Five ideas for free family days out on Dartmoor this February half term

Families looking for low-cost days out this February half term can find plenty to do on Dartmoor without spending money on entry tickets.

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Dartmoor National Park is open year-round and free to access, offering miles of open moorland, woodland and riverside paths suitable for family walks, here are five ideas compiled by The Moorlander to point you in the right direction this week.

• Exploring the tors

Walking to one of Dartmoor’s 160 famous granite tors is one of the simplest free activities for families this half term.

Popular family-friendly options we recommend include Haytor, which has clear paths and nearby parking, Hound Tor, known for its dramatic rock formations and views, and Burrator, a popular choice for its nearby reservoir and circular walks.

Children can safely scramble on lower rocks under supervision, making it a practical outdoor adventure.

• Visiting Bellever Forest

Bellever Forest near Postbridge offers woodland walks and riverside access along the East Dart River. 

While parking charges apply in Forestry England car parks, there is no fee to enter the forest itself.

The area is popular for den building, nature spotting and gentle family walks, with routes suitable for all ages.

ABOVE: Edge of Bellever Forest (Image: Derek Harper, CC BY 2.0)

• Seeing the Dartmoor ponies

Dartmoor ponies roam freely across the moor, and while visitors are reminded not to feed or approach the animals, areas around Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Merrivale and Postbridge often provide good opportunities to see them from a safe distance. 

ABOVE: Dartmoor Ponies should be observed from a distance (Image: Jamie Townsend)

• Exploring prehistoric sites

Dartmoor has one of the highest concentrations of prehistoric remains in Europe, many of which are free to visit.

Families can walk to Grimspound, a well-preserved Bronze Age settlement near Haytor, or visit Scorhill Stone Circle near Gidleigh, open-air historic sites with no entry charges.

ABOVE: Scorhill Circle Dartmoor (Image: Tomorrow Never Knows, CC BY 2.0)

• Visiting Clapper bridges and rivers

The ancient stone Postbridge Clapper Bridge is free to visit and easily accessible from the village car park, with nearby riverbanks providing space for short walks and picnics.

At Dartmeet, families can see the meeting point of the East and West Dart rivers, and, as with many Dartmoor beauty spots, access is free though parking charges may apply.

ABOVE: Clapper Bridge at Postbridge (Image: Ethan Doyle White, CC BY-SA 4.0) 

Packing for the weather

February conditions on Dartmoor can, and most likely will, be cold, wet and windy. 

Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear, take waterproof clothing and check forecasts before setting out.

While some visitor centres, attractions, and car parks can charge fees, Dartmoor itself remains free to explore, offering families affordable outdoor options during the school holidays.