This ‘money tree’ is a curious site along the circular Tarr Steps Walking Trail in the Exmoor National Park.
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Tarr Steps Exmoor

4.8
·567 reviews·, United Kingdom

Walk across a 3000-year-old stone bridge, splash in the River Barle, and explore the mystical temperate rainforest of Exmoor.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
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This ‘money tree’ is a curious site along the circular Tarr Steps Walking Trail in the Exmoor National Park.

Tarr Steps Exmoor

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Walk across a 3000-year-old stone bridge, splash in the River Barle, and explore the mystical temperate rainforest of Exmoor.

4.8
(567 reviews)

"An incredible ancient monument, perfect for family fun and scenic walks."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Convenience

Pay and display parking is available at the visitor centre, with limited disabled spaces at the bottom.

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Bring a picnic to save money; the kiosk can be pricey. Enjoy it by the river.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 567 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ancient Clapper Bridge

The Ancient Clapper Bridge

River Barle

Walk across this mystical, 3000-year-old stone bridge, a true marvel of ancient engineering.

Instagram+1
River Barle Exploration

River Barle Exploration

River Barle banks

Splash in shallow pools, spot tiny fish, and enjoy the temperate rainforest surroundings. Perfect for families.

Instagram+1
Scenic Riverside Walks

Scenic Riverside Walks

River Barle paths

Enjoy gentle, well-signposted paths perfect for short outings or longer, hilly hikes. Dog-friendly too!

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Planning Your Visit

Arrive Early for Serenity

Tarr Steps is a popular spot, especially during peak seasons. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays helps you avoid crowds and enjoy the ancient clapper bridge and River Barle in peace. This ensures a more tranquil experience and better photo opportunities. Instagram

Pack for Adventure & Picnics

While there's a refreshment kiosk and the Tarr Farm Inn, bringing a picnic is a budget-friendly and flexible option. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the riverbanks and surrounding paths. Consider swimwear for a refreshing dip in the river's pools. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Ideal for river dips
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn weekdays
Why
Beautiful foliage
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

No one knows how old this Exmoor bridge is… legend says the devil built it 😈 #tarrsteps #exmoorwalks #ukhiddenwalks
@hangry_explorer
44 likes • 1.6K views

🚗 Parking Convenience

Pay and display parking is available at the visitor centre, with limited disabled spaces at the bottom. InstagramReddit

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Bring a picnic to save money; the kiosk can be pricey. Enjoy it by the river. Reddit

For an unforgettable autumn experience, we highly recommend a visit to Tarr Steps. This ancient clapper bridge, steeped in history and folklore, is nestled in the heart of Exmoor and offers the perfect backdrop for serene riverside walks, delightful picnics, and birdwatching. It’s a mesmerising location where legend beautifully intertwines with the landscape. #exmoor #tarrsteps #somerset #countryc...
@exmoorcharactercottages
47 likes • 972 views
🎒🥾Adventure Idea!🥾🎒 Tarr Steps - Exmoor National Park It's about an hours drive from here to Tarr Steps and in the summer it would be the perfect place to splash about and cool down, take a picnic or visit @tarrfarminn for lunch! #adventure #tarrsteps #exmoor #exmoornationalpark @visitsomersetuk @visitexmoor @visitengland #familydaysout
tractorsandcreamglamping
56 likes • 2.8K views

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the riverbanks and surrounding trails. Instagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Your furry friends will love the walks and river access. Keep them on a lead where necessary. Reddit

#throwbackthursday Percy's first trip to Tarr Steps on Exmoor
sidney_and_percy
92 likes • 471 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Convenience

Pay and display parking is available at the visitor centre, with limited disabled spaces at the bottom. InstagramReddit

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Bring a picnic to save money; the kiosk can be pricey. Enjoy it by the river. Reddit

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the riverbanks and surrounding trails. Instagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Your furry friends will love the walks and river access. Keep them on a lead where necessary. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ River Dip Ready

The river pools are perfect for a refreshing swim on a warm day. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(567 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tarr Steps is lauded as an incredible ancient monument and a picturesque spot within Exmoor National Park. Visitors praise the unique clapper bridge, the beautiful riverside setting perfect for picnics and family fun, and the dog-friendly nature of the area. Some find the on-site refreshments expensive and note that certain walking routes may be impacted by river damage.

"Incredible ancient monument. 3000 year old clapper bridge that spans the river and can be easily crossed. There is a fantastic walk to withypool along the river, the walk is no longer circular due to damage to the river crossing further downstream but it is a beautiful area and worth the hilly walk"

Z U

"Found in Exmoor National park, Tar steps is a well known historical attraction.
There is plenty of parking at the top of the valley and a toilet block too.
With well made and clearly signposted pathways to the valley, the route is pretty gentle and accessible by all. There are disabled parking places at the bottom of the valley, but they are very limited.
The Tar steps river crossing and fjord are on the river Barle, deep in the Exmoor park. Alongside the river here is a large grassy area with plenty of places to access the river so it's great for families
There is also a refreshment kiosk with drinks and snacks, and ofcourse the Tar farm inn.
Overall, a very beautiful place to visit"

Weekend Wildness

"Very picturesque and worth the drive down the narrow lanes to get there. There is a circular walk but unfortunately the bridge over the river was closed. The dog loved the walk and crossing the bridge was easy and a great spot to take a photo or two."

David Smith

What People Like

Ancient clapper bridge
Beautiful riverside setting
Family and dog-friendly

What People Dislike

Expensive refreshments
Altered walking routes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tarr Steps is located in Exmoor National Park, Somerset. Access is typically via narrow country lanes. Many visitors drive, with a pay-and-display car park available at the top of the valley. InstagramReddit Some recommend it as a destination for a scenic drive. Instagram

There are a few limited disabled parking spaces at the bottom of the valley near Tarr Steps. The main pathways to the valley are generally well-made and signposted, making it accessible for many. Reddit

Public transport options to Tarr Steps are limited due to its rural location. It's best reached by car. Consider local taxi services or organized tours if you don't have your own vehicle.

The drive itself is part of the experience, winding through the beautiful Exmoor countryside. Follow local signage for Tarr Steps, often found near Dulverton. Be prepared for narrow roads. Reddit

While in a secluded part of Exmoor, signage generally directs visitors to Tarr Steps. Using a GPS or map is recommended, and the postcode can help pinpoint the general area. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Tarr Steps itself is free. There is a charge for parking at the designated car park. Instagram

Tarr Steps is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible at all times. The car park and any on-site facilities like the refreshment kiosk or pub will have their own operating hours. Instagram

Exmoor National Park does not charge an entrance fee. You pay for parking at specific attractions like Tarr Steps. Instagram

Parking at Tarr Steps is typically on a pay-and-display basis on arrival. Advance booking is generally not available for this car park. Instagram

Tarr Steps is a natural site, so general respect for the environment is expected. During peak times, it can get busy, but there are no specific entry restrictions. InstagramReddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can walk across the ancient clapper bridge, explore the River Barle banks, enjoy picnics, swim in the river pools, and take scenic walks along the river. InstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! Kids love running across the bridge and splashing in the shallow river. It's a great spot for burning energy in a beautiful natural setting. Reddit

Yes, the river pools are often shallow enough for a refreshing dip, especially in summer. Be mindful of currents and water depth. Instagram

Yes, there are toilet facilities available at Tarr Steps, located near the car park. Reddit

You might spot small fish in the river, various bird species, and enjoy the lush flora of the temperate rainforest. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a refreshment kiosk selling drinks and snacks, and the Tarr Farm Inn is located right next to the bridge, offering meals and cream teas. Reddit+1

The Tarr Farm Inn is the primary dining option on-site. For more variety, the nearby town of Dulverton offers several pubs and cafes. Reddit

Some visitors find the on-site eatery to be a bit pricey, suggesting that bringing a picnic might be a more budget-friendly alternative. Reddit

Definitely! There are plenty of grassy areas by the river perfect for picnics. It's a highly recommended activity. Reddit+1

Yes, the Tarr Farm Inn is known for offering delicious cream teas, a classic West Country treat. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The clapper bridge itself is iconic. Try capturing it from different angles, especially with the river flowing beneath. The surrounding lush greenery and riverbanks also offer beautiful shots. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds, leading to more atmospheric and less obstructed photos. Instagram

Drone usage in National Parks can be restricted. It's advisable to check the Exmoor National Park guidelines and local regulations before flying a drone. Always prioritize safety and respect for others. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the bridge and landscape. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water. Instagram

The main viewpoint is from the riverbanks looking towards the bridge. Exploring slightly upstream or downstream can offer unique perspectives of the bridge and river. Instagram

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