The parish of Manaton lies within Dartmoor National Park. Manaton village is at the East of the parish and is an excellent starting point for Dartmoor walks. The area is steeped in ancient folklore and some of the legends give rise to fascinating stories and places to visit. There is a Bronze Age settlement at Grimspound and at Becky Falls, a woodland park with Dartmoor ponies. The legend of Jay’s Grave is famous throughout Manaton. Kitty Jay, a serving girl, was seduced and became pregnant while working at Ford Farm, Manaton. Persecuted by locals, she hanged herself and according to tradition, buried at a crossroads. In 1863, workmen discovered bones of a young girl, which were subsequently coffined and reburied at the spot, with a mound erected to mark the place. Kitty’s ghost is said to wander by the grave on moonlit nights. The naturally formed rock formation at Bowerman’s Nose gives rise to another local legend. The formation resembles a man and according to ancient folklore, Bowerman was a kindly giant who outraged evil witches who pursued him across the moor and turned him into stone. The scattered rocks around Bowerman’s Nose are said to be his petrified hounds.
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Places to Stay near Manaton
Hazelcott Bed & Breakfast (0.68 miles)
Is a cosy and select bed and breakfast offering comfortable en suite rooms in the spectacular setting of Dartmoor National Park. Hazelcott is the ideal base for couples, families, walkers cyclists and business people.
Settled on the ... More | visit website
Ring of Bells Inn (1.70 miles)
Landlord, Simon Saunders, and his staff welcome you to the Ring of Bells. An early, thatched Dartmoor inn, the Ring of Bells has many period features including a 15th century arched door frame, heavy oak doors, low ceilings ... More | visit websiteThe Rock Inn (1.89 miles)
Eastwrey Barton (2.11 miles)
Bovey Castle (2.28 miles)
History, glamour, excitement and adventure - Bovey Castle is truly a luxurious award winning hotel set in beautiful countryside surroundings. A place where you can live out your dreams then put your feet up. In the ... More | visit website
Moorlands (2.73 miles)
This fine Country House is situated high on the moor below Haytor Rocks, one of Dartmoor’s best-known landmarks. It was this magnificent setting that inspired Agatha Christie to write her ... More
White Hart Hotel (2.96 miles)
The White Hart has stood in the Market Square of Moretonhampstead for over three and a half centuries. Formally a Georgian posting house, the Plymouth to London mail coaches changed horses here. During the Napoleonic ... More | visit website
Ilsington Country House Hotel (3.64 miles)
The Ilsington Hotel, Dartmoor, is a charming English country house hotel located within the boundaries of Dartmoor National Park in South Devon. Set amidst 10 acres of landscaped grounds and ... More
Edgemoor Country House Hotel (3.72 miles)
On the boundary of Dartmoor National Park, less than 3 miles from the A38, this elegant Victorian country house boasts an award-winning restaurant, fireside bistro and an extensive wine list. In a ... More
Coombe Cross Hotel (4.87 miles)
The Coombe Cross is a comfortable country house hotel with spectacular views of Dartmoor National Park, in a good area for walking, riding and golfing. Quietly situated in its own attractive gardens, the hotel offers ... More | visit website
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