Burrator, Devon

The jewel of Dartmoor, Burrator encompasses dramatic tors, open moorland, historic settlements and a Nature Reserve. Located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Burrator Reservoir offers a unique day out for families, nature enthusiasts, historians and Dartmoor lovers alike.

Discover the interplay between history and wildlife at Burrator 

Uncover history in the on-site Discovery Centre, which opened in 2014 as part of the Burrator Historic and Natural Environment project. See displays, spoken history and an interactive screen, engaging all ages, from toddlers to grandparents.

Explore ample walks, history and wildlife; discover the ruins of abandoned farms, evidence of tin working, the remains of the Princetown Railway and a Site of Special Scientific Importance. Spot cists, cairns and prehistoric settlements. Keep an eye out for Dartmoor’s iconic ponies too!

“The Discovery Centre, WOW, what a fab resource. We saw it in the early stages and the finished centre is so successful as a staging post for events. My children via school helped with the designs on the totem pole in the entrance, and they love having that link. I cannot speak highly enough of this building, steeped in history but brimming with up to date thinking and tech. A stunning location and backdrop for many an event I have attended.”

The area is bursting with wildlife, colour and nature; nuthatches, robins, great tits, blue tits and Horeshoe bats are just some of the bird species that call Burrator home. Look down and spot a brilliant range of flora, such as bluebells, poppies, daffodils, primroses, ferns and Welsh poppies!

Walking at Burrator

With miles of paths and moorland to explore, including an easy access 1.5 km wildlife trail in the Arboretum suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, Burrator is the ideal location for both keen ramblers and those who simply want to enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the stunning views. Watch in awe as water from the historic Devonport Leat cascades down the valley, finishing at Burrator in a waterfall. Don’t forget to take the camera and capture those special memories.

Walk up to the water’s edge through woodlands and a wetland Nature Reserve. Navigate open moorland and explore one of Dartmoor’s most spectacular tors, Sheepstor, which dominates Burrator and offers one of the most impressive views of the reservoir. Pop into Burrator Discovery Centre to pick up a free map of the site, or buy one of our self-guided walk leaflets to enable you to explore the old farms, tin working areas, and railway in more detail. Parking is available at various locations including the Quarry car park, Norsworthy Bridge car park and the Arboretum car park. Donations boxes are available and we really appreciate your donations, however big or small, so that we can keep this special site maintained for your enjoyment. Click here for more walks.

Click here to download our map before your next visit. 

Please note: There is no mobile phone reception around the reservoir. ‘Pay as you go’ (20p) public toilets have recently been opened and are situated next to the main dam, and an ice cream van is regularly based at the main dam and in the car park at Norsworthy Bridge on busy days. 

Fishing at Burrator

Try a spot of rainbow trout fishing from bank or boat. Burrator is one of the most tranquil and picturesque natural angling venues in the South West. Find out more here. You can buy permits online or by using the self-service permit hut in the car park of the Discovery Centre.

Discovery Centre Opening Times

Pop in to find out where to walk and learn about the history of this special area using the interactive exhibits.

Opening Times: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Weekdays:  Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 

AND Alternating Weekend Dates:

Month	Dates
October	Sat 19, Sat 26
November	Sat 1 Nov, Sat 9, Sun 24, Sat 30
December	Sat 7, Sun 15, Sat 21

These dates are also displayed in the Discovery Centre window, at the entrance to the Discovery Centre car park, in the 5 site noticeboards around the Reservoir, on the Burrator page of the SWLT website, in the monthly Burrator E-Newsletter and in the paper copy newsletter in the Centre.

Volunteering at Burrator

Love Burrator? Fancy giving something back?

Then why not try volunteering at Burrator? There are lots of different volunteering projects to get involved in to suit your interests and time availability. These include: site maintenance, practical conservation and archaeological preservation projects, bat surveys, assisting with educational visits and family events, or as a visitor guide in the Discovery Centre, and much more.  Full support, training and travel expenses provided.

For some upcoming Practical Volunteering Days please see the below table for dates. We meet at Burrator Discovery Centre (PL20 6PE) for each day: 10am midweek and return about 3pm, OR we meet at 10.30am on Sundays and return about 3.30pm.

Please wear old clothes and sturdy footwear/wellington boots, bring lunch and a drink, and in terms of the weather, be prepared for ‘all the seasons in a day’. We will provide work gloves and tools, hot drinks and biscuits.

IF YOU DON’T HAVE YOUR OWN TRANSPORT AND HAPPY TO TRAVEL BY BUS:

We can pick you up from Yelverton bus stop, but please e-mail the staff member for that day in advance, and aim to be at the bus stop by 9.40am to be picked up in our SWLT vehicle.

At the end of the day please give your bus tickets to the staff member and they will photocopy your tickets and reimburse your bus fare.

You will be dropped off at Yelverton bus stop for approximately 3.30pm.

Dates	Times
Sunday 20 Oct (Emily)	10.30am - 3.30pm
Friday 25 Oct (Emily)	10am - 3pm
Tuesday 5 Nov (Sam)	10am - 3pm
Monday 11 Nov (Sam)	10am - 3pm
Sunday 24 Nov (Emily)	10.30am - 3.30pm
Friday 29 Nov (Emily)	10am - 3pm
Tuesday 3 Dec (Sam)	10am - 3pm
Monday 9 Dec (Sam)	10am - 3pm
Sunday 15 Dec (Emily)	10.30am - 3.30pm
Friday 20 Dec (Emily)	10am - 3pm

If you would like more information, please contact Emily at [email protected] or Sam at [email protected], ring 01822 855700 or pop into the Discovery Centre.

Address: Burrator Discovery Centre, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6PE

Telephone: 01822 855700