Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centres reopen

Mary
Authored by Mary
Posted: Monday, April 12, 2021 - 12:04

Dartmoor National Park’s three visitor centres will reopen from Monday April 12. 

The date marks the next stage in the Government's roadmap out of Covid-19 restrictions meaning non-essential shops can reopen. 

All three centres – Haytor, Postbridge (pictured above) and Princetown - will continue to have measures in place to keep people and staff safe, in line with public health guidance. 

The National Park is looking forward to welcoming people back into the visitor centres. People will be able to speak with information advisers and buy Dartmoor Range products, gifts, maps, guides and more. 

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Visitor Services Manager Rebecca Martin said: “The safety of our staff and visitors remains a priority but we are really excited to reopen our doors once more.

"We’re continuing to limit numbers inside our centres and have one-way systems to help people distance from each other more easily but the warm, friendly welcome is still the same. Staff will be ready to advise on all that Dartmoor has to offer, from accessible walks for all the family to off-the-beaten routes for hardy walkers. 

“We’re excited to show people our range of gifts, guides and information that’ll help them get the best out of their visit and our friendly Information Advisors are on hand to offer tips on where to go and what to see – including the lesser visited areas. We look forward to seeing people back in our centres.”

The exhibitions and gallery spaces remain closed until at least the 17 May in line with the Government’s roadmap. 

The visitor centres are accredited to Visit Britain’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ standard meaning people can be assured they are adhering to public health guidance. 

The reopening comes after Dartmoor launched its ‘leave no trace, give nature space’ campaign: a call to action to encourage people to look after Dartmoor and its unique wildlife and habitats. 

'Leave no trace, give nature space' asks people to think about the positive impact nature and the outdoors has had on their lives during lockdown, and to show compassion and care as they return to the landscape to enjoy its mental and physical health benefits. 

The advice is simple: leave no trace of your visit. That way when people leave, nature comes back and reclaims the space left, making room for everyone to share this special landscape. Plan ahead to avoid busy places and times, check local information and travel reports. If you arrive and the place you hoped to visit is busy, have an alternative location in mind that might be quieter. 

Please continue to respect the people who live and work on Dartmoor; it is a working environment where farmers need to be able to tend their animals on open common land and in their fields. Spring is a busy time for farmers looking after pregnant ewes and lambs so we urge people not to park in gateways or driveways and to keep dogs on leads around all livestock.

The Authority's website has more information on about how to enjoy your visit including the Countryside Code.

Tags