmoor National Park.

Beyond Sourton itself, you can easily reach other notable attractions. Lydford Gorge, managed by the National Trust, is a spectacular deep river gorge with a 100-foot waterfall. You can also visit historical sites like Lydford Castle (English Heritage) and Okehampton Castle (English Heritage), or explore the Museum of Dartmoor Life in Okehampton.

For impressive views of Dartmoor's tors, Sourton Tors themselves offer great vistas. Additionally, Yes Tor summit and High Willhays summit provide extensive panoramic views. Great Links Tor, though not in Sourton, is considered one of the most dramatic tors on Dartmoor and is easily accessible from the area, dominating the western flank of the National Park.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning views from the summits, particularly from Yes Tor and High Willhays, often highlighting the raw and rugged beauty of Dartmoor. The accessibility of many spots for hiking and the well-maintained paths like those on the Meldon Viaduct are also highly appreciated by the komoot community.