Grimspound Dartmoor
Explore Grimspound, a remarkably preserved Bronze Age settlement on Dartmoor, with its circular boundary wall and ancient hut circles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildlife is active, fewer crowds
Grimspound Dartmoor
Best Time
Wildlife is active, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Grimspound, a remarkably preserved Bronze Age settlement on Dartmoor, with its circular boundary wall and ancient hut circles.
"Standing in the place of my ancestors was amazing, taking every step they would have taken."
Sturdy Footwear Essential
The ground is uneven and can be boggy. Good walking boots are a must for exploring Grimspound safely. :athletic_shoe:
Pack for All Weathers
Dartmoor weather changes rapidly. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection, even on a clear day. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Walled Settlement
Central area
Explore the remarkably preserved circular boundary wall and numerous hut circles, imagining life thousands of years ago.
Hut Circle Entrances
Within the settlement
Discover the individual entrances to the ancient roundhouses, sparking your imagination about daily life.
Surrounding Landscape
Outer perimeter
Enjoy panoramic views of Dartmoor's wild beauty, often with nesting birds and soaring buzzards overhead.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild
Respect the Past
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Sturdy Footwear Essential
The ground is uneven and can be boggy. Good walking boots are a must for exploring Grimspound safely. :athletic_shoe:
Pack for All Weathers
Dartmoor weather changes rapidly. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection, even on a clear day. :cloud:
Respect Parking Areas
Use designated roadside lay-bys to avoid obstructing the narrow road and ensure safety. :car:
Bring Your Own Picnic
There are no facilities on-site. Enjoy a meal amidst history with a packed lunch. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
Sturdy Footwear Essential
The ground is uneven and can be boggy. Good walking boots are a must for exploring Grimspound safely. :athletic_shoe:
Pack for All Weathers
Dartmoor weather changes rapidly. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sun protection, even on a clear day. :cloud:
Respect Parking Areas
Use designated roadside lay-bys to avoid obstructing the narrow road and ensure safety. :car:
Bring Your Own Picnic
There are no facilities on-site. Enjoy a meal amidst history with a packed lunch. :sandwich:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Grimspound for its historical significance and the imaginative potential it offers. Many find the site deeply moving, connecting them to their ancestors and the ancient landscape. The well-preserved ruins and the surrounding natural beauty are frequently highlighted as major draws.
"It's honestly amazing, and it leaves so much space for your imagination to thrive. With a variety of houses still visible, each with their own entrance.
The gravity of the location certainly wasn't lost on me. To think I was standing in the place of my ancestors was amazing. Taking every step they would have taken.
Seeing the countryside that they also may have seen.
How much could the countryside have changed within 2000 years?"
003145 Wolf
"Haven't visited this place since I was a child and it has not lost its sense of mystery and wonder.
Fairly steep but pleasant walk up to site from small layby parking on the road. Loads of nesting birds in bracken and buzzards overhead - great for wildlife fans.
Grimspound is a bronze age settlement - walled surrounding several hut circles and is great to wander around and explore 👍"
Marcus Williams
"We loved our short visit to Grimspound. It's just a short hike up from the road. The bronze age stone rings are great for a family picnic."
Dennis Bauszus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grimspound is accessible via a short, steep walk from a small roadside lay-by on the B3212 near Hookney Tor. Parking is limited to a few spaces, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. :car:
The site is well-known among locals and hikers. Look for the lay-by parking and follow the clear path uphill towards the stone enclosure. :round_pushpin:
Public transport options to this specific area of Dartmoor are very limited. Driving is the most practical way to reach Grimspound. :bus:
The nearest towns are Moretonhampstead and Chagford, both offering amenities and further exploration opportunities on Dartmoor. :housewithgarden:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Grimspound is an open-access historical site. There are no entry fees or tickets required to visit. :free:
Grimspound is accessible at all times as it is an outdoor historical site. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility. :sunriseovermountains:
There is no admission fee. Grimspound is a free historical monument for all to explore and appreciate. :moneywithwings:
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the uneven terrain and lack of lighting, which can be hazardous. :flashlight:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Grimspound is a significant Bronze Age settlement featuring a large circular boundary wall enclosing numerous ancient hut circles. It's a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life on Dartmoor. :ancient_temple:
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the site, allowing time for the walk up, wandering through the ruins, and enjoying the views. :clock1:
Yes, children can enjoy exploring Grimspound, especially with its imaginative potential. Ensure they wear appropriate footwear and are supervised due to the uneven ground. :child:
No, there are no facilities such as toilets, cafes, or visitor centers at Grimspound. Be sure to bring everything you need with you. :toilet:
The surrounding moorland is rich in wildlife. Keep an eye out for nesting birds in the bracken and buzzards soaring overhead. :bird:
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are within the settlement itself, capturing the hut circles and the boundary wall against the expansive Dartmoor backdrop. Golden hour light is particularly stunning. :camerawithflash:
Absolutely. The rolling hills and rugged terrain of Dartmoor provide a dramatic and beautiful setting for landscape photography, with Grimspound as a captivating foreground element. :mountain:
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the ancient stones. :sunwithface:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Ensure everyone wears sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for uneven ground. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities. Keep a close eye on children, especially near the stone structures and on the steeper parts of the path. The open moorland also provides space for kids to move around safely, away from the immediate ruins. :child:
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Consider incorporating Grimspound into a longer hike on Dartmoor. The site is relatively accessible and can be a focal point for a day's exploration. Remember to check weather conditions before you go and be prepared for the rugged terrain. The sense of stepping back in time amidst such a wild landscape is a unique draw for nature lovers. :hiking_boot:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Back in Time: The Grimspound Settlement
The gravity of the location is often felt by visitors, who describe a profound sense of connection to their ancestors. Standing on the same ground, seeing the same countryside, can be a deeply moving experience. The site's mystery and wonder have captivated visitors for generations, leaving ample space for the imagination to thrive. It's a place where history feels alive, inviting contemplation about the passage of time and the enduring human spirit.
Grimspound is not just about the ruins; it's also about its setting. Nestled within the wild beauty of Dartmoor, the settlement is surrounded by rolling hills and open moorland. This natural environment adds to the site's atmosphere and offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, with many visitors noting the presence of nesting birds and soaring buzzards. The combination of ancient history and natural splendor makes Grimspound a uniquely captivating destination.
Navigating Grimspound: Practicalities and Etiquette
Given its remote location, Grimspound has minimal facilities. There are no toilets, cafes, or visitor centers on-site. Therefore, it's crucial to bring all necessary provisions, including water, snacks, and appropriate clothing for Dartmoor's unpredictable weather. Layers, waterproofs, and sun protection are advisable, regardless of the forecast.
Respect for the historical integrity of Grimspound is paramount. As a precious archaeological site, visitors are asked to stick to marked paths and avoid disturbing the ancient stones. The principle of 'leave no trace' is vital to ensure that Grimspound remains preserved for future generations to experience and learn from.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit