Becky Falls Ancient Woodland Park
ENTRY
from £9
WHERE
Newton Abbot
What it’s like
A steep woodland path down to a 70-foot waterfall, boulders to scramble over, and goats and meerkats to meet along the way.
You walk down through ancient woodland to reach the falls themselves, a 70-foot drop that's clearly the thing everyone comes for. On the way there are three circular trails to pick from, a boulder scramble for the ones who can't resist climbing on things, and a Nature Challenge with prizes if you fancy giving the walk a bit of structure.
The animals are dotted along the route rather than in one big zoo layout. Pygmy goats you can feed, meerkats to watch, a barn owl, Shetland ponies and ferrets, plus an Animal Discovery Zone with pythons and invertebrates for when the woodland air gets a bit much. Keeper talks run hourly between 11am and 4pm, so it's worth timing your walk to catch one rather than just stumbling past an empty enclosure.
This isn't a flat, buggy-friendly stroll. It's a Site of Special Scientific Interest, so the paths are natural, with tree roots, boulders and steep steps, and the access route in is a steep path too. Pushchairs don't really work here; they lend out backpack and front carriers from the gift shop for a returnable deposit instead. Sturdy shoes are the sensible call, especially after rain when the paths get slippery.
At £15 for an adult and £11 for a child it's not the cheapest afternoon out, though the free parking softens that a bit, and if you buy a season ticket your fourth visit onwards is free, which rewards the families who'll actually go back. The café does cream teas, burgers and paninis with gluten-free and vegan options, and dogs on leads are welcome everywhere except the Animal Discovery Zone.
Facilities
Need to know
- Last entry
- 4pm
- Parking
- Free on site, ample free parking including spaces for camper vans and coaches
- Food
- Woodland café with cream teas, cakes, burgers, freshly prepared paninis
- Pushchairs
- Not suitable for trails
- Wheelchairs
- Trails not wheelchair accessible
- Dogs
- On leads welcome everywhere except the Animal Discovery Zone
- Worth knowing
- Day ticket includes free return visits for 12 months with season ticket purchase
- The access path down into the park is steep, not just the trails
- Season ticket holders get free entry from their fourth visit onwards
- Keeper talks run hourly from 11am to 4pm, so time your walk around one
- Carriers for babies and toddlers are on loan from the gift shop, not bought
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£15 for an adult, £11 for a child aged 4 to 15, £14 concession. Additional children are £9 each.
Do we need to book ahead?
There's no booking link mentioned, so it sounds like you can just turn up during opening hours.
What time do you need to arrive?
It's open daily 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm.
Is it OK to bring a pushchair?
Not really. The trails aren't suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs because of the roots, boulders and steps, but you can borrow a backpack or front carrier from the gift shop for a returnable deposit.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on leads, everywhere except the Animal Discovery Zone.
Is there parking?
Free on-site parking with plenty of space, including for camper vans and coaches.
What's the food like?
The woodland café serves cream teas, cakes, burgers and paninis, with gluten-free and vegan options.
What should we wear?
Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. The paths can get slippery after rain.
Can I bring a wheelchair?
The trails themselves aren't accessible, but the café, gift shop and Animal Discovery Zone are wheelchair-friendly, and there's a disabled toilet next to the café.
Is it linked to the National Trust?
It's a small family-run business, not National Trust.
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