Plan and prepare: 'Staycation' tips for Dartmoor
As more measures aimed at easing lockdown come into effect from July 4, people planning a holiday to Dartmoor are encouraged to ‘know before they go’ so they can enjoy their stay safely.
Updated guidance published by Dartmoor National Park will help people – particularly those who want to camp in a motorhome, campervan or tent – explore the moor sustainably and stress-free.
If you plan to visit, here’s what you should do before setting off:
Plan your journey: If you’re visiting in a motorhome, your vehicle may be too big for some of the roads. Please don’t rely on satellite navigation to get you to your destination, but use the Coach Driver and Motorhome Guide for Dartmoor map to ensure you don’t damage your vehicle or the environment by getting stuck.
Prebook campsites, accommodation and attractions: In line with Government guidance, visitor attractions may ask you to book in advance or put in place timed ticketing to help manage numbers. If you have somewhere in mind, check online to see if they are open and if you need to pre-book anything.
Check what facilities are open before you come: Not all Dartmoor National Park Authority facilities are open yet, please check before you come and try and avoid busy times. Here’s more information.
Take a ‘low or no’ impact approach: Familiarize yourself with Dartmoor’s Love Moor Life Ranger Code so Dartmoor stays beautiful, its unique wildlife remains healthy and visitors and residents alike can continue to enjoy its wild and rugged spaces.
Follow social distancing principles: From July 4, the social distancing ruleschange and you should keep a distance of ‘one metre plus’ to help reduce the risk of transmission.
Observe National Park byelaws: Overnight stays in your vehicle in car parks, laybys or roadside verges are not allowed and if you do it, you’re breaching byelaws. Use authorised sites which accept motorhomes for your overnight stay.
If you’re planning to backpack camp as part of a walking expedition, you’ll need to make sure you do it in certain areas and take a ‘no impact’ approach. Check the camping map to find out where you can and can’t pitch up.
If you’ve got more stuff than you can carry, or you’re planning a family camping trip, you can find all designated camping, caravanning and touring options on Visit Dartmoor.
Dartmoor National Park’s Head of Recreation and Access Andy Watson said: “From July 4, people can enjoy a much-needed break. We want to make sure people make the most of their time here while staying safe and looking after the special landscape.
“Planning and preparation for a trip to Dartmoor is vital. We want to help ensure you enjoy your break, support local businesses and care for Dartmoor too and our guidance is aimed at giving people what they need to plan a memorable and safe visit.”
People must follow Government guidance and regulations and National Park byelaws at all times.
When planning and booking accommodation or attractions, look out for VisitEngland’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ mark. The new industry standard has been introduced so accommodation providers and visitor attractions can show people they’re following guidance on social distancing, cleaning routines and risk assessments.
