Reeds cave

You'll need to do a bit of scrambling to reach this one - Reeds Cave sits tucked into the moorland above South Brent, and it's not the kind of place that announces itself. The entrance is modest, really just a rocky opening in the hillside, but once you duck inside you're standing in a proper natural cavern with water trickling through. It's small enough that you won't spend hours in there, but the walk to find it across Dartmoor is the real draw.

This works brilliantly for families who like a gentle adventure without needing technical gear or guides. Kids will find the scramble fun, and there's something genuinely exciting about discovering a cave yourself rather than walking into a commercialised show cave. The surrounding moorland is open and fairly easy going, though it can be boggy after rain so watch your footing. Allow maybe two hours total if you're combining it with a walk across the moor.

Best visited in summer when the ground's drier and daylight lasts longer - winter on Dartmoor gets dark early and muddy fast. It's free, which is refreshing, though you'll want a torch and sensible footwear. The cave itself won't take long, but you've got the whole moor to explore while you're out there.

If you're staying at Ashbourne Woods or Dornafield - both proper five-star sites within easy reach - this makes a decent half-day outing. Pair it with a longer walk or head into South Brent for a proper cream tea afterwards. Not a tick-box attraction, but worth the trip if you're already based on Dartmoor.