Haunted Hosts

The Burrator Inn began as an exclusive Victorian hunting lodge in the 1850s, strategically positioned at the junction of ancient moorland tracks on the edge of Dartmoor. The building served as a base for wealthy sporting parties engaged in deer stalking, grouse shooting, and fox hunting. During the construction of Burrator Reservoir (1893-1898), the lodge transformed into a vital community hub, providing accommodation and refreshment for hundreds of workers on this major engineering project. In the early 1900s, part of the building served as the local post office, with the postmistress managing mail distribution for scattered moorland communities. The inn has continuously evolved through the motor age and rise of tourism, becoming a beloved stopping point for visitors exploring Dartmoor. Following extensive renovation in 2021 that preserved its historic character, the inn now features seven en-suite rooms, open fireplaces, and cosy corners that reflect its hunting lodge origins.