Hello everyone!
My partner and I are headed to the UK in September this year, and will be renting a campervan for the first leg of the trip.
We are setting off from Surrey and have decided on heading towards the southern coast and exploring Durdle Door/Lulworth Cove and Charmouth Beach. Currently we have a day free in our itinerary, and are wondering if we should head west to the Dartmoor National Park, or stop by New Forest National Park instead while on the way to Durdle Door?
I would think New Forest is slightly more accessible in a way, because it’s en-route from Surrey to Durdle Door, while Dartmoor is approximately a two hour drive away from Durdle Door? I also read that some of the roads at Dartmoor may not be very accessible to campervans as well, so that is another concern.
Both National Parks look beautiful, and we would like to ask which one the good people on Reddit would recommend, given the context above.
Thanks in advance for the responses!
6 comments
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Wild camping is a civil offence in much of the UK excluding parts of Dartmoor and Scotland (with some exceptions), it is defined as camping anywhere other than a designated campsite or camping without landowners permission, this includes motorhomes. Parts of Dartmoor are used as a live firing range by the military so be sure to take this into account and check firing times. You cannot wild camp in New Forest, however, there are campsites within New Forest as far as I am aware and some pubs may allow you to park overnight in their car parks. As wild camping is a civil offence no criminal action will be taken as long as you move on and do not return within 24 hours. If you refuse you could be charged with aggravated trespass. As far as I know I am mostly correct but if anyone can correct any mistakes or elaborate on what I have said it would be greatly appreciated.
Biased as from Devon and have done Ten Tors on Dartmoor multiple times, but Dartmoor is more spectacular to visit.
What do you want in your park?
The New Forest is a forest. The landscape is fairly flat, it is covered in trees, and roamed by obnoxious feral ponies (do not feed them, and put your food away if they approach while you’re eating). It is pleasant to walk around, but not very dramatic, and the weather there is entirely unthreatening. If it’s raining, it’s still enjoyable, just bring a waterproof jacket.
Dartmoor is a moor: a dramatic upland made of granite. It is not flat at all, it has few trees, it has no large wildlife (but plenty of small wildlife), and it has good views and a lot more solitude. If the weather turns bad and you are not near shelter (such as your car), and you are unprepared, it can be dangerous. Bring appropriate wet weather gear and know where you are. If the weather is bad (lots of rain, strong wind) it is not very pleasant.
I think the New Forest is fine enough but I find Dartmoor much more interesting.
Dartmoor is much more ‘wild’ than the New Forest, which can get overrun by tourists.
I would say Dartmoor (I can be in Princetown from my house in 30 min, so slightly biased).
Plenty of stunning landscapes to see, but, be prepared for some fairly extreme weather (both hot/dry and wet/cold). Loads of country pubs (bit of google research required there). Larger towns (Okehampton or Tavistock have fairly good facilities) and small villages (Postbridge for instance).
I have also stayed in New Milton in the New Forest. It has similar vibes as Dartmoor but has a far more tourist feel to it.