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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds

Tarr Steps Exmoor
Best Time
Beat the crowds

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

🚗 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.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 567 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ancient Clapper Bridge
River Barle
Walk across this mystical, 3000-year-old stone bridge, a true marvel of ancient engineering.

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

Scenic Riverside Walks
River Barle paths
Enjoy gentle, well-signposted paths perfect for short outings or longer, hilly hikes. Dog-friendly too!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Serenity
Pack for Adventure & Picnics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the riverbanks and surrounding trails.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your furry friends will love the walks and river access. Keep them on a lead where necessary.
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.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Bring a picnic to save money; the kiosk can be pricey. Enjoy it by the river.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the riverbanks and surrounding trails.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your furry friends will love the walks and river access. Keep them on a lead where necessary.
🏊♀️ River Dip Ready
The river pools are perfect for a refreshing swim on a warm day.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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. Some recommend it as a destination for a scenic drive.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Tarr Steps itself is free. There is a charge for parking at the designated car park.
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.
Exmoor National Park does not charge an entrance fee. You pay for parking at specific attractions like Tarr Steps.
Parking at Tarr Steps is typically on a pay-and-display basis on arrival. Advance booking is generally not available for this car park.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
Yes, the river pools are often shallow enough for a refreshing dip, especially in summer. Be mindful of currents and water depth.
Yes, there are toilet facilities available at Tarr Steps, located near the car park.
You might spot small fish in the river, various bird species, and enjoy the lush flora of the temperate rainforest.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
The Tarr Farm Inn is the primary dining option on-site. For more variety, the nearby town of Dulverton offers several pubs and cafes.
Some visitors find the on-site eatery to be a bit pricey, suggesting that bringing a picnic might be a more budget-friendly alternative.
Definitely! There are plenty of grassy areas by the river perfect for picnics. It's a highly recommended activity.
Yes, the Tarr Farm Inn is known for offering delicious cream teas, a classic West Country treat.
📸 📸 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.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds, leading to more atmospheric and less obstructed photos.
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.
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.
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.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit