Postbridge Clapper Bridge
Step back in time at Postbridge Clapper Bridge, an ancient medieval crossing on the River Dart in Dartmoor National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Postbridge Clapper Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Postbridge Clapper Bridge, an ancient medieval crossing on the River Dart in Dartmoor National Park.
"A delightful stopping place for a picnic, a paddle and some very old history. Perfect."
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Parking
A very short walk from the visitor center car park gets you right to the bridge. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Picnic Perfect Spot
Ideal for a picnic by the river. Enjoy the scenery and the gurgling water. :sandwich:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Postbridge Clapper Bridge
River Dart
Walk across this ancient medieval bridge, a marvel of granite slabs on piers, dating back to the 13th century.
River Dart Paddle
River Dart banks
Dip your feet or enjoy a refreshing paddle in the clear waters of the River Dart beside the bridge.
Bellever Forest Walks
Adjacent to Postbridge
Explore scenic woodland trails offering beautiful autumn hikes and stunning views of Dartmoor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Embrace the Natural Setting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Parking
A very short walk from the visitor center car park gets you right to the bridge. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Picnic Perfect Spot
Ideal for a picnic by the river. Enjoy the scenery and the gurgling water. :sandwich:
🛍️ Local Shop Visit
Don't forget to pop into the local shop opposite the bridge for souvenirs. :shopping_bags:
🕰️ Short but Sweet Visit
Expect to spend 15-20 minutes here; it's a historical site, not an all-day attraction. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Parking
A very short walk from the visitor center car park gets you right to the bridge. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Picnic Perfect Spot
Ideal for a picnic by the river. Enjoy the scenery and the gurgling water. :sandwich:
🛍️ Local Shop Visit
Don't forget to pop into the local shop opposite the bridge for souvenirs. :shopping_bags:
🕰️ Short but Sweet Visit
Expect to spend 15-20 minutes here; it's a historical site, not an all-day attraction. :stopwatch:
🗺️ Map Signage
Walks are lovely but could use better signage or numbered maps. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Postbridge Clapper Bridge a delightful historical stop with beautiful natural surroundings, perfect for a short visit, picnic, or paddle. While some note the limited activities beyond the bridge itself, its charm lies in its ancient history and picturesque setting.
"A delightful stopping place for a picnic, a paddle and some very old history. Perfect.
And don't forget to purchase something from the local shop."
William Gaydon
"It is quite beautiful, old bridge. It is very short walk from the car park at the visitor center.
There is a shop just opposite the bridge.
There is nothing else to do in the area. So, one may spend 15-20 mins for the bridge."
vrukesh panse
"Don't go here expecting a really intense experience. It is a late medieval bridge in gorgeous countryside. It is an interesting site to visit and walk over, to marvel at the manipulation of huge stone slabs onto dressed stone piers. It is a place to sit in the sun on the banks and watch water gurgle happily by. It is for some a place to fish. It does not offer more than this. Some really nice walks from the bridge locally and a visitor centre nearby that makes little mention of the site focused instead on the moor more generally. If this sounds like fun, then you will really enjoy this experience."
Rik
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Postbridge Clapper Bridge is located in Dartmoor National Park, Devon. It's accessible by car, with a visitor center and car park nearby. Some visitors mention using public transport like the MBTA commuter rail to reach areas near Dartmoor, but direct public transport to Postbridge itself might be limited. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is a car park located at the visitor center, which is a very short walk from the clapper bridge.
Yes, the bridge is accessible year-round. Snowy scenes have been captured, offering a unique, picturesque view.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Postbridge Clapper Bridge. It's a historical site within Dartmoor National Park.
The bridge is an outdoor historical monument and is accessible at all times. The visitor center nearby will have its own operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the ancient clapper bridge itself. You can walk across it, marvel at its construction, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of the River Dart. It's also a great spot for a picnic or a paddle in the river.
Yes, it's a great spot for families. The walk from the car park is short and easy, and children often enjoy paddling in the river.
Absolutely! Bellever Forest is nearby and offers lovely woodland trails. You can also find numerous paths that span across Dartmoor National Park, though signage can sometimes be a challenge.
A clapper bridge is an ancient type of bridge constructed using large, flat stones (slabs) supported by piers. The name 'clapper' refers to these large stone slabs.
The bridge was first mentioned in 1380 and is thought to have been built as early as the 13th century. It served as part of a medieval route between Exeter and Tavistock. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a local shop opposite the bridge that visitors can purchase items from. Many visitors also choose to bring their own picnics to enjoy by the river.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, creating a serene atmosphere and golden hour hues. Snowy conditions can also provide stunning, unique photo opportunities.
You can capture the ancient medieval bridge, the gurgling River Dart, the surrounding natural landscape of Dartmoor, and potentially wildlife like wild horses. Drone photography also offers unique aerial perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The real hit with children is often the River Dart. It's shallow enough in many parts for a safe paddle, providing a fun way to cool off on warmer days.
+1 Packing a picnic to enjoy by the riverbanks is highly recommended, making it a complete and enjoyable family excursion. Remember to bring towels and a change of clothes for the water play!🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
You can easily combine a visit to the clapper bridge with a longer trek into the wider Dartmoor National Park. Be prepared for varied terrain and potentially challenging navigation, as some visitors have noted that trail signage could be better.
📸 Photographers
For the best light, aim for early mornings or late afternoons to capture the golden hour glow, which enhances the textures of the stone and the natural landscape.
+1 Consider exploring different angles, including shots from the riverbanks or even from slightly elevated positions if accessible. Drone photography can provide breathtaking aerial perspectives of the bridge and the moorland. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Clapper Bridge: A Medieval Marvel
+1Walking across the bridge offers a tangible connection to centuries past. The sheer size of the granite slabs is impressive, and the way they have withstood the elements for so long is awe-inspiring. It's a place that invites contemplation about the lives of those who used this crossing before us.
While the bridge itself is the main draw, its setting on the River Dart enhances its charm. The clear, gurgling water flowing beneath and around the ancient stones creates a picturesque and tranquil scene. It’s a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and appreciate the enduring nature of this historical landmark.
Exploring the Dartmoor Landscape
Adjacent to Postbridge is Bellever Forest, offering a different but equally captivating natural experience. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained walking trails through the woodland, which are particularly stunning during autumn. These hikes provide opportunities to explore the wider Dartmoor area, with trails that can lead to panoramic views and further discoveries.
Beyond the immediate vicinity, Dartmoor offers vast expanses for walking and exploration. While the trails are beautiful, some visitors note that signage could be improved for easier navigation. Nevertheless, the opportunity to immerse oneself in this unique British wilderness, with its ancient bridges and sweeping vistas, is a significant part of the Postbridge experience.
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