River Dart Country Park, near Ashburton, Devon, within Dartmoor National Park
River Dart Country Park
Parkland
Place photograph
5.4
Wildland
Half day, Full day
Time
Paid
Cost
Family-buzz
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.4A family adventure park set across 90 acres of parkland, where a tree-lined stretch of the River Dart and shaded woodland sit alongside playgrounds and seasonal outdoor activities.
The appeal is the contrast: a busy, activity-filled family destination framed by Dartmoor’s wooded hills and the River Dart. It offers outdoor exploration and moments beside the river, though its visitor facilities and organised attractions make it a livelier parkland experience than a quiet wilderness escape.
Family-buzz · Wild
Find your way
Open mapRiver Dart Country Park, near Ashburton, Devon, within Dartmoor National Park
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Explore a large parkland setting with family activities, playgrounds and the River Dart. The park also offers camping and holiday accommodation, while some adventure activities operate seasonally or require advance booking.
Things to do
Explore the parkland and woodland
Spend time in the park’s 90-acre setting, including its shaded woodland areas. Check the park map for visitor routes and points of interest.
Allow time within your visit
Spend time beside the River Dart
The River Dart runs through the park. The park guide describes its setting as being on the river; check on-site information for permitted riverside access and activities.
Choose an outdoor adventure activity
Activities described by Visit Dartmoor include canoeing, kayaking, a high ropes course and a mega zip wire. The source says activities run at certain times of year and may need advance booking; check current availability and rules with the park.
Visit the park’s playgrounds
The park is described as having adventure playgrounds and other outdoor play features. Check the current park guide for what is open during your visit.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A shorter park visit
- 01
Check day-visitor access and the current activity schedule before setting out.
- 02
Explore part of the parkland and woodland, then spend time by the River Dart.
- 03
Choose an available activity that suits your group and the time you have.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it
- 01
Arrive early enough to make the most of the day-visitor activities available.
- 02
Mix time in the park’s woodland and beside the River Dart with one or more activities listed in the current park guide.
- 03
Pause for food or a drink at the Old Sawmill Cafe Bar and Restaurant if it is open.
Full Wildland day · Full day
A full outdoor day
- 01
Plan around the park’s day-visitor access and current activity schedule; book activities in advance where required.
- 02
Allow time for the park’s outdoor attractions as well as a quieter spell in the woodland or by the river.
- 03
Take a break at the Old Sawmill Cafe Bar and Restaurant if open, then return to any activities still available.
Verified history
Visit Dartmoor describes River Dart Country Park as a family visitor attraction and campsite in Ashburton since 1976. This is a recent history of the attraction, not evidence of older historic features within the park.
When to go
· Arrive early if you want to make the most of the activities; confirm current visitor arrangements before travelling.
The available sources describe some activities as seasonal and the café as seasonally open, so the current schedule matters more than a specific recommended month.
Outdoor activities and time in the parkland are weather-dependent. Check conditions and activity availability before travelling.
What to look for
Notice the contrast between the shaded woodland and the more active visitor areas, and look for the tree-lined River Dart as it passes through the park.
Best time to go
Check the park’s current opening and activity schedule before visiting; some activities and food service are seasonal.
Choose a visit around the activities you want to try and confirm their dates, times and booking requirements with the park. The café’s opening is seasonal.
How long to spend
Half day, Full day
Perfect for
Families · Young children · Teens · Groups · Dogs
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A privately owned country park offering day visits; tickets and current access arrangements should be checked before travelling. The park guide lists parking and accessibility information.
Check before visiting
Parking
Parking is listed among the park facilities. Check current arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Google listing reports an accessible toilet; check current facilities before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The Old Sawmill Cafe Bar and Restaurant serves food and drink; seasonal opening.
Dogs
The park guide says dogs are welcome on day visits and camping trips. Check current rules before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The Google listing reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and toilet. Consult the park’s accessibility information for route-specific details.
Cost
Paid
Water
River
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around River Dart Country Park
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
