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There’s a new reason to fall for Dartmoor this autumn. Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility has returned to the big screen, and this time the Dashwood sisters’ story unfolds against the wild, windswept beauty of Devon’s own National Park. Misty tors, ancient stone walls, amber bracken and low autumn light, it turns out Dartmoor has been quietly waiting two hundred years to play a starring role.
If you’ve seen the trailer (or you’re planning to catch it at the cinema this month), you’ll already know the landscape does a lot of the storytelling. The good news for anyone who fancies stepping into the scene themselves: several of the real filming locations are a short, easy drive from our parks at Tamar View and Notter Bridge, both tucked into the Cornwall & Devon borderlands. Cosy autumn breaks and a genuine film trail on your doorstep, it’s a rather lovely excuse for a getaway.
The best part: the real Dartmoor locations behind the film are all within easy reach of Tamar View Holiday Park, our Tamar Valley base on the doorstep of the moor. This is your guide to visiting them, with a two-day trail you can follow at your own pace.
Why Dartmoor was the perfect setting
Rather than the usual polished country house version of Austen, this adaptation leans into something rawer and more lived-in, a sense of what everyday life in Devon might genuinely have felt like two centuries ago. That’s exactly why Dartmoor was chosen: its granite outcrops, open moorland and untamed light give the story a texture no manicured estate garden ever could. Come October and November, with the bracken turning copper and the moor wrapped in mist, it’s not hard to see why.
30min DriveVisit Princetown
Dartmoor’s highest town, and the heart of the production’s location work. Wrap up warm, grab a coffee from one of the local cafés, and take in the sweeping views across the moor that made this such a striking backdrop.
10min DriveVisit Tavistock
This charming Devon market town has form as a period drama location (it also featured in The Hound of the Baskervilles). Wander the Pannier Market and independent shops, then follow the Tavy down towards the moor’s edge.
35min DriveGutter Tor
A dramatic granite outcrop rising from open moorland, and about as elemental as Dartmoor gets. It’s a proper boots-and-flask walk, but the reward is a 360-degree view that feels a world away from anywhere.
A Detour To The Original: Saltram House
If you fancy seeing both sides of the story, it’s worth adding one more stop to your trail.
Long before Dartmoor took the lead, the original 1995 adaptation (starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet) used Saltram House near Plymouth as the grand and imposing “Norland Park.” The National Trust property sits in sweeping parkland on the edge of the city, with woodland walks, a fine orangery, and views out over the River Plym that feel especially atmospheric on a crisp autumn day. It’s dog-friendly throughout the grounds, and there’s a cosy café for warming up afterwards.
From our Tamar View park, it’s roughly a 35-40 minute drive, making it an easy add-on to a Dartmoor day out or a gentler outing in its own right.
Day One: Into the Heart of Dartmoor
Morning: Leave Tamar View and head straight for Tavistock, Dartmoor’s handsome market town and gateway to the moor. Browse the Pannier Market, pick up a coffee, and let the town set the pace for the day.
Midday: Continue on into Dartmoor towards Princetown, Dartmoor’s highest town and one of the key locations used in the new film. Stop for a proper Dartmoor pub lunch in The Plume of Feathers, the oldest building in the village, is a classic choice for a warming plate of something hearty by a real fire (well worth checking current opening hours before you go, as they can vary seasonally).
Afternoon: From Princetown, head out onto the open moor towards Gutter Tor, a dramatic granite outcrop and one of Dartmoor’s most elemental filming backdrops. It’s a proper boots-and-flask walk, but the 360-degree views across the moor make it worth every step.
Evening: Head back to Tamar View for the evening. Whether you’re creating a warming meal back at the caravan or picking up a takeaway on the drive home, settling into your hot tub, or simply pulling the curtains against the autumn dark, this is the slow, cosy part of the day.
Day Two: Dartmoor’s Edge and a Nod to the Original Film
Morning: A gentler start today. Head to Yelverton, sitting right on Dartmoor’s southern edge, an easy wander before the moor properly begins, with some good spots for a coffee.
Midday: From Yelverton, it’s a short hop to Saltram House near Plymouth. This National Trust property stood in as the grand “Norland Park” in the original 1995 adaptation, and its parkland, woodland walks and orangery are well worth an hour or two, whichever version of the story you prefer. It’s dog-friendly throughout the grounds, with a café for warming up afterwards.
Evening: Loop back towards Tavistock for dinner in town, there’s plenty of choice for a relaxed evening meal, before the short drive back to Tamar View to end the trip.
Your Cosy Cornish Base
Tamar View sits within the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with panoramic valley views from most of our luxury lodges and cottages, many with their own private hot tub, perfect for soaking away a day on the moor. With an 11-month season, quiet surroundings and no loud entertainment, it’s built for exactly this kind of slow, exploratory break. Every accommodation type welcomes dogs, so the whole family can join the trail.
Enjoy 10% off your booking with code AUTUMN10
Offer available for a limited time.
Full T&Cs; 2-night minimum stay. Direct bookings only. Offer not applicable in conjunction with other offers. One discount applicable per customer.
Cawsand
Tamar View
Sleeps 4
Hot Tub
Views
Decking
Cawsand – Valley View 2 Bed Hot tub Holiday Caravan Cawsand offers modern, pet-friendly accommodation for up to 4 guests,…
Cotehele
Tamar View
Hot Tub
Pet friendly
Countryside Views
Sleeps 6
Cotehele sleeps up to a maximum of 6 featuring a master double bedroom with an ensuite shower and WC, and…
Downderry Caravan
Tamar View
Sleeps 4
Pet Friendly
Views
Downderry in Cornish escape; sleeps up to 4 guests and up to 2 dogs, featuring a master double bedroom with…
Edgecumbe
Tamar View
Sleeps 4
Hot Tub
Pet Friendly
Edgecumbe is pet friendly, sleeping up to a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children and up to 2 pets,…
Heligan Caravan
Tamar View
Sleeps 4
Hot Tub
Views
Heligan caravan sleeps up to 4 guests, featuring a master double bedroom with an ensuite WC, and a twin room.
Morwellham
Tamar View
Sleeps 4
Hot Tub
Views
Morwellham is self-catered, perfect for romantic escapes, family holidays or a group of friends.
Pentillie
Tamar View
Sleeps 4
Hot Tub
Pet Friendly
Valley views
Pentillie – Valley View 2 Bed Hot tub Holiday Caravan Pentillie Caravan offers pet-friendly accommodation for up to 4 guests,…
Polperro Lodge
Tamar View
Pet Friendly
Hot Tub
Decking
Polperro Holiday Lodge is pet friendly, sleeping up to 4 guests and up to 2 pets, featuring a master double…
Portwrinkle
Tamar View
Sleeps 4
Hot Tub
Views
Portwrinkle sleeps up to 4 guests, featuring a master double bedroom with an ensuite WC, and a twin room. …
Rame
Tamar View
Sleeps 4
Decking
Views
Rame sleeps up to 4 guests, featuring an open plan living dining area with far reaching views over the Tamar…
Talland Caravan
Tamar View
Sleeps 4
Decking
Views
Talland sleeps up to 4 guests, featuring a master double bedroom with an ensuite WC, and a twin room.
Tamar Cottage
Tamar View
Pet Friendly
Hot Tub
Views
Sleeps 6
Tamar Cottage is pet friendly, sleeping up to 6 guests, featuring two double bedrooms and a spare room with sofa…
Tintagel Caravan
Tamar View
Sleeps 4
Hot Tub
Views
Tintagel provides a modern, contemporary, and spacious holiday accommodation, sleeping up to 4.
Whitsand
Tamar View
Sleeps 4
Hot Tub
Views
Whitsand sleeps up to 4 guests, featuring a master double bedroom and a twin room.
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