Top Things to do in Dartmoor National Park
What to do and see in Dartmoor National Park, England: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Dartmoor National Park, United Kingdom including Simmons Park, Stannary Brewing Company, Tottiford Resevoir, Dartmeet River Junction, Grimspound, Buckfast Abbey, Fernworthy Reservoir, Burrator Reservoir, Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Brownston Art Gallery.
Restaurants in Dartmoor National Park
1. 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.
2. Stannary Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Stannary Brewing Company is a small craft brewery & Taproom close to the centre of Tavistock, only a 5 minute walk from the main carparks and the 'Meadows' park. Stannary Brewing Co. was born out of a love of big flavoured beers. Taking our inspiration from beer styles from all over the world we love to develop fresh and exciting full flavoured craft beers, all our beers are unfiltered & un-fined which means they are vegan friendly. The Stannary Taproom is open every Friday evening 5:30pm till 11pm throughout the year and our Beer & BBQ Bash takes place on the last Saturday in each month, see full details on Facebook or Twitter. Stannary Tap' serves 10 beers fresh from the keg every week plus a range of our bottled beers. We also sell a small range of ciders & wines, local gins and some cans and bottles from our favourite breweries from around the world. Drop in and chill out with a craft beer sometime!
Reviewed By Boardslider21 - Woolacombe, United Kingdom
The brewery is tucked away, as so many are in a corner of an industrial area, but can be reached on foot very easily with a pleasant walk through the park. It's best to double check opening hours before turning up though just in case. Bring a stout bag to take home your shopping from the bottle shop!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Grimspound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By CanBrit1
We re-visit Grimspound every few years because it's probably the best example of an Iron Age settlement in easy reach of a road. The wall is intact. The house outlines with the draft-excluding shell shapes show how peoples of that time lived on the moor. Walk up to the neighbouring tor to get a better view. More adventurous walkers park at the Warren Inn and talk the trail across the moor. If you only visit one ancient site on Dartmoor, make it Grimspound.
6. Buckfast Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,466 reviews
We are delighted to be partially re-opening from Monday, 26th April 2021 and fully re-opening from 17th May, (subject to Government guidelines.) Our Gift Shop will be open during our partial re-opening and our Grange Tea Rooms will be open for a takeaway service. Toilets will also be open. During this period, our opening times will be 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday and 11.30am to 4pm Sundays. The Abbey Church, Bookshop and Monastic Shop will remain closed during the partial re-opening time. We look forward to welcoming you and assure you that Covid safety measures are in place.
Reviewed By stormbringer55 - St. Albans, United Kingdom
What a lovely place . The air of tranquillity is amazing ,as is the Devon cream tea. Great visitor centre and good shops and a nice little Methodist chapel ,free parking and entry all go to make this a great place to visit . Just down the road from the steam railway another great place to visit.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Devon Guild of Craftsmen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
A free admission contemporary crafts gallery with large shop in a beautiful riverside setting on the fringe of Dartmoor.
Reviewed By N4135PGjulianh
Visited this innovative art/crafts centre tucked inside a picturesque former mill. First you walk into the courtyard where a very welcoming man was operating the mobile coffee shop. Then you walk through into the shop which displays many beautifully designed pieces and objects produced by local artists and craftspeople. Beyond this are the galleries which are laid out traditionally with exhibits placed on plinths and against whitewashed walls, with artists’ summaries of their work and inspiration. The building is an exciting place to exhibit work and provides a great showcase for local talent. If you buy something from the shop the staff are very helpful and share your excitement with your purchase. They can also provide further information on the artists who exhibit at the centre, if you ask at the desk.
10. Brownston Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By S4646PJsimong - Kingsbridge, United Kingdom
A really nice varied range of art and super friendly host Catherine and her team. Works change regularly so always worth’s visit throughout the year. Mix of works from various local artists and others, at a range of prices. Enjoy!
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