Postbridge Visitor Centre
Gateway to Dartmoor's Bronze Age history, featuring an ancient clapper bridge and helpful visitor centre staff.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Postbridge Visitor Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gateway to Dartmoor's Bronze Age history, featuring an ancient clapper bridge and helpful visitor centre staff.
"Great place to park up for the day while you go adventuring."
🚗 Parking Fees
Be aware of parking charges, which can be for a minimum duration.
🗺️ Local Advice
Visitor centre staff offer great tips on walks and avoiding hazards like cows.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Postbridge Clapper Bridge
Adjacent to the Visitor Centre
An ancient and impressive Bronze Age clapper bridge crossing the River East Dart. A must-see for history buffs and photographers.
Bronze Age Exhibition
Inside the Visitor Centre
Discover the lives of early Dartmoor inhabitants with interactive displays, great for kids and those interested in ancient history.
Bellever Tor Views
Short walk from Visitor Centre
A moderate hike to a tor offering stunning panoramic views of Dartmoor, especially on a clear day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking and Fees
Visitor Centre Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Be aware of parking charges, which can be for a minimum duration.
🗺️ Local Advice
Visitor centre staff offer great tips on walks and avoiding hazards like cows.
Visiting Dartmoor / Hexworthy Mine
👟 Walking Gear
Consider appropriate footwear for exploring Dartmoor's varied terrain.
🌳 Woodland Alternatives
For natural woodland, try Piles Copse or Wistmans Wood over Bellever Forest.
2-3 day hikes in Dartmoor for an intermediate hiker/wild camper
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Be aware of parking charges, which can be for a minimum duration.
🗺️ Local Advice
Visitor centre staff offer great tips on walks and avoiding hazards like cows.
👟 Walking Gear
Consider appropriate footwear for exploring Dartmoor's varied terrain.
🌳 Woodland Alternatives
For natural woodland, try Piles Copse or Wistmans Wood over Bellever Forest.
🏛️ Bronze Age Focus
The exhibition is best for kids; serious history buffs might find it basic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Postbridge Visitor Centre is praised for its convenient location, helpful staff, and the fascinating Bronze Age exhibition. The nearby clapper bridge is a major draw. However, some visitors find the parking fees steep and the toilet facilities could be cleaner.
"Nice museum and shop. The car park is sizable and points you in the direction of many local attractions well. A great place to park up for the day while you go adventuring."
Matthew James Stevenson
"After a 7-day holiday in Cornwall, we moved on to Tavistock in Devon. From there we visited Dartmoor National Park.
In the car parks in Cornwall we also had to pay everywhere for the time we stayed.
But in Dartmoor National Park, we had to pay for a predefined minimum parking time practically everywhere we parked. Even if we only wanted to stop for a short walk, a few photos and a drink, we were sometimes expected to pay for 3 hours. That's a rip-off and absolutely not fair."
Stefan Gurtner
"Two super kind women working here gave me some great advice on how to avoid death by cow. Patient as I sat around using their wifi to finish some work before I carried on my hike. I heard them give great advice to loads of other guests too.
The exhibition itself is fine for kids but a bit ropey for anyone else unless you are SERIOUSLY into the bronze age.
Bellever Tor nearby is a fairly short walk and has gorgeous views if it's clear.
But I wouldn't expect too much from the walk through Bellever 'forest' nearby - it's a fairly ugly Forestry England commercial plantation. Aside from literally having a bunch of trees, it doesn't have any of the other atmosphere or biodiversity of natural woodland, and they are so densely packed it can feel almost stuffy as you walk up the incline towards the tor. Try Piles Copse, Lustleigh Cleave or Wistmans Wood for some gorg tree action instead."
Laura Townshend
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Postbridge Visitor Centre is located in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. It's accessible by car via the B3212 and B3213 roads. There are also bus services that run through the area, though schedules can be infrequent.
Yes, bus services operate in Dartmoor, but check local timetables as they can be limited, especially outside peak season.
Postbridge is an excellent starting point for walks. The visitor centre can provide maps and advice for routes like Bellever Tor or the nearby clapper bridge.
Yes, there are other visitor centres within Dartmoor National Park, each offering different local insights and facilities.
Cycling is popular on Dartmoor, with many scenic routes. Postbridge is a good stop on a cycling tour of the moor.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Postbridge Visitor Centre itself is free. However, there are charges for parking.
Parking fees apply at the Postbridge car park, and visitors have noted that it's often for a minimum duration, even for short stays.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Dartmoor National Park website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information.
The exhibition inside the visitor centre is generally free to enter, though donations are always welcome.
While not always advertised, inquire at the visitor centre about any potential guided walks or talks that might be available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are the ancient Postbridge Clapper Bridge, the Bronze Age exhibition, and the surrounding Dartmoor landscape.
Yes, there are toilet facilities. However, some reviews mention they could be cleaner, especially during busy periods.
Yes, the exhibition has interactive elements for children, and the clapper bridge is an exciting historical site for them to explore.
You can take short walks to the clapper bridge or longer hikes to Bellever Tor. The visitor centre staff can recommend routes.
Some visitors have reported using the Wi-Fi at the visitor centre to finish work, suggesting it's available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There's a small shop next to the visitor centre that might offer snacks. For more substantial meals, you'll likely need to travel to nearby villages like Princetown or Tavistock.
The visitor centre has a small gift shop which may sell some basic refreshments or snacks.
Yes, the surrounding Dartmoor landscape offers many beautiful spots for a picnic. Remember to take all your litter with you.
Nearby villages like Tavistock offer a range of pubs, cafes, and restaurants serving traditional British fare and other cuisines.
Takeaway options would be more readily available in larger towns like Tavistock. Postbridge itself is quite remote.
📸 📸 Photography
The Postbridge Clapper Bridge is a prime spot for photography, especially with the river and moorland backdrop. Bellever Tor also offers stunning panoramic shots.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful atmospheric shots of the clapper bridge and surrounding landscape.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Be mindful of any private property or specific signage.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low light conditions.
Drone usage in National Parks can be restricted. Always check the latest regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key Advice: Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options are limited. Be prepared for the parking fee. The visitor centre staff can offer tailored advice for family-friendly walks.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
Essential Gear: Sturdy hiking boots are a must. Always carry a map, compass, and sufficient water. Check the weather forecast before you set off, as Dartmoor can be unpredictable.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Postbridge Clapper Bridge
Pro Tip: While the bridge itself is a highlight, take time to appreciate the natural beauty of the river and the open moorland. The visitor centre nearby can provide context and historical information about the bridge and its significance.
Historical Context
This bridge is believed to date back to the Bronze Age, a period of significant human activity on Dartmoor. Its construction highlights the ingenuity of early inhabitants in adapting to and utilizing the challenging moorland environment. The presence of such structures underscores Dartmoor's rich archaeological heritage.
Hiking and Walking Routes from Postbridge
For those seeking a more immersive woodland experience, the visitor centre staff might suggest alternatives to the Forestry England plantation at Bellever. Piles Copse and Wistmans Wood are often cited as superior examples of ancient woodland, offering a more atmospheric and biodiverse environment for walkers.
Important Note: Dartmoor's weather can change rapidly. Always be prepared with appropriate clothing, a map, and compass, even for short walks. Inform someone of your route and expected return time.
The Postbridge Visitor Centre Experience
Beyond the exhibition, the centre houses a small gift shop, which may offer basic refreshments and souvenirs.
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