Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park, Manaton, Dartmoor National Park

Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park, Manaton, Dartmoor National Park

South West England was battered by storms at the beginning of 2014. A vast quantity of rainwater was dumped on Dartmoor's high plateaus and channeled to the coast in famous Devon rivers such as the Dart and Teign. Waterfalls on these rivers became particularly impressive. We were fortunate enough to visit Becky Falls in mid-February when the upper and lower waterfalls were loud and beautiful. If you have a chance to visit Becky Falls after a period of rainfall then make sure you go as it's an unforgettable experience. The power and noise of the water are exhilerating. Having said this, the waterfalls are only one feature of Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park. Animals, trails and special events make this one of Dartmoor's most popular family attractions. We've been visiting on a regular basis for over five years now and it's always great fun.

Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park is situated in the eastern section of Dartmoor National Park just off the road that rises from Bovey Tracey to the moorland village Manaton. The River Bovey and Becka Brook have cut stunning valleys in this area. Becky Falls is in one such valley. We've positioned the Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park on Google maps so zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location. To visit, follow the aforementioned road from Bovey Tracey past Yarner Wood and the sign for the East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve. The road climbs around the side of Trendlebere Down as gorgeous views of Lustleigh Cleave and the Bovey Valley Woods open out. The road enters a woodland area. The Becky Falls car park appears on the left.

Pay at the kiosk and park. You then walk across the road and enter Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park. There's a restaurant, shop, toilets, outdoor eating area, owl house and animal pens as you enter. Nearby is an open air theatre and an indoor theatre that doubles up as a reptile house. Three trails have been designed to help you explore the Park. Kids can stamp a booklet on the blue trail that follows streams and passes small tors. The more difficult red trail takes you down to the main waterfalls. The purple trail is the most difficult as you descend to the lower falls. It's a superb walk with stunning riverside views. All trails lead back to the restaurant. Grab a cream tea, ice cream or meal.

Special events we've attended over the years include cuddly animal encounters and animal feeding sessions, ugly bug shows and reptile encounters.

In the local area, also visit House of Marbles and Teign Valley Glass and Haytor Rocks, Parke Estate (National Trust) and Yarner Wood.

Other Dartmoor waterfalls we'd recommend visiting include Lydford Gorge White Lady Waterfall and Canonteign Falls Waterfall.

Last, if Country Parks are of interest then explore River Dart Country Park and Parke, Stover Country Park and Canonteign Falls.