Explore the Dartmoor National Park
Visiting Dartmoor National Park.
Dartmoor is like nature’s own masterpiece. The scene on both sides of the road is incredible while travelling through.
There are vast unique moorland landscapes stretching alongside the roads. The scenery is full of open spaces, heather-covered hills, and granite tors. Some reserved places are available for parking to feel the ambience.
Also, Dartmoor is one of the most important archaeological areas of the Bronze Age.
You have so many ways to get family outdoor experiences as:
- Walking (Short and long walking routes are available)
- On road and Off road cycling
- Backpack/wild camping
- Granite tor climbing
- Canoeing
- Geochatching
Clapper Bridge in Postbridge
One of the historic icons in Dartmoor is the famous clapper bridge over the river East Dart. It is believed to have been built in the 13th or 14th century to allow horses to cross the river.
This bridge is located in gorgeous surroundings and Flat grassland areas close to the bridge are ideal for family picnics in spring and summer.
And also, at this place the river is not deep, so children can enjoy a lot by head down to the river.
Parking at Clapper Bridge
There are no parking facilities near the bridge, but there
is space to park a few vehicles on the side of the road as you pass the bridge,
or parking is available at the Postbridge National Park visitor centre, which is
0.1 miles ahead of the bridge.
Location of Visitor Center: PL20 6TH
For more details about parking fees and other: the Visitor Center
We had fun around 1hr near the Clapper Bridge and planned to Bellever Forest as the next destination. But we could not do it due to bad weather. Started to rain and we cancelled the Bellever Forest trip We’ve decided to drive a bit more and check out some places near the road.
Bellever Forest
Unfortunately, we couldn’t go there because of bad weather. I will include some details about Bellever Forest that I have found by searching before going there.
If you want to get a magical woodland experience in Dartmoor, the place is Bellever Forest. The forest is managed by Forestry England.
What can you do
You can do activities such as walking, running, cycling, picnicking and especially see Dartmoor Phonies.
For picnics, you can choose your favourite spot on the bank of East Dart River or two picnic tables available near the car park. Bring your own food, enjoy the picnic and please take all the litter with you.
To get more details before travelling visit: https://www.forestryengland.uk/bellever-forest
Parking at Bellever Forest
Two car parks are available, Postbridge Village Park and Bellever Village Park. But the nearest one is the Bellever Village car park. Short and easy access tramper friendly route available to the river.
For details about the time and price of car parks: https://www.forestryengland.uk/bellever-forest
Dogs are allowed and toilet facilities are available however camping and barbecuing are not allowed.
Bennet's Cross , Dartmoor
Bennet’s Cross is one of the ancient stone crosses in Dartmoor. It was used as a boundary marker and has been made by single block of granite. This cross is just beside the B3212 road. There’s a free car park right next to cross.
We were able to see a few wild ponies there. They are so cute but don’t go so close to them.It could make them aggressive. Some sheep were there and you can see plenty of sheep while travelling through the Dartmoor. It has fantastic views around and a great area to have a walk to feel the stunning natural scenery.
Dartmoor Prison Museum, Princetown
Next on our journey, we set our sights on the Dartmoor Prison Museum as we made our way back to Plymouth.
The Dartmoor Prison is a historically remarkable place. Construction of this ancient prison was started in 1806 and prisoners were first admitted in 1809. Most of the buildings are made out of stone.
The museum is small but the place of a wonderful collection. You can learn a lot about its history and how the prison culture has changed over the years.
The interesting thing is for kids they give a quiz sheet for finding answers while roaming in the museum. As elders, you can also enjoy that.
Beautiful things created by the prisoners are for sale in front of the museum.
Location
From Tavistock, Once you turn right from the Princetown, The Prison museum can be found next to the few buildings on the right
From Plymouth, Turn left up through Princetown, then pass the prison gate.
Address: Dartmoor Prison Museum, Princetown, Devon
Postcode: PL20 6RR
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm
Friday and Sunday: 9.30 am – 4.00 pm
The last entrance is 30 min before closing. In winter time these times may vary. Make a phone call and find out the details of the opening hours before going there.
Phone Number: 01822 322130
Parking
No need to worry about the parking. There are ample parking space available in front of the museum.
Ticket Prices
- Adult: £4.00
- Child and over 60: £3.00
- Families: £12.00 (2 adults and up to 3 under 18’s or 1 adult with 4 under 18’s
For more details: https://www.dartmoor-prison.co.uk/dartmoor-prison-museum-prices-opening-times.php
Yes, you can bring your dog. Dogs are allowed.
Toilet facilities available.
Disability access is available but some exhibits have to use stairs.
St Michael and All Angels church, Princetown, Dartmoor
A charming church with a story as unique as its stones. It’s not just a church, it’s the only church in England that was built by prisoners of war. It was built in the 1812-14 time period using prisoners captured in France and America and held in Dartmoor Prison.
This granite historic church is located nearly before the prison museum while you are travelling via Tavistock Road from Princetown. It’s not currently used for worship but is open to the public every day.
There are gravestones of prisoners and locals in the churchyard.Location
Address: Tavistock Road, Princetown
Postcode: PL20 6RE
Opening Time
Open every day in daylight time
Car Park
No separate car park is available. You can park along the roadside.
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