Tarr Steps
Discover Tarr Steps, a breathtaking ancient clapper bridge in Exmoor National Park, offering scenic walks and riverside fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & enjoy the water
Tarr Steps
Best Time
Beat the crowds & enjoy the water
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Tarr Steps, a breathtaking ancient clapper bridge in Exmoor National Park, offering scenic walks and riverside fun.
"A stunning clapper bridge and a beautiful place to start walks along the River Barle."
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the crowds by arriving before 10 AM, especially in summer. Enjoy the tranquility of the Tarr Steps clapper bridge.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the river walks and bridge.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tarr Steps Clapper Bridge
River Barle
An ancient, longest clapper bridge in Britain, offering a unique historical and scenic experience.
River Barle Walks
Exmoor National Park
Scenic walking routes along the river, perfect for picnics and enjoying the natural beauty of Exmoor.
Tarr Farm Inn
Adjacent to the bridge
A historic pub offering refreshments and meals with views of the iconic Tarr Steps.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
River Crossing Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the crowds by arriving before 10 AM, especially in summer. Enjoy the tranquility of the Tarr Steps clapper bridge.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the river walks and bridge.
🚗 Parking Advice
A pay-and-display car park is available a short walk uphill. Disabled badge parking is closer to the river.
🧺 Picnic Perfect Spot
Bring a picnic to enjoy by the river. There are benches along the walks, and an ice cream kiosk is often available.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the crowds by arriving before 10 AM, especially in summer. Enjoy the tranquility of the Tarr Steps clapper bridge.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The terrain can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the river walks and bridge.
🚗 Parking Advice
A pay-and-display car park is available a short walk uphill. Disabled badge parking is closer to the river.
🧺 Picnic Perfect Spot
Bring a picnic to enjoy by the river. There are benches along the walks, and an ice cream kiosk is often available.
💧 River Conditions
Check river levels before visiting, especially after rain. Wading can be difficult or impossible.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tarr Steps is widely praised as a beautiful and historic gem, particularly loved for its ancient clapper bridge and scenic riverside walks. Visitors appreciate the opportunity for picnics, paddling, and enjoying the tranquility of Exmoor National Park. Some find the drive challenging and note that it can get very busy during peak times.
"Tarr Steps is a lovely hidden gem. Has a circular walk either side of the river and a couple of good picnic areas. Says it takes an hour to walk around but we took it at a steady pace and it was 1hr 40 mins, but well worth it."
Kerry Alexander
"Excellent spot on a hot summer day. If you're walking to/from here ... here's a few tips:
1. Don't do the walk to Withypool in the hot summer (best when it's cool and/or very windy)
2. Summer horse flies will carry you away the further up river you go.
3. The short loop walk is closed (bridge is shut) unless you want to wade the river.
4. The walk to Withypool by the river can be brutal hot in the sun. Only half of the trip is in the trees."
Erin Urban
"Stunning clapper bridge for ding the river one of the best examples in the country. Great place to start walks along the Bale River taking in Exmoor's beautiful scenery. Good size car park (£5 all day) a 1/4 mile up the hill and disable badge parking next to river. Farm pub/restaurant over looking the bridge where you can relax watching others playing in the water. Canoeing and horse riding are not unusual. Their are benches long the two miles of the short walk for picnics but no tables and an ice cream kiosk for the kids! A visit in spring is amazing with the bluebells in bloom."
Philip Woodcock
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tarr Steps is located in Exmoor National Park. It's about an hour's drive from surrounding areas. The drive can be narrow and winding, so take your time.
Public transport options to Tarr Steps are limited. It's best accessed by car. Consider local taxi services if you're not driving.
There's a pay-and-display car park located a short walk uphill from the bridge. Disabled badge parking is available closer to the river.
While some 4x4 vehicles have been seen fording the River Barle at Tarr Steps, it's not recommended for most vehicles due to potential depth and riverbed conditions. +1
The drive can be a bit 'careful' with narrow roads, but it's generally manageable. The destination is well worth the journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees to visit Tarr Steps itself. Parking, however, is typically pay-and-display.
Tarr Steps is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible at all times. The Tarr Farm Inn has its own operating hours.
The Tarr Steps clapper bridge is a historical monument and is free to access.
It's advisable to book a table at the Tarr Farm Inn, especially during peak season or for evening meals, to avoid disappointment.
The main restriction is related to river conditions. During very wet periods, the river can become difficult to cross, and some paths may be affected.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the ancient clapper bridge, enjoy scenic walks along the River Barle, have a picnic, or visit the Tarr Farm Inn for refreshments.
Yes, Tarr Steps is a fantastic spot for hiking with guided walking routes available. The riverbanks offer beautiful scenery for walks.
The River Barle at Tarr Steps is often described as 'swimable,' making it a popular spot to cool down on hot summer days. 
Tarr Steps is very dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome on the walks and can enjoy the river, but always keep them under control.
The Tarr Steps clapper bridge is believed to date back to around 1000 BC, making it one of the oldest and longest clapper bridges in Britain.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Tarr Farm Inn is located right by the bridge, offering lunches, teas, and evening meals. There are also often ice cream kiosks.
Absolutely! Tarr Steps is an ideal spot for a picnic, with benches available along the river walks.
Tarr Farm Inn typically serves traditional pub fare, including lunches, teas, and evening meals, often with local produce.
While specific menus can vary, most country pubs like Tarr Farm Inn offer vegetarian options. It's best to check their current menu or call ahead for vegan choices.
Prices at Tarr Farm Inn are generally considered reasonable for a country pub, offering good value for the location and quality.
📸 📸 Photography
The Tarr Steps clapper bridge itself is incredibly photogenic. The surrounding river and woodland also offer beautiful shots, especially in autumn.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful, offering softer light and fewer crowds. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
Drone usage is generally restricted in National Parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
The view from the riverbanks looking towards the bridge is classic. Exploring both sides of the river can offer different perspectives.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the bridge and landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The easy walking trails along the River Barle are manageable for little legs, and there are plenty of scenic spots for picnics. Consider visiting during the week or early in the morning to avoid the busiest times. The Tarr Farm Inn is also a convenient spot for a family meal.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Bring your Ordnance Survey map and plan your route. The Tarr Steps clapper bridge itself is a historical marvel, and the surrounding woodlands and riverbanks provide ample opportunities for nature observation and photography.
📸 Photographers
+1 The interplay of light on the ancient stones and the flowing river creates dramatic scenes. Explore both sides of the river for different perspectives. The surrounding Exmoor landscape, with its woodlands and rolling hills, provides a beautiful backdrop.
Consider visiting in autumn for the vibrant colors or spring for the blooming bluebells to add extra visual interest to your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Tarr Steps Bridge
+1Walking across the bridge offers a tangible connection to the past. The stones are worn smooth by countless footsteps over millennia. While it's a popular spot, visiting early in the morning or on a weekday can provide a more serene experience, allowing you to truly appreciate the atmosphere and the surrounding natural beauty.
Legend even whispers tales of the devil building the bridge as part of a bet, adding a layer of mystique to this already captivating landmark. Whether you're a history buff or simply appreciate unique structures, the Tarr Steps bridge is an unforgettable sight.
Exploring Exmoor's Riverside Trails
These trails are particularly beautiful in spring, when the area is carpeted with bluebells, and in autumn, when the foliage transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors.
The paths are generally well-maintained, though some sections can be uneven or muddy, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Picnic spots are abundant along the river, with benches providing convenient places to rest and refuel. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes Tarr Steps a perfect destination for a day out in the great outdoors.
Family Fun and Activities
+1The accessible walking routes make it easy for families with young children or strollers to explore the riverside. Dogs are also welcome, making it a great outing for the whole family, including furry members.
The presence of an ice cream kiosk and the option to dine at the Tarr Farm Inn adds to the convenience and enjoyment for families. Beyond the immediate vicinity of the bridge, the wider Exmoor National Park offers opportunities for more adventurous activities like horse riding, which can be arranged nearby.
+1 The combination of historical interest, natural play areas, and family-friendly amenities makes Tarr Steps a memorable day trip. 
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