Moretonhampstead is an ancient market town situated on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon. It sits in the shelter of hills on three sides and the beautiful Wray valley on the fourth. Dartmoor is only 4 miles away and no matter which road you take you cannot fail to be impressed by the breathtaking views. The town is about 15 miles from Exeter, Newton Abbot, Okehampton and Princetown and is a perfect place from which to visit the moors, the Devon countryside and the seaside.

It began as a small Saxon settlement around A.D. 700 and the name is derived from the original Saxon Mortun meaning an enclosed piece of land near the moor. The addition of Hampstead came from one of the many Lords of the Manor much later on.

Moretonhampstead relies heavily on tourist trade. Its central position on Dartmoor makes it an ideal base to explore both Dartmoor and Devon. The central part of the town stands at an altitude of 700 feet but a short stroll within the parish will elevate the walker to beyond 1100 feet (340 m) and afford spectacular views of the surrounding area. Moreton boasts 5 pubs and 3 cafes. There is a wide selection of hotels, bed and breakfast, self-catering and camping accommodation and the visitor will find all one is likely to need in the busy local shops.

Key Stats

• There has been significant population growth since 1991 in Moretonhampstead parish but very little in the remaining parishes. The population is around 1,700.
• The level of households occupied by individuals in Moretonhampstead parish is similar to its comparative district as well as the county and national figure.
• Unemployment levels are fairly low in the area.
• Claim rates for Income Support are overall quite low and claim rates for Job Seekers Allowance follow a similar trend.
• The percentage of households with an annual income of less than £20,000 is quite low in the market town area compared to the district and county averages.
• The percentage of employment by industry sector of those living in the market town area highlights the main sectors of employment as wholesale & retail trade, health and social work and real estate etc. This represents just under 40% of employment in the market town area.
• Children living in Moretonhampstead market town area achieve mixed results at Key Stage 2. Results in English and Science were above the national average, whilst Maths was below.
• Select here for more statistics about Moretonhampstead and surrounding area. (888KB - pdf help)