Top Things to do in Dartmoor National Park
Things to do in Dartmoor National Park, England: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Dartmoor National Park, United Kingdom including Shilstone Rocks, Simmons Park, Lukesland Gardens, Tottiford Resevoir, Dartmeet River Junction, Fernworthy Reservoir, Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary, The Garden House, Miniature Pony Centre, Burrator Reservoir.
Restaurants in Dartmoor National Park
1. Shilstone Rocks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Oklahoma8888
I hadn't ridden for eighteen months and was worried about being rusty and unfit! Had a lovely ride - just the right pace. Thanks Winston And very goo Covid management too
2. Simmons Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By kevyp14
Lots of open space; with plenty of play equipment. Lovely river walk past the water fountain and pools.
3. Lukesland Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By FalmouthLucy - Devon, United Kingdom
Great experience.We have a 2 for 1 gardeners world card and used it here but would have paid £6 entry each anyway.We really liked the lay out of garden and want to come back at a different time of year.There were some lovely Autumn colours when we went.Cafe is gerat.Loved the soup cake and coffee all very resonably priced.Very covid aware and plenty of hand sanitiser about and feltit all felt very safe
4. Tottiford Resevoir
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
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.
5. Dartmeet River Junction
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
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.
6. Fernworthy Reservoir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
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.
7. Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,966 reviews
We are a small, friendly and very different visit for all the family. Run by a small dedicated team we aim to make your visit educational and fun. You can enjoy and learn about our tropical butterflies in the specially designed habitat of which you become part. You not only see the butterflies but feel the rainforest atmosphere that they enjoy as you see their amazing life cycle unfold.In the Otter Sanctuary there are three species of otter to see, our native British otter, the playful Asian short clawed otters and the large North American river otters who love to show off. Our keeper is on hand to explain all about the otters to visitors, some are here for breeding, some for retirement, some just for fun and some because they are unsuitable to be returned to the wild.Make sure to bring your camera.
Reviewed By DaveWebbSouthMolton - South Molton, United Kingdom
A cheap, value for money attraction. We have been several times and always found all the staff there informative and very helpful. We particularly like the fact that it is left to be natural which is very important for otters as it replicates their natural environment. well stocked shop with a good selection of goods on sale including some gorgeous canvas photographs of the otters there. The keepers passion for the animals there excels during the otter feeding times and its obviously a love and passion rathe than a job - well done to all of them there for providing what can only be described as a great visit attraction for less than a tenner each!
8. The Garden House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 330 reviews
The Garden House is a 10 acre series of garden rooms, each planted differently, for seasonal interest. Visitors love the planting styles, 16th century ruins, bright colours and far reaching views over wild flower meadows. Children can roam free and find hidden corners and explore trails and trees. It is a wonderful place for garden enthusiasts, walkers and family visits. The tea room in the main house is renowned for freshly made treats and light lunches. Plants sold onsite at our well stocked plant centre are often propagated from the garden so you will find interesting and unusual varieties that aren’t commonly available. Plus we have a delightful Old Potting Shed shop stocking crafts, books, locally made produce and gardening gifts.
Reviewed By RachelW788 - London, United Kingdom
A beautiful garden, surprisingly extensive with changing character as you move through the winding paths into walled garden, arboretum, woodland, wild meadow and more. Full of planting interest through the year. A wonderful place to go and get lost in.
9. Miniature Pony Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 518 reviews
Are you looking for a super cute and safe family day out? Then make your way over to The Miniature Pony Centre, situated on the beautiful Dartmoor National Park, where you can enjoy all our outdoor open space and meet all our equines, miniature piggies, and our mammoth donkeys! We have daily activities, outdoor play areas, an onsite café, and free car parking. Open from 10th April to 31st October 2021* *Subject to government restrictions and guidelines. The Miniature Pony Centre, Dartmoor is a great ‘hands-on’ family day out filled with lots of cuteness and pony magic for children and adults alike. Home to over 80 equines from gigantic mammoth donkeys and heavy horses to Miniature Shetlands and Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys, this is animal lover’s idea of heaven.
Reviewed By bl0ss0m18 - Willenhall, United Kingdom
Really enjoyed our time here. We walked all around including the petting area which we thought would be purely for children but we were included too. The staff are knowledgeable and it was interesting. We watched the children having their pony rides and then went into the large paddock where the ponies just wander around. There were some young foals which were very cute and lots of petting. There is also a walk-in around a large pond and we sat on a bench watching the ducks and moorhens, very peaceful and relaxing. We also sampled the food in the on-site cafe which was generous and tasty. This is a lovely place to visit especially with children, wish our own grandchildren had been with us.
10. Burrator Reservoir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 775 reviews
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.
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