Things to do in Dartmoor National Park, England: The Best Bodies of Water

September 20, 2021 Alice Mieles

Discover the best top things to do in Dartmoor National Park, United Kingdom including Tottiford Resevoir, Dartmeet River Junction, Fernworthy Reservoir, Burrator Reservoir, Tavistock Trout Fishery, Trenchford Reservoir, Tavistock Canal, Roadford Lake Country Park.
Restaurants in Dartmoor National Park

1. Tottiford Resevoir

Bovey Tracey, Dartmoor National Park England
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Tottiford Resevoir

Reviewed By BINGBONG101 - Torquay, United Kingdom

We decided to visit Tottiford reservoir for the day as a family as we had never been there before and I had passed it accidently one day whilst working. Tottiford reservoir is located between Trenchford and Kennick reservoirs just North of Bovey Tracey and we ere so glad we went. The scenery is stunning and you could well imagine yourself somewhere remote in the Canadian Rockies. Great for walking and taking your dog with plenty of areas to sit and relax around the reservoir, we also took a bbq as the sun was out and we intended spending a full day there. There were a few other people walking around the area but to be honest it was surprisingly quiet which was nice. The kids were able to have a little paddle in the water (not sure if they are meant to or not...but they did anyway) which kept them all entertained. If you enjoy the outdoors and a bit of family time then I highly recommend visiting here. A stunning little gem of a place to get away from it all for the day.

2. Dartmeet River Junction

Dartmoor National Park, Dartmeet PL20 6SG England
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 165 reviews

Dartmeet River Junction

Reviewed By 786carolb - Birmingham, United Kingdom

Wednesday 19th August 2020, My husband and I drove down to Dartmeet. Dartmeet is a popular tourist spot; it lies about 4.5 miles east of Two Bridges. As the name suggests, Dartmeet is the meeting point of the two major tributaries of the River Dart: the East Dart and West Dart. The road bridge, built in 1792, spans the East Dart; just above it, at the side of the large car park is an earlier, possibly medieval, Clapper Bridge, now partially collapsed. The actual confluence of the two rivers is just downstream of the bridge. Due to the heavy rain which has swelled the rivers, the water was white water rapids, white and boiling and the sound of the water was a deafening roar, which was really amazing and I took some really wonderful photographs of the bridge, cascading water and my husband and I sitting on the rocks by the river. Dartmeet is at the centre of an important archaeological landscape mainly due to its prehistoric field systems, delineated by reaves, many of which can be found on Yartor Downs and are the best preserved examples in North West Europe.

3. Fernworthy Reservoir

Chagford, Dartmoor National Park England +44 1647 277587 [email protected] http://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/lakes/devon/fernworthy/
Excellent
54%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 156 reviews

Fernworthy Reservoir

Reviewed By CherylD1563 - Worthing, United Kingdom

Stumbled upon this by accident while driving around Dartmoor. Luckily had walking boots and drinks with us. We did the whole walk and took us just under 2 hours with a rest 3/4 of the way round. £2 for 2 hours in the car park (cash only). Would definitely go again when we are in Devon it was a beautiful walk.

4. Burrator Reservoir

Burrator Discovery Centre Nr Yelverton, Yelverton, Dartmoor National Park PL20 6PE England +44 1822 855700 [email protected] http://www.visitdartmoor.co.uk/things-to-do/burrator-reservoir-p210513
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 775 reviews

Burrator Reservoir

Undisturbed Burrator is surrounded by mixed woodland which sharply contrasts with the open moor and rugged Dartmoor tors. The reservoir is popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders due to its wealth of footpaths and bridleways. Many of the trails lead on to Dartmoor so it makes an ideal starting point for longer trips.The circular walk which follows the lanes around the water is ideal for families as it is easy going and flat. It will take between 1.5 - 2 hours to complete and is approximately 3.5 miles. Parking is possible at various locations including the Quarry car park, Norsworthy Bridge and the Dam.Low cost bank fishing for both rainbow and brown trout is available at this scenic water; permits are sold at the garage in Yelverton.Being within Dartmoor National Park we kindly request that you drive and park with consideration to other users and animals.The National Cycle Route 27 runs near to Burrator further information is available on the sustrans websiteIce cream vans visit the dam, Norsworthy Bridge and Sharpitor car park.

Reviewed By TheTimidTater - Plympton, United Kingdom

It's been very wet weather recently, so we didn't dare try to walk on the path closer to the reservoir as it was thick with wet mud. We walked on the road instead and it was a very pleasant walk, the road has very little traffic and a lot of other friendly people doing the same journey. Expect lots of 'hellos' and 'good mornings' as you go. It's a lovely location with great views, if you're walking on the road it's a nice flat walk although it's rather long to do the whole thing. If you're not up to it you can always just do part and turn back around. We parked at the side of the road near the bridge, where most everyone else seemed to be parking too. It wasn't a very busy day so it was easy to find a spot, but I imagine on weekends or holidays it could get very very crowded. There is an actual carpark further down by the old quarry, though if you have mobility issues that might be a bit far to walk. If you continue down the road past the bridge you'll find the information center, there's a car park there (and a toilet, with a small fee to use) and it's also a place you can go walking from that's a bit less busy. The center is also very informative and friendly, I'd advise going down there if you're looking for an easier location to start from. There is also a waterfall down that road on the left that you really must see, with some space to park right beside it.

5. Tavistock Trout Fishery

Parkwood Road, Dartmoor National Park, Tavistock PL19 0JS England +44 1822 615441 [email protected] http://www.tavistocktroutfishery.co.uk/
Excellent
71%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

Tavistock Trout Fishery

Holiday Accommodation in The Dartmoor National Park. Fly and Float Fishing for Trout. Fly Fishing Tackle Shop. Farm Animals.

Reviewed By 22Macca44 - Exmouth, United Kingdom

I have using this fishery for over 25 years although I’ve seen the cottages I’ve never stayed in them before! We arrived on a cold damp winters evening and moved straight into our beautiful cottage Jack’s Den which the owner had made sure was all warm a snug by having the heating on prior to our arrival! The cottages are fantastically equipped and beautifully decorated. The beds are extremely comfortable which meant during our two nights stay we both slept amazingly well. We are both very much looking forward to another stay in the very near future. Thanks Abigail and all at Tavistock Trout Fishery

6. Trenchford Reservoir

Dartmoor National Park TQ13 9NS England
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Trenchford Reservoir

7. Tavistock Canal

Dartmoor National Park, Tavistock England
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24 reviews

Tavistock Canal

8. Roadford Lake Country Park

Dartmoor National Park, Okehampton PL6 0JL England +44 1409 211507 http://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/lakes-and-facilities/the-lakes/roadford-lake
Excellent
44%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
8%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 210 reviews

Roadford Lake Country Park

Reviewed By gillianm301 - Sheffield, United Kingdom

Our first visit to this location but not our last. Had a lovely walk in the area with our ice creams and when we had finished stopped back off at the cafe for drinks and cake. Everything was delicious and very reasonably priced. Very well maintained paths to walk on and lovely scenery. We could have done with a leaflet to see where the various routes go but then we didn't ask so there may be some. Will be back for more visits I'm sure.

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