Burrator Reservoir - Image 1
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Burrator Reservoir

4.7
·65 reviews·, United Kingdom

A serene reservoir in Dartmoor National Park, offering scenic walks, historical insights, and abundant wildlife.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Burrator Reservoir - Image 1

Burrator Reservoir

Best Time

Spring mornings

Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene reservoir in Dartmoor National Park, offering scenic walks, historical insights, and abundant wildlife.

4.7
(65 reviews)

"Stunning views and a peaceful escape, perfect for walks and learning about local history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Trails can be muddy and uneven. Wear good walking boots for comfort and safety.

💧 Pack for All Weather

Dartmoor weather is unpredictable. Bring waterproofs and layers, even on sunny days.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 65 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Burrator Reservoir Dam

Burrator Reservoir Dam

South West Water Information Centre

Discover the history and construction of this impressive dam, with informative displays and knowledgeable staff.

Reddit
Woodland Trails

Woodland Trails

Surrounding Meavy Village

Explore scenic paths through ancient woodlands, offering a peaceful contrast to the open reservoir views.

TikTok
Panoramic Views

Panoramic Views

Various viewpoints around the reservoir

Soak in breathtaking vistas of the water, surrounding tors, and rolling hills of Dartmoor National Park.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Elements

Weather in Dartmoor can change rapidly. Pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear for your visit to Burrator Reservoir. Check forecasts before you go, and be prepared for sunshine, rain, and wind, often within the same day. TikTok

Plan Your Pace

Burrator Reservoir offers various walking routes, from short strolls to longer circuits. Consider the 4-mile reservoir loop or extend it to 7 miles by starting in Meavy village for a more immersive woodland experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Golden light, changing leaves
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, events
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Good morning sleepyheads 😬
@thegoodsnews
2.5M likes • 24.7M views

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Trails can be muddy and uneven. Wear good walking boots for comfort and safety. TikTok

💧 Pack for All Weather

Dartmoor weather is unpredictable. Bring waterproofs and layers, even on sunny days. TikTok

A 50km Wildcamping & Backpacking adventure across Dartmoor National Park! For anyone who’s never been wild camping at Dartmoor National Park, I highly encourage you to get it planned…. I just completed this stunning 50km circular route in a weekend from Friday evening to Sunday evening and honestly it was an experience of a lifetime. The trip I did here was as followed along with some hopefully ...
@tomproutt
68.5K likes • 537.2K views
reddit.com

Flying to the UK in a few days, and driving to the Cornwall area. Any interesting attractions I shouldn’t miss near Plymouth?

Going to be there for a few days with my dad, and we want to incorporate some easy hiking trails and some other attractions (i.e castles, ancient ruins, cool shops and so on) We plan on going on the brown willy hike, for example, and to visit the roman baths in Bath on our way…

🗺️ Extend Your Walk

Combine the reservoir loop with Meavy village for a longer, more varied hike. Reddit

🍺 Post-Walk Pint

The Royal Oak pub in Meavy is a perfect spot for a refreshing drink after your walk. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Trails can be muddy and uneven. Wear good walking boots for comfort and safety. TikTok

💧 Pack for All Weather

Dartmoor weather is unpredictable. Bring waterproofs and layers, even on sunny days. TikTok

🗺️ Extend Your Walk

Combine the reservoir loop with Meavy village for a longer, more varied hike. Reddit

🍺 Post-Walk Pint

The Royal Oak pub in Meavy is a perfect spot for a refreshing drink after your walk. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for stunning landscapes and wildlife photo opportunities. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(65 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Burrator Reservoir for its stunning natural beauty, excellent walking trails, and informative historical displays at the dam. The friendly staff and the opportunity for wildlife spotting are frequently highlighted as positive aspects, making it a highly recommended spot for a peaceful day out. Some visitors note that facilities can be basic and weather can be a factor.

"Extremely helpful staff. The ranger kindly offered us shelter during a rain shower, gave us tips, and simply made our stay enjoyable. Thank you very much for your hospitality & warm regards from the Swiss family ;-)..."

Roger Fanetti

"Short walk along the road past the water fall is the Burrator reservoir information centre, has lots of information about why the dam was placed here to the construction of the dam & when it was raised up by 10 foot. The guy gave us a cometary on its history & was very informative & interesting. Worth a visit."

Ian

"Informative displays of the reservoir through its construction, local history of farming and mining practices as well as flora and fauna to be found."

Greg Curno

What People Like

Beautiful scenery and views
Informative history displays
Great walking trails

What People Dislike

Unpredictable weather
Basic facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Burrator Reservoir is easily accessible from Plymouth by car, approximately a 30-minute drive. There are also local bus services that can take you close to the reservoir area. Parking is available at designated spots. TikTok

Yes, local bus routes serve the villages near Burrator Reservoir, such as Meavy. Check with local transport providers for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. Reddit

There are several parking areas around Burrator Reservoir, including near the information centre and at various trailheads. Some may have a small fee. Instagram

Cycling is permitted on many of the paths around Burrator Reservoir, offering a great way to explore the area. Be mindful of other users and any specific cycling restrictions. TikTok

While wild camping is a popular activity in Dartmoor National Park, specific regulations apply. For day visits, campervans can usually park in designated areas, but overnight stays may require specific permissions or designated campsites. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Burrator Reservoir itself is a public access area, so there is no general entrance fee. However, some parking areas may have charges. Reddit

The information centre typically has seasonal opening hours. It's best to check the South West Water website or local visitor information for the most current times. Reddit

For special events, such as those mentioned in reviews, booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak times or holidays. Reddit

Generally, access is open. However, during extreme weather or for specific maintenance, temporary closures might occur. Always check local advisories. TikTok

While the reservoir area is vast, access after dark might be restricted in certain areas, especially around facilities. For safety and to respect the environment, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The most popular is the 4-mile circuit around the reservoir. For a longer walk, start from Meavy village, incorporating woodland paths for a 7-mile route. Reddit

Basic facilities, including toilets, are usually available near the information centre. Cafes are not typically onsite, but nearby villages like Meavy have pubs and tea rooms. Reddit

Yes, the diverse habitats attract various bird species, and you might also spot other local wildlife. The surrounding woodlands are rich in flora and fauna. Reddit

Swimming in Burrator Reservoir is generally not permitted due to safety reasons and water quality management by South West Water. Reddit

Events can include nature walks, historical talks, family activity days (like egg hunts and bread making), and conservation work parties. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dam itself offers dramatic shots, while the winding paths and reflections on the water provide beautiful landscape opportunities. Look for elevated viewpoints for panoramic vistas. Instagram

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly stunning. Instagram

Drone usage may be restricted due to proximity to water infrastructure and wildlife. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone. TikTok

Keep an eye out for various bird species, including waterfowl. The woodlands might offer chances to photograph small mammals and insects. Reddit

Absolutely! The natural beauty and varied scenery make it easy to capture stunning shots with any camera, including smartphones. Instagram

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