Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.
Dartmoor is one of Great Britain's National parks.
Over 300 square miles of natural beauty, Dartmoor is a truly inspirational open space. Wild ponies and Moorland cattle roam freely and buzzards and skylarks soar overhead. The rivers course through some of this planet's most wonderful countryside. Lichens grow on the trees proving that the air is clean. Fill your lungs with this heady mixture of heather and sunshine in the summer months. Come walking in glorious autumn, but make sure you take good clothing and sensible shoes in the darker months.
Dartmoor is for families; an old fashioned back to nature place where you will find original shops and local people happy to share their wonderful surroundings.
You know it's funny...they say some folks live at the seaside and forget to go on the beach. We have folks who live in nearby Plymouth who gasp when they finally catch up with the beauty of Dartmoor, and yet we get visitors from all over the World. Japanese teenagers who struggle to make themselves understood come back year after year. American visitors tick us off on their schedule and then regret the fact that they have only got 24 hours to see what will easily fill a month.
We have rangers in the park who mend fences, advise the visitors on what to see, collect litter. Spread out a blanket and view what you like...big skies, wildlife. If one area has a couple of cars, then hey...move on down the road to easily find somewhere that doesn't
We get visitors all year round. Families drive from Exeter and Plymouth and surrounding areas simply to stretch out in an open space. It's a place to fly the kites with the kids, show a toddler what real sheep look like. You can end the day with a cream tea at a tea shop or an ice cream from a trading van. The 2 Moors Way footpath comes through from Coast to coast. It's a must for walkers
Much local pride and interest in the history of the area. You can join a group of hikers, letterboxers, even get instruction on how to build a drystone wall. You can visit some heavenly private gardens that open to the public for a couple of days each year to raise money for charity. In the winter we are quiet and in the summer we throng with happy tourists who are delighted to find value for money and quality. Castle Drogo, the last castle built in England, is here along with several other National Trust Properties. You will find folks Morris dancing here in the summer, the pubs serve real ale and home made food.
I have been a B&B landlady here for 23 years. My children grew up here. It really is a super super place to live. Since 1997 I have run www.dartmooraccommodation.co.uk putting people in touch with accommodation providers. Most days I would rather be out in the garden than at the computer face, so I do most of my work here in the cooler months. My own B&B Furlong barn at Chagford is on the list of where to stay.
*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.