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The Armourers Forge, Ashburton

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The Armourers Forge is a spacious four-bedroom cottage in Devon, perfect for group breaks with family or friends. This property sleeps eight guests and sits in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. The cottage offers off-road parking for two cars and welcomes pets, making it ideal for groups who want to bring their dogs along.

The surrounding area puts you right in Dartmoor's dramatic moorland. Wild ponies roam nearby. Ancient tors rise from the landscape. This is proper countryside.

Inside you'll find four bedrooms sleeping eight people total, with two bathrooms. The social spaces include a well-equipped kitchen and comfortable lounge.

About The Armourers Forge

The Armourers Forge is a spacious four-bedroom cottage in Devon, perfect for group breaks with family or friends. This property sleeps eight guests and sits in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. The cottage offers off-road parking for two cars and welcomes pets, making it ideal for groups who want to bring their dogs along.

The surrounding area puts you right in Dartmoor's dramatic moorland. Wild ponies roam nearby. Ancient tors rise from the landscape. This is proper countryside.

Inside you'll find four bedrooms sleeping eight people total, with two bathrooms. The social spaces include a well-equipped kitchen and comfortable lounge. Each bedroom has been set up to accommodate different group configurations.

Haytor Rocks sits just 4 miles away (10 minutes). Castle Drogo is 8 miles distant (18 minutes). Becky Falls is 3 miles away (8 minutes). Widecombe-in-the-Moor lies 5 miles from the property (12 minutes).

The Armourers Forge delivers genuine Dartmoor access for walking groups and families who want proper outdoor time. Book this for moorland adventures and group gatherings in authentic Devon countryside.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: The Armourers Forge

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Ashburton, Devon

Weather & Local Conditions

13°C

Clear sky

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:23am

🌡️
13.30°C
Temperature
💨
5 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
94%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Armourers Forge sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

71m

(233 feet above sea level)

The Armourers Forge sits in a peaceful Devon setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
71m
Elevation
📍
Ashburton
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Ashburton are typical Devon lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 50.5150271° N | Longitude: 3.7549202° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Ashburton (Friday, 28 August 2026):

5:21am

Sunrise

6:10pm

Golden Hour

7:10pm

Sunset

🌅
5:21am
Sunrise
🌇
7:10pm
Sunset
📸
6:10pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:10pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Ashburton, you have approximately 13.82 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Armourers Forge.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Devon. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 28 Aug 2026 | Location: 50.5150271, -3.7549202

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Armourers Forge

Dartmoor National Park Location

Direct access to moorland walks and tors from your doorstep. Wild ponies and ancient landscapes surround the cottage throughout your stay.

Sleeps Eight Guests

Four bedrooms accommodate eight people comfortably. Two bathrooms prevent morning queues when larger groups get ready for daily adventures.

Pet-Friendly Accommodation

Bring your dogs to explore Dartmoor's endless walking trails. The moorland setting provides perfect exercise space for active pets.

Off-Road Parking

Two dedicated parking spaces mean no street parking hassles. Everyone arrives and parks easily right at the property.

Authentic Devon Cottage

Traditional cottage character meets modern comfort. The property maintains period features whilst providing everything groups need for comfortable stays.

Central Dartmoor Base

Haytor, Castle Drogo and Widecombe all within 20 minutes. Perfect positioning for exploring Dartmoor's best attractions without lengthy drives.

Getting To The Armourers Forge

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Armourers Forge by car, take the A38 towards Dartmoor and follow signs to the TQ13 area. The cottage is easily accessible from main routes and you'll have convenient off-road parking for two cars upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Newton Abbot, approximately 12 miles away. From there, it's a straightforward taxi journey into Dartmoor to reach your countryside cottage.

Off-road parking for two cars
Newton Abbot station (12 miles)
Easily accessible from the A38

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Haytor Rocks
Distance: 4 miles
TQ13 9XP
Castle Drogo
Distance: 8 miles
EX6 6PB
Becky Falls
Distance: 3 miles
TQ13 9UG
Haytor Granite Tramway
Distance: 4 miles
TQ13 9XP
Hound Tor Walk
Distance: 5 miles
TQ13 9XE
Lustleigh Cleave
Distance: 6 miles
TQ13 9TJ
Bovey Tracey Town Centre
Distance: 4 miles
TQ13 9AE
Newton Abbot Market
Distance: 12 miles
TQ12 2RH
Moretonhampstead Shops
Distance: 6 miles
TQ13 8NF
Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre
Distance: 7 miles
PL20 6QF
Widecombe-in-the-Moor
Distance: 5 miles
TQ13 7TA
Manaton Village
Distance: 2 miles
TQ13 9UW
Haytor Rocks
Distance: 4 miles
TQ13 9XP
Castle Drogo
Distance: 8 miles
EX6 6PB
Becky Falls
Distance: 3 miles
TQ13 9UG
Haytor Granite Tramway
Distance: 4 miles
TQ13 9XP
Hound Tor Walk
Distance: 5 miles
TQ13 9XE
Lustleigh Cleave
Distance: 6 miles
TQ13 9TJ
Bovey Tracey Town Centre
Distance: 4 miles
TQ13 9AE
Newton Abbot Market
Distance: 12 miles
TQ12 2RH
Moretonhampstead Shops
Distance: 6 miles
TQ13 8NF
Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre
Distance: 7 miles
PL20 6QF
Widecombe-in-the-Moor
Distance: 5 miles
TQ13 7TA
Manaton Village
Distance: 2 miles
TQ13 9UW

Is The Armourers Forge Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Dartmoor National Park provides endless outdoor adventures for children. Becky Falls sits just 3 miles away with woodland trails and waterfalls to explore. Haytor Rocks offers safe climbing opportunities and wild pony spotting. The moorland setting lets kids run freely and discover nature. Castle Drogo provides historical exploration 8 miles from the cottage. This location suits active families who enjoy countryside pursuits.
Groups Will Love...
The four-bedroom layout accommodates eight guests across well-proportioned sleeping spaces. Two bathrooms prevent morning queues when larger groups prepare for daily activities. The kitchen provides full self-catering facilities for preparing group meals together. Social spaces allow everyone to gather comfortably after days exploring Dartmoor. Off-road parking for two cars means groups arriving separately can park conveniently on-site without street parking concerns.
Pet Friendly
This cottage welcomes pets into the Dartmoor setting. Endless walking trails start directly from the property across the moorland. Your dogs can explore freely in the national park surroundings. The cottage provides a comfortable base after long days hiking the tors. Local paths suit all fitness levels from gentle valley walks to challenging moorland routes. Remember to keep dogs under control near livestock and wildlife.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Armourers Forge

The Old Thatch Inn

Located 5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TQ13 7TA

Cafe on the Green

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TQ13 9AE

The Kestor Inn

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: TQ13 9UW

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Armourers Forge

Is The Armourers Forge pet-friendly?
Yes, this cottage welcomes pets so you can bring your dogs along. The Dartmoor location provides excellent walking opportunities right from the doorstep for active animals.
How many people does the cottage sleep?
The property sleeps eight guests across four bedrooms. Two bathrooms serve the group, preventing bottlenecks during busy morning and evening periods.
What parking is available at the cottage?
Off-road parking for two cars comes with the property. This dedicated parking means groups arriving in multiple vehicles can park securely on-site.
What attractions are near The Armourers Forge?
Haytor Rocks sits 4 miles away, taking 10 minutes by car. Castle Drogo, Becky Falls and Widecombe-in-the-Moor all lie within 8 miles of the cottage.
Is the cottage suitable for families with children?
The four-bedroom layout works well for families travelling together. Dartmoor's outdoor spaces provide endless exploration opportunities for children of all ages.
What facilities does the kitchen have?
The kitchen comes fully equipped for preparing group meals. All standard appliances and cookware are provided for self-catering throughout your stay.
Are there good walking routes nearby?
Dartmoor National Park surrounds the cottage with countless walking trails. Moorland paths, tor climbs and valley walks start directly from the property.
What is the nearest train station?
Metheringham station sits 7.3 miles from the cottage. A short taxi ride connects rail travellers to the property from the station.

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