Iconic Dartmoor beauty spot seeks new owner in £1.4 million sale
The historic 50-acre woodland attraction near Manaton has welcomed visitors for more than 120 years, but its current owners are now looking for someone new to take it forward
Becky Falls, one of Dartmoor’s oldest tourist attractions, has been placed on the market with a freehold guide price of £1.4 million.
The estate includes designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) woodland, walking trails, an on-site zoo, a 72 cover café, a gift shop, and a refurbished three-bedroom owner's farmhouse.
Torquay-based commercial estate agents Bettesworths are handling the sale for owners Paul Richards and his family, who have owned and managed the park since 2016.
Richards, who has lived in Devon for 11 years, took on the park alongside a career in digital healthcare and health tech.
He also serves as a non-executive director at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust.
"It has been an ideal lifestyle business for us," Richards said. "My wife, son, and daughter have all worked here, but the children are grown up now. As we’re getting older, we want to travel and not be running a business.
“We've had a thoroughly great time and are grateful to have built strong relationships with the Dartmoor National Park Authority and Devon Wildlife Trust."
The site closed its gates for the winter on 1 November and is scheduled to reopen for the 2027 season on 11 February.
Richards confirmed that visitor numbers have continued to grow, aided recently by national recognition when Royal Mail featured Becky Falls in its special UK waterfalls stamp series.
"It took us a while to close the original purchase back when we bought it, so we know it could take a little while to find the right people," Richards added.
"We’ve done a lot of work to maintain the fabric and conservation of the park, and we're feeling very upbeat about the enquiries coming through."
Bettesworths described the listing as a rare opportunity for an incoming operator.
The agent confirmed that interest has been "bubbling nicely," noting that the site represents a specialised lifestyle business with scope for further commercial development, subject to finding the "right person at the right time."
Under the terms of the sale, the freehold includes all business fixtures, fittings, and livestock, alongside the site’s full zoo licence, accredited by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
Existing staff will be protected under TUPE transfer regulations.
The estate also benefits from an on-site hydroelectric scheme installed in autumn 2016, which generates power for the National Grid while providing ground rent and discounted electricity to the property.
Prospective buyers will be required to sign confidentiality agreements and pass financial checks before viewing the property.