Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Space to breathe! This small-but-perfectly formed town of around 1,500, perched on the edge of Dartmoor, brims with useful stores, three good pubs and a hotel – there&#8217;s even a Post Office – and loads of amenities which the invested townsfolk keep going strong. While it&#8217;s a hub for walkers and cyclists who are just passing through, the town is no transient stop: farming families, creatives and professionals span the generations, making for a healthy, lived-in mix. Pop your head in the town&#8217;s friendly Tourist Information Office or scan the town&#8217;s info boards &#8211; both are a good litmus test of a thriving community with plenty to be proud of.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/whitehart-moretonhampstead.jpg" alt="The White Hart Hotel Moretonhampstead Devon " class="wp-image-80290" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/whitehart-moretonhampstead.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/whitehart-moretonhampstead-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/whitehart-moretonhampstead-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/09/whitehart-moretonhampstead-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Moreton does well for pub classics, whether you want walloping great plates of hearty pub grub (<a href="https://www.theunioninn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Union Inn</a>), or prefer the genteel wallpaper of <a href="https://www.whitehartdartmoor.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The White Hart</a> Hotel (under new ownership), or a more contemporary Med vibe and excellent stone-baked pizza at <a href="https://thehorsedartmoor.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Horse</a>. A naturopathic bistro, <a href="https://www.hippodartmoor.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hippo</a>, (short for Hippocrates in a nod to healthy food) has just opened in a formerly closed-down pub, while the flowerpot-fronted Italian, <a href="https://www.bertospizzeria.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berto&#8217;s</a>, serves authentic pasta, pizza and antipasto. For café culture and homemade ice-cream, head to the dog-friendly garden of <a href="https://www.baskervilleestate.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hound of the Baskervilles</a>. It&#8217;s opposite the Square, so a great spot for people-watching. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/greenshoes-1.jpg" alt="Green Shoes Moretonhampstead" class="wp-image-71294" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/greenshoes-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/greenshoes-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/greenshoes-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/greenshoes-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/greenshoes-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Green Shoes</figcaption></figure>



<p>Here&#8217;s a wicker basket kinda place, thanks to a well-stocked grocers (who grow some of their own produce), a butchers, a newsagent, a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/zerowastemoreton/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zero Waste</a> store doubling as a gift and card shop, plus <a href="https://moretonpharmacy.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moreton Pharmacy</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/headcasemoretonhampstead/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Headcase Salon</a>. For bread with cred, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thevandupain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Van du Pain </a>sell their incredible artisan tarts, sourdough and Danish pastries from a vintage yellow Renault van on the Square every Tuesday and Saturday morning. Well worth moving to Moreton for alone.  </p>



<p>Here is one of the few places in the UK you can make a handmade pair of Italian shoes in a day, thanks to <a href="https://www.greenshoes.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green Shoes</a>. The classic shoemakers have a rustic workshop on Chapel Street where they craft contemporary classics, including fishermen&#8217;s sandals, Mary Janes and covetable men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s boots. Step out in your own creation and prepare for the compliments to roll in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Moreton has its own wellbeing group, <a href="https://www.wellmoor.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellmoor</a>, which organises activities around men&#8217;s health, arts and allotments. For local GPs, <a href="https://www.moretonhampsteadhealthcentre.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moretonhampstead Health Centre </a>is in town, serving 3,000+ patients. There are also a couple of dentists, including <a href="https://www.moretonhampsteaddental.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moretonhampstead Dental Practice</a> which offers routine appointments and cosmetic dentistry. </p>



<p>No excuse to avoid exercise: there&#8217;s a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a <a href="https://www.moretonhampsteadsportscentre.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sports and community centre</a> with a gym plus Pilates, fitness and Tai Chi classes right in town. Plus, there&#8217;s the Great Outdoors. Head to Wray Valley Trail for walks, cycle rides or on horseback, while Mardon Down offers spectacular views – and an ancient stone circle. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Many of the local facilities, including the<a href="https://discover.librariesunlimited.org.uk/-/moretonhampstead-library#/"> library</a>, arts centre, <a href="https://discover.librariesunlimited.org.uk/-/moretonhampstead-library#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outdoor heated swimming pool</a> (offering evening Dimpsy Swims and a summer kids swim school), community orchard and allotments, are run by volunteers, ensuring lots of community contact. Moreton is quite creative, so no surprise there&#8217;s a Maker&#8217;s Market on the third Saturday of every month, and Open Studios every September. Every August the popular <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MoretonFoodFest/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carnival Food Festival </a>takes over town, celebrating local producers (founded by a former TV producer who lives in the town, no less). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/bovey-castle2.jpg" alt="Bovey Castle Dartmoor Devon " class="wp-image-66183" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/bovey-castle2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/bovey-castle2-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/bovey-castle2-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/05/bovey-castle2-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bovey Castle</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you drive into town via Cross Street, you&#8217;ll spot the ancient almshouses which housed the poor in Medieval times. For five-star luxury, cocktails and a pamper, the Muddy-approved <a href="https://www.boveycastle.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bovey Castle Hotel &amp; Spa</a> (above) is your nearest go-to. The last castle to be built in England, the National Trust-owned <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/castle-drogo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle Drogo</a>, is nearby with fabulous Teign Valley walks and a tea room. For family days out, <a href="https://www.houseofmarbles.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">House of Marbles</a> runs demos of glass blowing, a café and seasonal family events. And not forgetting the natural star of the piece, <a href="https://visitdartmoor.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dartmoor National Park</a> where you&#8217;ll find wilderness, wild ponies, stunning granite tors, cosy pubs and tearooms for a traditional cream tea. Lovely Chagford is just down the road, with <a href="https://www.thechagfordinn.co.uk">The Chagford Inn</a>, a great boutique, plus cafés, a good bakery and galleries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>The Muddy Awards-shortlisted <a href="https://www.greenhillarts.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green Hill Arts Centre</a> curates a changing exhibition programme showcasing local artists from across the South West, along with regular talks and demos. Nearby Chagford runs an annual September <a href="https://chagfordfilmfestival.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Film Festival</a> which promises a line up of eclectic films and special guests, including Oscar winners. On <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MoretonMusicDay/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moreton Music Day </a>the whole town comes out to party for a jam-packed line-up of local musicians, while for under 18s there&#8217;s also a Mini Moreton Music Day, and regular live music at The Horse. For theatre and music gigs, it&#8217;s a trip to Exeter for university venues and city bars.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Properties averages £518,000 over the last year. Prices are going north, 15% up on the previous year and 41% up on the 2021.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/jacobean-moretonhampstead.jpeg" alt="Joacobean property for sale in Moretonhampstead Devon " class="wp-image-80621" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/jacobean-moretonhampstead.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/jacobean-moretonhampstead-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/jacobean-moretonhampstead-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Exceptional <a href="https://www.struttandparker.com/properties/moretonhampstead-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grade II listed Jacobean property</a>&nbsp;with seven beds and adjoining barns? Don&#8217;t mind if we do. £2,250,000 from Strutt &amp; Parker </figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s a <a href="https://www.chagfordmontessori.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montessori </a>at nearby Chagford, and <a href="https://www.moretonhampstead.thelink.academy/little_tors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Tors</a> at <a href="https://www.moretonhampstead.thelink.academy/web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moretonhampstead Primary School</a> which was rated Good by Ofsted in December 2023. In the summer the children take classes at the town swimming pool.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Senior School children have a choice of <a href="https://www.southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Dartmoor Community College</a> (Ofsted rated Good) or independents schools at <a href="https://stover.co.uk">Stover School</a> or <a href="https://www.exeterschool.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter School </a>(which has a school bus which stops in town) both co-eds for ages 3 – 18 yrs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>TV presenter and adventurer, Simon Reeves, moved from London to the town with his wife Anya and young son and has lived here for over 10 years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>A regular bus service runs between Exeter (12 miles away) and Moretonhampstead every two hours, Monday to Saturday. For major train stations, take your pick between Newton Abbot (12 miles away) and Exeter and Plymouth (26 miles). National and regional trains run regularly to all three stations all year round.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/">Top 260 Places to Live</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>


Moretonhampstead

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